Disorders of digestive system refer to various conditions affecting organs like the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, leading to issues such as indigestion, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease. These disorders arise from factors like diet, infections, genetics, or autoimmune reactions. The treatment involves dietary changes, medication, and maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to prevent and manage digestive disorders. In this article, we will study the disorders of the digestive system, their causes and how they can be prevented in detail.

What is Digestive System?

Definition of Digestive System: The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) system, breaks down food and liquids into nutrients the body can use for energy, growth, and tissue repair.

The digestive system is a long, twisting tube that starts at the mouth and goes through the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine and ends at the anus. The digestive system also includes the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which make digestive juices and enzymes that help the body digest food and liquids. The digestive system breaks down food into simple nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which can then be absorbed into your blood. 

Also Read: Human Digestive System – Digestive Glands

What are Digestive Disorders?

Digestive disorders includes a range of conditions that affect the digestive system’s functioning. These may include disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms can vary widely and may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea that may effect overall well-being and quality of life. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for effectively treating digestive disorders and improving digestive health.

Causes of Digestive Disorders

Common causes of digestive disorders are:

• Poor diet: Consuming unhealthy, high-fat or processed foods can disrupt digestion.
• Stress: Psychological stress can affect gut function, leading to digestive discomfort.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
• Medications: Certain drugs, like antibiotics or NSAIDs, may upset the stomach.
• Food intolerances: Intolerance to specific foods like lactose or gluten can trigger digestive issues.
• Inflammatory conditions (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS leads to abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD causes heartburn and acid reflux due to stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallstones or inflammation can cause pain and digestive problems.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas results in severe abdominal pain and nausea.
• Structural abnormalities: Blockages or hernias can obstruct digestion.
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like celiac disease involve the immune system attacking the digestive tract.

Disorders of Digestive system

Disorders of the digestive system involves a range of conditions that affect the organs involved in digestion, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. These disorders can range from relatively minor issues such as indigestion and heartburn to more serious conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Common diseases which are caused by the disorder of the digestive system are:

GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach contents flow up into the esophagus, causing symptoms and complications. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes or becomes weak, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This backwash of acid irritates the esophagus, causing inflammation and heartburn. GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicines, or surgery. 

Also Read: Difference Between Esophagus And Trachea

Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, cardialgia, or acid indigestion, is a burning feeling in the upper abdomen or central chest. It’s usually caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which can happen if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) doesn’t close tightly enough. This can happen when you eat large meals, which cause the stomach to expand and prevent the sphincter from closing completely. Heartburn can also occur when you’re lying down, bending over, or have acid reflux.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It causes constipation, diarrhea, and pain in the stomach. Occurs in the intestine. The cause is not known properly but after going through some tests and on the basis of symptoms its cause is identified.

• Symptoms: Mostly recurrent pain occurs in the abdominal region, there is a change in bowel habits, the patient suffers from constipation, diarrhea, nausea, passing a lot of gas, indigestion, cramping, loss of appetite, and depression, and anxiety.
• Treatment: These symptoms can be reduced by adjusting your diet, stress and rest will be cured by medicine and counseling. Self-treatment will be done by eating a lot of fiber diet, and physical exercise. In medicine, we can use nerve pain medication, antidiarrhoeal, laxatives, and dietary supplements.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the small intestine can’t digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Lactase is an enzyme that is used to digest lactose, when there is a deficiency of this enzyme then this disease is caused. This disease is also known as milk intolerance.

• Symptoms: The patient feels pain in the abdomen, indigestion, bloating, and belching.
• Treatment: Normally lactose is avoided in the diet and also avoid all dairy products. Usually, lactose-free things are used in the diet. For severe patients, the medicines are prescribed.

Jaundice

Jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is defined as a yellow discoloration of the body tissue resulting from the accumulation of excess bilirubin. Newborns have this disease usually after birth which gets cured on its own. If it is seen in adults then it indicates liver infection.

• Cause: This is not caused by an underlying disease. For example, it consists of Gilbert’s syndrome or medication side effects.
• Treatment: Medicines are prescribed by doctors.

Also Read: Difference between Direct and Indirect Bilirubin

Vomiting

Vomiting is the involuntary expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, and sometimes the nose. It’s also called emesis or throwing up. Vomiting is a reflex that helps the body get rid of harmful substances. 

• Cause: Certain smells, Stomach irritation, Infections, Stress, Pain, Motion sickness, Migraines, Certain medicines, Some diseases or conditions, and Brain injury or concussio
• Treatment: The treatment of this disease can be done at home. Take ORS solution after some intervals for fast recovery. When the fluid start getting digested then start eating toast, gelatin, and easy digesting foods.

Constipation

Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. The bowel movements are not regular. It is less than three bowels in a week.

• Cause: Dehydration, physical inactivity, medication side effects, lack of dietary fibers.
• Treatments: Increase intake of fluids, take a more fibrous diet, daily do physical exercise.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu or gastro, is a short-term illness that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, lack of energy, dehydration, and nausea. Gastroenteritis is caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, that infect the stomach or intestines.

Gastroenteritis cannot always be prevented, but proper hand washing, cleaning surfaces that may be infected with germs, and safe food preparation may help prevent some of the infections that can cause it. 

Also Read: What is Difference Between Gastritis and Pancreatitis?

How to Prevent Digestive Disorders

Digestive Disorders are very common and can be easily prevented by following steps:

• Balanced Diet: Eat fiber-rich foods and limit processed foods to promote digestive health.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and prevent constipation.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and its impact on digestion.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activity to stimulate bowel movements and promote gut motility.
• Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Excessive alcohol and tobacco use can irritate the digestive tract.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger digestive discomfort or intolerance.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly to prevent infections that can lead to digestive issues.
• Take Medications Wisely: Use medications as prescribed and be aware of potential side effects on digestion.
• Get Regular Check-ups: Visit a healthcare professional for routine screenings and discuss any digestive concerns.

Conclusion: Disorders Of Digestive System

Digestive system disorders includes a range of conditions that can affect how we digest food and absorb nutrients. These disorders can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, impacting our overall health and well-being. Prevention through a balanced diet, hydration, stress management, and regular exercise is key to maintaining digestive health. Seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms is important for timely diagnosis and treatment to manage digestive disorders effectively and improve quality of life.

Also Read:

• Gastrointestinal Tract – Diagram, Anatomy, & Disorders
• Hormones of Heart, Kidney and Gastrointestinal Tract
• Human Digestive System
• Type of Diseases
• Diseases – Definition, Classification, Types and Causes

FAQs on Disorders Of Digestive System

What is Disorders of Digestive System Class 11?

Disorders of the digestive system refer to the study of various gastrointestinal conditions and diseases that may include learning about common digestive disorders, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

What are the 10 Common Diseases of the Digestive System?

The common diseases of digestive system are – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gallstones, celiac disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis.

How do you Treat a Digestive Disorder?

Treatment for digestive disorders typically involves dietary modifications, medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

What are the Effects of the Digestive System?

The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste, essential for providing energy and maintaining overall health.

What Happens if the Digestive System is Damaged?

If the digestive system is damaged, it can lead to malnutrition, digestive discomfort, impaired absorption of nutrients, and overall health complications.

What Causes Gastric Problems?

Gastric problems can be caused by factors such as diet, stress, infections, medications, or underlying medical conditions.

What are the Early Signs of Gastrointestinal Disease?

Early signs of gastrointestinal disease may include symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.