Digestive issues are highly prevalent today, affecting as many as hundreds of people from all walks of life. These issues can be caused by anything from a meal that doesn’t sit well with us to a persistent gastrointestinal condition that necessitates lifestyle changes and treatment. Those who are hit by severe digestive issues symptoms develop disorders such as excessive bloating, heartburn, constipation, etc. According to a study, abound 32% of adults between the ages of 30 and 44 reported experiencing acidity and indigestion issues in the year 2021.
These issues can be the result of certain bacteria in one’s meal, contamination, stress, certain drugs, or ongoing ailments like colitis, Crohn’s illness, and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). But regardless of the cause, anyone who has frequent digestive issues faces challenges every day and the possibility of embarrassment, even if it is related to completing one’s routine actions.
5 Common Digestive Conditions Faced By People
Although people are embarrassed to talk about these issues, one should not suffer in silence if he or she is experiencing digestive issues symptoms like constant bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, sudden heartburn, acute pain in the stomach, and difficulty swallowing during meals. If you’re going through such a phase too, delaying in consulting a physician might not be a good idea.
Let’s explore the common issues related to digestion that may need to be immediately cared for and addressed –
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – One might experience a sharp pain in the middle of the chest that usually happens at night or after meals. Although occasional acid reflux and heartburn are common symptoms that interfere with daily life or occur at least twice per week that indicate GERD. Avoiding the foods and beverages that cause these symptoms and/or taking over-the-counter antacids or other medications that reduce stomach acid production and esophageal inflammation provides the majority of people with relief and care.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Functional bowel disorders are a category of gastrointestinal conditions that include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s a problem that affects people coming from all walks of life on a regular basis. IBS patients frequently experience abdominal pain or discomfort that is usually relieved by bowel movements and is caused by either diarrhea or constipation.
- Diarrhea – Frequent loose stools or diarrhea that persist for more than four weeks constitute chronic diarrhea. Medicines like antibiotics and pain relievers as well as diabetic medications such as metformin. Diarrhea that lasts for less than four weeks is the most common symptom of intestine infections. Tuberculosis, giardiasis, amoebiasis, and tropical sprue are a few exceptions that may all result in chronic diarrhea.
- Constipation – Constipation is another extreme digestive issue that may be the cause of a decrease in stool frequency to less than three times per week, hard or small pellet-like stools, or the need to strain stools when passing motion. This condition can be brought on by many things. A majority of people who suffer from chronic constipation don’t have a disease that causes them to bloat. Reasons for chronic constipation are not getting enough fiber from food items like fruits, vegetables, and cereals, lacking enough fluids, avoiding enough exercise, and frequently ignoring the urge to use the bathroom.
- Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can be identified by the presence of bright red blood in the toilet bowl when you move your bowels. Itchy and painful hemorrhoids are an inflammation of the blood vessels at the end of your digestive tract. Chronic constipation, diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and a diet deficient in fiber are all causes. You can simply treat this by eating more fiber, drinking more water, and working out. The symptoms of hemorrhoid may be temporarily alleviated by over-the-counter creams that you can purchase from a nearby pharmacy.