Many people in Mumbai suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Are you suffering from a gastrointestinal problem as well? Do you want to know why this problem occurs?
The digestive system is an extensive and complex part of your body. It extends from your mouth to the rectum. The most crucial function of your digestive system is to help the body absorb nutrients and remove waste.
So, issues in your digestive function can cause unnecessary problems.
There are many causes of gastrointestinal or digestive disorders. Sometimes a gastrointestinal disease is limited to your digestive system. It can also be a symptom of a larger systemic problem.
Some gastrointestinal disorders can have more than one cause and multiple symptoms. Also, it can affect more than a single section of your digestive system. Minor digestive problems that are not treated can cause more severe, chronic illnesses.
So, let us discuss some of the common causes of gastrointestinal disorders.
Common causes of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Several different factors can cause digestive disorders. Common causes include:
- Bacterial infection
- Inflammation
- Viral infection
- Lactase deficiency
- Difficulty digesting some foods
- Poor blood circulation to the intestines or other organs
- Ruptured or perforated organs
- Muscle dysfunction
- Gallstones
- Stress
- Side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs
Dietary factors involve
- Overeating
- Eating fatty food
- Not consuming adequate fiber
- Consuming extreme levels of alcohol
Other than the above-mentioned causes, smoking can contribute to digestive diseases, like gastric acid reflux and ulcers.
While a disorder can have a specific cause, there can be other factors aggravating your symptoms.
The cause of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome is not known. So, it is best to consult to your doctor to better identify what might be causing the condition.
Some gastrointestinal disorders are severe and long-lasting. However, other conditions can resolve within a few days and have no lasting effects on you.
So, let us dive deep into each of the causes:
Food allergies and food intolerance
Some foods can cause allergic reactions, like swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat. It can also cause you vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea; however, this takes longer to develop. Food intolerance can also cause abdominal pain.
Poor diet
A diet rich in fried, fatty, sugar, and low fiber can make stool pass slowly through your colon. Inadequate water consumption can cause constipation. Also, this can contribute to several other gastrointestinal disorders.
Viral or bacterial infection
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can enter your digestive system, causing some gastrointestinal disorders. It occurs due to:
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Contacting contaminated surfaces
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Ingesting the germs by consuming infected food or drinking infected water
The condition that you might call a ‘stomach flu’ is known as gastroenteritis. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common symptom of stomach flu is acute diarrhea. You can use antibiotics to treat parasitic and bacteria caused stomach flu’s, but not viral.
Inflammation and autoimmune diseases
Some gastrointestinal disorders are caused by your immune system attacking your body’s tissues.
Autoimmune diseases that harm your digestive tract involve:
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Systemic lupus erymathosus
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Sjögren’s Syndrome
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Scleroderma
Remember, systemic autoimmune disorders cause several gastrointestinal problems.
Structural causes
A structural abnormality in your digestive system (like the pouches that grow in your intestines if you have diverticulosis) can hamper your digestive system’s functioning. Also, ulcers and cancerous tumors can severely harm your digestive system as well.
Genetic causes
Some gastrointestinal diseases can be hereditary. It includes
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Crohn’s disease
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Colon cancer
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Pancreatic cancer
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Hypothyroidism
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Cystic fibrosis
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Diabetes type 1
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Coeliac disease
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Few liver diseases
If any member of your family suffers from any such conditions, you must consult a specialist to get yourself diagnosed immediately. It will help you get early treatment and prevent the disease from aggravating.
Lifestyle choices
Continues high-stress levels, smoking, lack of exercise can harm your digestive system. Diet choices and a healthy lifestyle can help to lead a better life.
You can overcome gastrointestinal issues with treatment and lifestyle changes. Some digestive system conditions may be long-term; however, medicines can help you reduce the symptoms.
Consult a gastrointestinal specialist in Mumbai; they can help provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, there is no need for you to suffer from your gastrointestinal disorders.