Digestive disorder

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Digestive disorder refers to a wide range of conditions that affect the digestive system. These disorders can occur in different areas of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and other parts of the body that aid in digestion, such as the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of digestive disorders can vary widely depending on the specific condition and its severity. Common symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Some digestive disorders may also cause weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Digestive disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, infections, dietary habits, stress, and certain medications. Some disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers, are often related to the production of stomach acid.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of digestive disorders typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for digestive disorders depends on the specific condition and its severity. It may involve lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and stress management, as well as medications and, in some cases, surgery. For some conditions, such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance, avoiding certain foods is the primary treatment.

See also[edit | edit source]

Digestive disorder Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD