5 Most Common Digestive Disorders

Posted by JL Dimatulac on February 17th, 2020

Have you ever experienced having sudden pain in your stomach or abdomen? How about the need to frequently visit the bathroom because of your loose bowel movement? This can be a real problem for most of us especially when we’re at work, and as much as possible, we want to avoid the embarrassments caused by these conditions. Such problems can be a result of viruses, bacteria, infections, or due to other medical conditions. You may need to review and change your lifestyle habits or seek for medical attention from a Singapore gastroenterologist.

Here’s some of the most common Digestive Disorders and their symptoms:

1. Peptic Ulcer
   
   Peptic Ulcers are sores that is developed in the inner lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. This is a condition caused by H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori) which disrupts the protective layer of mucus in the digestive tract. There are other factors that can cause ulcer such as aspirin, smoking and too much intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to gastroenterologist, there are chances that a person may need blood transfusion because Peptic Ulcers can cause internal bleeding.

2. Gallstones
   
   Gallstones are hardened particles formed from the digestive fluid (bile cholesterol and bilirubin) found in our gallbladder. They are formed when there is too much cholesterol and bilirubin in the bile. Gallstones often cause problems but if it causes a blockage in a bile duct, a person may experience sudden and intense pain in their abdomen, between the shoulder blades, right shoulder, or may feel nausea or vomiting. The pain usually last for several minutes to a couple of hours.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
   
   Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when the stomach’s contents or acid frequently go back up to the esophagus due to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that allows the food to enter the stomach and closes to prevent any food or acid from flowing back. A gastroenterologist may recommend a change in lifestyle and diet in order to treat GERD.

4. Gastritis
   
   Gastritis is a condition that pertains to the inflammation of the lining of a person’s stomach. It is caused by the bacteria, H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), bile reflux, excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, or bacterial / virus infections. The most common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, and hiccups.

5. Diverticulitis
   
   Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of “Diverticula” – the small pouches the can form in the lining of the intestines. This is caused by not getting enough exercise, being overweight (obese), smoking cigarettes, and aging. If you feel pain on the left side of your abdomen, which goes away after you pass gas or have a bowel movement, blood in your stool, fever, constipation, then you may have Diverticulitis. You will need to seek medical assistance from the nearest Singapore gastroenterologist in your area.