Digestive Disorders - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Indigestion is a problem that occurs in one organ of the digestive system, or more than one digestive organ at the same time.

The digestive system consists of a number of organs, starting from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder also play a role in digesting food, but are not passed by food or are located outside the digestive tract.

The digestive system functions to receive and digest food into absorbable nutrients. These nutrients are then distributed throughout the body through the bloodstream. The digestive system also functions to separate and remove parts of food that cannot be digested by the body. When the body cannot digest food properly, this condition can lead to food intolerance.

Digestive Disorder Symptoms

Indigestion can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Difficult to swallow
• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• Nauseous
• Throw up
• Bloated
• Gastric pains
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting blood or bloody stools
• Weight gain or loss

Causes of Digestive Disorder

The causes of indigestion vary greatly, depending on the disease. Below will be explained some digestive disorders and their underlying causes.

Stomach acid reflux disease

Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus (gullet). This condition occurs due to the weakening of the esophageal muscle ring that functions to prevent food from returning to the esophagus after entering the stomach.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus that can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. If left untreated, esophagitis can cause narrowing of the esophagus. 

Achalasia

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can occur suddenly (acute), or last for a long time (chronic). This condition can cause stomach ulcers. 

stomach ulcer

stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) is an open sore that forms in the lining of the stomach, or it can also occur in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer). Stomach ulcers can be caused by a bacterial infection, and long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

celiac disease

Disease gallstones

Cholecystitis

Hepatitis.

Hepatitis is a term that refers to inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to alcohol, drugs, chemical toxins, or drugs.

Cirrhosis

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the intestine

Diverticulitis

Proctitis

Colon cancer

Anal fissure

Hemorrhoids

Digestive Disorder Diagnosis

The doctor will suspect the patient has indigestion, if there are symptoms that have been described above. As for determining the underlying cause of these symptoms, the gastroenterologist will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as:

• Test samples in the laboratory.In this examination, the doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood, urine, or stool, to be examined in the laboratory. The sample can help doctors find out the cause of digestive system disorders, for example the patient is infected with bacteria or viruses.
• Endoscopy.Endoscopy is done to see the condition of the organs in the digestive tract using a small tube equipped with a camera. The tube may be inserted through the mouth, rectum, or through a small incision made near the organ to be examined. In addition to seeing visually, the endoscope also serves to take tissue samples (biopsy) on the affected organs, to be examined under a microscope.
• Imaging test.Imaging tests are performed to see the condition of the organs in the digestive tract. A number of imaging tests that can be performed to diagnose digestive disorders include X-rays with barium dye, Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Digestive Disorder Treatment

Treatment for indigestion varies widely. Depending on the cause and severity, the doctor may prescribe medication, or perform a surgical procedure, as described below.

Drugs

• ulcer medications, eg antacids, histamine-2 blockers (H2 blockers), and the type of proton pump inhibitor (proton pump inhibitor).
• Paracetamol.
• Probiotics.
• Purgative.
• Antibiotics.
• Drugs that lower the immune system for autoimmune diseases (immunosuppressive drugs).
• Drugs that relax the anal muscles, eg nifedipine or nitroglycerin.
• Botox injections.

Medical procedures

• Cholecystectomy, to remove gallstones.
• Intestinal excision in cases of diverticulitis and colon cancer.
• The action of binding (ligation), injecting a substance to shrink blood vessels (sckelotherapy), and laser therapy), to treat hemorrhoids.
• Proctocolectomy (surgical removal of the entire colon and rectum), to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
• Liver transplantation in cases of severe cirrhosis.

Treatment of indigestion may cost a lot of money. Therefore, it's a good idea to have a trusted health insurance to reduce the cost of treatment.

Digestive Disorders Complications

If not treated immediately, digestive disorders can cause serious complications, both in the affected organs and in the surrounding organs. Some of these complications are:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Anemia (lack of red blood cells)
• Dehydration
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Fistula (abnormal passage) between bowel and bladder
• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
• Nutritional deficiency
• Esophageal narrowing

Prevention of Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Maintain an ideal body weight, or lose slowly if you are overweight.
• Increase fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Adequate fluid intake.
• Don't delay when you feel like going to defecate.
• Do not push too hard when defecating.
• Avoid sitting or squatting on the toilet for too long.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Implement safe sexual behavior by using condoms and not having multiple partners, and avoiding sharing needles, to prevent viral hepatitis.