There are a variety of common digestive system disorders. Of the many digestive diseases, there are five types that are often encountered. Check out his review in the following article.
The human digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. In addition, the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are also included in the digestive system.
The function of the digestive system is to receive and digest food. Once digested, these nutrients are absorbed and distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. The digestive system also functions to separate and dispose of food waste that cannot be digested by the body.
Types of Digestive System Disorders
Digestive system disorders are problems that occur in the tract or organs involved in digestion. This condition can be caused by various factors, from infection to acid reflux. Symptoms of digestive system disorders also vary, ranging from mild to severe.
The following are the types of digestive system disorders that are commonly encountered:
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements more than 3 times a day accompanied by changes in consistency to become more fluid. This condition can be caused by changes in diet, infection rotavirus, or bacteria. Diarrhea can last from a few days to weeks.
In addition to causing changes in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements, diarrhea can also cause sufferers to experience abdominal cramps, fever, bloating, and nausea.
2. Constipation
Constipation or constipation is a change in the frequency of bowel movements to be less frequent and accompanied by difficulty defecating. This can be caused by decreased bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered constipated when the frequency of bowel movements is less than 3 times a week.
In addition to a decreased frequency of bowel movements, other symptoms of constipation include:
- Hard stool.
- Having to strain during bowel movements.
- Feeling there is a blockage in the rectum, making stool difficult to pass.
- Feeling unfinished after a bowel movement.
- Need help removing stool, for example pressing on the stomach or using your fingers to remove feces from the anus.
3. Hemorrhoids (hhemorrhoids)
Hemorrhoids occur when the veins located outside or inside the anal canal (rectum) become swollen. This disease can happen to anyone, but about 50% of sufferers are over 50 years old. Hemorrhoids can cause pain and itching in the anus, lumps in the anus, and bleeding when defecating. Sometimes hemorrhoids can also make it difficult for the sufferer to sit up.
4. GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux disease occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This condition is caused by a weakening of the valve (sphincter) located in the lower esophageal tract.
In healthy people, the valve will contract and close the esophagus after food has descended into the stomach. However, in people with GERD, a weak valve causes the esophagus to remain open, allowing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.
Some of the symptoms of acid reflux disease are:
- A stinging and burning sensation in the chest, which gets worse after eating or when lying down.
- Sour taste in the back of the mouth.
- Pain when swallowing.
- There is a lump in the throat.
- Cough without phlegm.
- Sore throat, if stomach acid irritates the throat.
5. Stomach ulcer
Gastric ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach and upper small intestine. The abrasions and wounds are generally caused by a bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of pain medication.
In general, gastric ulcers cause heartburn. Other symptoms that can appear in gastric ulcers are:
- Feeling bloated and bloated
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark stools
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
The various digestive system disorders described above can cause mild to severe complaints and interfere with activities. If you experience complaints in the digestive system, consult a doctor so that the cause is known and given treatment.