The gastrointestinal tract is an extensive part of the human body. While the stomach occupies a comparatively small part of the digestive tract, the human intestine is several meters long and is located in several loops in the lower abdomen of the human body. Accordingly, gastrointestinal disorders can be diverse and can assume threatening proportions.
What are gastrointestinal diseases?
Stomach pain is a typical symptom of gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrointestinal diseases include all diseases of the digestive tract except the upper digestive tract, which includes the mouth, throat and esophagus. The gastrointestinal tract includes the stomach and intestines, which can be divided into the small intestine, large intestine, rectum and the anus, as well as organs such as the duodenum, liver, gallbladder and hormone-producing pancreas. Gastrointestinal diseases therefore include far more illnesses than just stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, especially since these are symptoms and not causes.
Causes
The causes of gastrointestinal disorders are as varied as the gastrointestinal tract itself. Ulcers, so-called ulcers, can develop in both the stomach and the intestines. In most cases, psychological stress favors the development of these ulcers; in particular, gastritis and gastric ulcers have been shown to be closely related. Such ulcers can initially occur acutely, but also chronically. One chronic inflammatory bowel disease, for example, is Crohn’s disease (ileitis terminalis, ulcerative colitis), which progresses in episodes and, in the worst case, can be fatal at a young age. Furthermore, “bulges” can occur in the intestine in which stool collects, hardens and can cause serious health problems. These bulges are called diverticula. Such conditions can be the result of weak connective tissue and frequent constipation. Diseases of the liver are known to occur as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or medication and drug abuse (misuse). Viral infections (hepatitis diseases) can also cause lasting damage to the liver. These are the most common causes of the many diseases of the digestive tract.
Typical and common diseases
- Gastric ulcer
- Inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis)
- Stomach flu
- Duodenal ulcer
- Irritable stomach
- Stomach cancer
- Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammation of the intestine)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Appendicitis
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Typical symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea. Which symptoms are most prominent depends on the type of illness. Acute gastritis is characterized by sudden pain in the upper abdomen accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite and occasionally vomiting. Typically, the symptoms improve briefly after eating. If these complaints develop over a longer period of time, a chronic gastritis may be behind them – this is often accompanied by an aversion to certain foods, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence. Abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite can also hide a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer or stomach cancer. This must be considered especially in the case of constant weight loss or black stools (tarry stools). The symptoms triggered by an irritable stomach vary greatly and range from stomach pain, heartburn and loss of appetite to vegetative disorders such as cardiovascular problems and increased sweating. Irritable stomach is often accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome characterized by stool irregularities. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are usually manifested by cramping abdominal pain, weight loss, and muco-pulpy diarrhea. There is a general feeling of illness, and mild fever, nausea and loss of appetite are also possible. Characteristic of appendicitis are abdominal pain that increasingly shifts to the lower right abdomen, as well as fever, nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases can usually be made by the patient’s description; this diagnosis is usually confirmed by gastroscopy or colonoscopy, in which a corresponding probe is inserted orally or rectally, possibly under local anesthesia. This examination provides direct, detailed images that allow an accurate diagnosis. Laboratory tests of the blood or stool can also provide important information about diseases. Gastrointestinal diseases generally cause pain, with the exception of diseases of the liver. Here, there is only a capsular pain, the liver itself does not hurt. Especially in the case of gastric diseases, it is therefore important to know what kind of pain is involved. A so-called early pain, i.e. shortly after consumption of the meal, can indicate inflammation of the stomach inlet. Late pain, i.e. pain that occurs a long time after the meal has been eaten, may indicate that the stomach outlet is inflamed. The course of gastrointestinal diseases is as wide-ranging as the causes. In most cases, however, the diet is restricted, which can lead to rapid weight loss. Or there is a violent diarrheal illness that can result in dehydration, which can be equally life-threatening.
Complications
In most cases, gastrointestinal disorders do not result in any particular complications, nor are they severe. They can be treated relatively well, so that no further consequential damage occurs. Those affected primarily suffer from diarrhea or constipation. It is also not uncommon to experience pain in the area of the stomach or abdomen, which considerably reduces the quality of life. Especially at night, this pain can lead to sleep problems and thus also to depression. Furthermore, many affected people suffer from a loss of appetite and also weight loss. The permanent diarrhea can also lead to severe dehydration. Complications usually occur if the gastrointestinal disease is not treated properly. This can lead to the development of polyps or other diseases. In most cases, the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases does not lead to special complications. They can be treated with the help of medications and there is usually a positive course of the disease. The patient’s life expectancy is usually not reduced or limited by gastrointestinal diseases.
When should you see a doctor?
A visit to the doctor is advisable if there are repeated problems with going to the toilet. If diarrhea or constipation occurs, there is a medical condition that should be treated. In many cases, there is a marked deterioration in health within a few hours. If there is faintness, pain in the abdomen or a feeling of malaise, a doctor is needed. If there is a noise in the area of the stomach or intestines, medical advice should be sought. If there is bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, a doctor should be consulted. If there is an increase in symptoms or if the symptoms spread further, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If there is a decrease in performance, fever, sweating or bleeding from the intestines, the affected person needs help. He should undergo medical tests to determine the cause. If daily responsibilities can no longer be fulfilled or if the affected person no longer has control over the sphincter, a visit to the doctor is advisable. If there is a feeling of internal dryness, cramps in the abdomen or increased irritability, a doctor should be consulted. Discomfort with locomotion or sitting should also be evaluated by a physician.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment options are, of course, based on the underlying disease. Thus, as a rule, drug therapy is recommended first, and psychotherapy or autogenic training if necessary, since the gastrointestinal tract is very sensitive to stress. In the case of diseases of the intestines, surgery may be necessary to remove or otherwise surgically treat the affected parts of the intestines. Often, the diet must also be temporarily or permanently adapted to the disease.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of gastrointestinal disease is tied to the presenting cause of the disorder.In the case of a bacterial infection or a viral disease, the symptoms are usually alleviated within a few days or weeks and the patient recovers. In some cases, the organism can help itself to a stable and healthy immune system and without the presence in the disease to a sufficient extent. Medical care is not always necessary for health improvement. An inflammatory disease is the further course and the prognosis depends on whether the disease becomes chronic. In chronic gastrointestinal disease, recovery usually does not occur for several years despite all efforts. Emotional and psychological factors often play a decisive role in the overall process. Therefore, in addition to drug therapy, the mental state of the patient is often decisive in these cases. Relief can be documented when additional psychotherapeutic care is initiated. In acute cases, a life-threatening condition may develop. In the case of cancer as well as intestinal rupture, immediate action must be taken to ensure the survival of the affected person. The sooner medical treatment is initiated, the better the chances of recovery. In these patients, early detection of the disease is particularly crucial in determining the further prognosis.
Prevention
Preventive measures can usually be taken in gastrointestinal diseases. For example, attention can generally be paid to a healthy, balanced diet and avoidance of underweight or overweight so as not to overload the gastrointestinal tract. For example, diarrhea and constipation can be avoided. Stress reduction definitely has a positive influence on gastrointestinal diseases, so autogenic training and relaxation measures not only have a healing effect. Regular colorectal cancer screening should be adhered to, since colorectal cancer causes pain only at a very late stage. Otherwise, of course, the usual hygiene guidelines help to prevent infections of the gastrointestinal tract. In case of doubt, the individual advice and information always has the doctor you trust.
Aftercare
The aftercare of gastrointestinal diseases depends mainly on the cause. This should be decided by the patient individually with his attending physician. Depending on the severity of the disease and expression . In order to detect any malignant cells in the stomach as early as possible, an endoscopic check-up with a gastroscopy should be performed if symptoms persist. Every patient should also discuss with his or her family doctor whether certain dietary changes should be observed. In addition, symptoms such as frequent heartburn, stabbing stomach pain or vomiting blood in the future must be associated with the history and clarified.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Gastrointestinal disorders are associated with a wide range of symptoms, for which an equally large number of underlying diseases are causative. Whether and what the patient can do himself depends on the nature of the complaints. Frequently, there are diffuse gastrointestinal complaints that manifest themselves as acid regurgitation, flatulence, stomach pain or diarrhea. In mild cases, such disorders can initially be self-treated. In the case of indeterminate stomach pain and irritation of the gastric mucosa, naturopathy recommends a so-called chamomile tea rolling cure. For this purpose, 250 milliliters of chamomile tea are prepared and drunk. Then the patient first lies down on his back for five minutes and then rolls, each five minutes apart, on the left side, then on the stomach and finally on the right side. In the case of regular stomach acidity, it usually helps to avoid fatty foods and too much alcohol. In the case of acute hyperacidity, healing clay, bullrich salt or sodium bicarbonate can be taken. A mild but very effective remedy for diarrhea is dried blueberries, which can be bought in herbal stores and specialized pharmacies. Three tablespoons of the fruit are taken at the beginning of the treatment and then one tablespoon at a time at intervals of about four hours and chewed well. Those who regularly suffer from nervous stomach pain should learn relaxation techniques. Mild sedatives from the pharmacy or health food store can also be taken temporarily. If sufferers regularly suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the causes.
