Diseases of the Digestive System

The digestive system extracts the required nutrients from the food we eat. It thus plays an important role in providing energy to our body. Various organs of this system help break down the complex food particles and help release the energy required for proper functioning of every living cell and tissue. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are referred to as digestive system disorders. Bacterial infections, bad eating habits, wrong diet, lack of exercise, emotional stress are some of the important causes of these disorders. Increasing incidences of stomach cancer, colon cancer, mouth cancer, etc., all over the world indicate that we have to think sincerely about the food we eat and the life we lead. Colorectal cancer or cancers of colon, stomach, etc. are not considered as rare diseases of the digestive system anymore. Lifestyle changes are mainly responsible for this. In fact, digestion problems are very common today. The list of common infectious diseases includes cholera, staphylococcal food poisoning, bacillary dysentery, salmonellosis, etc. Gastritis, rectal prolapse, stomach ulcers, anal fissures, gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), lactose intolerance, indigestion, dehydration and hemorrhoids are some other common disorders of the digestive system.

Common Digestive System Diseases

Diseases	Causes	Symptoms
Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)	Stomach abnormalities like hiatal hernia, pregnancy, excessive smoking, alcohol abuse, being overweight, eating heavy meals, spicy food, excessive consumption of carbonated drinks, caffeine, chocolates, citrus fruits, certain medicines, etc.	Heartburn, regurgitation, bloating, burping, nausea, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, etc.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)	Exact cause is unknown	Bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, changes in the normal bowel function, discomfort or pain while defecation, changed appearance of stools, etc.
Crohn's Disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), mostly inflammation of the intestines)	Exact cause is unknown. Certain viral or bacterial infection, heredity, family history, ethnicity, smoking and use of isotretinoin (to treat acne scars) can increase the risk of Crohn's disease.	Abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, fever, etc.
Celiac Disease (Gluten intolerance)	A type of autoimmune disease where immune system reacts adversely to gluten in food.	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, anemia, etc.
Ulcerative colitis (Inflammation of colon, or perforation of colon in serious cases)	Malfunctioning of immune system, heredity, wrong diet	Ulcers, blood in stools, abdominal pain, fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
Diverticulitis (Formation of and inflammation of pouches on the colon wall)	Exact cause is unknown. Lack of fiber in diet creates strain on muscles. This may cause diverticulitis.	Abdominal pain, discomfort, fever, nausea, gas, bloating, constipation, small amount of blood in stool, diarrhea, etc.
Stomach Cancer	Exact cause remains unknown. Obesity, lack of physical activity, certain disorders like helicobactor pylori infection and polyps in stomach, chronic gastritis, anemia, acid reflux, environmental chemicals, molds, fumes, dust, unhealthy diet, may increase the risk of stomach cancer.	Bloating and fullness, abdominal pain, heartburn, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea/constipation, nausea and vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, etc
Colon cancer	Exact cause is unknown. wrong diet, colon polyps, heredity, inactivity, alcoholism, excessive smoking, diabetes, obesity, etc. increase the risk of colon cancer.	Feeling of insufficient defecation, change in bowel habit and in stool shape, blood or air in the urine, increased mucus in stool, bowel obstruction, pale skin, fatigue, fever, weight loss, etc.

It is easy to control and prevent many of the stomach problems by following a healthy, balanced and high fiber diet, by performing exercises, by knowing your family history and by having regular screenings for various diseases. You can avoid almost all diseases of the digestive system by drinking plenty of water, eating right (natural and healthy) foods, and by exercising regularly. You may take nutritional supplements as suggested by the doctor. You should follow correct methods of food preparation. Last but not the least, leading a stress free life helps improve your digestive health.