09/17/2024
1. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. These pouches form in weakened spots along the colon wall, often due to pressure.
Abdominal pain (usually on the lower left side), fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), and sometimes bloating.
Causes: Factors like a low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, and certain medications can increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Mild cases are treated with rest, a liquid diet, and antibiotics. Severe cases may require surgery.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Description: IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It’s characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both.
Cramping, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating are common symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and may worsen with stress or after eating certain foods.
The exact cause is unknown, but factors include muscle contractions in the intestines, nervous system issues, gut bacteria, and food sensitivities.
Treatment: Dietary changes (e.g., low FODMAP diet), stress management, medications for pain, diarrhea, or constipation, and probiotics.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Description: GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. This happens due to a weakened or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle at the base of the esophagus).
Heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and a chronic cough are typical signs.
Causes: Risk factors include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, eating large meals, lying down after eating, and certain foods (e.g., spicy, fatty foods, caffeine).
Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, dietary adjustments), medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.