Roughly 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by gastrointestinal diseases and digestive issues that can seriously disrupt daily life. Chances are, you might be dealing with one of these common GI disorders yourself.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcers
- Acid Reflux
IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) affects the stomach and intestines. This condition is not typically severe and can usually be controlled by adjusting diet and lifestyle. IBS does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer and the exact cause is unknown. Typical symptoms of IBS include:
- Cramps
- Belly pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
IBS Symptoms
IBS symptoms can be triggered by ingesting certain foods like wheat, dairy products, beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks and some citrus fruits. IBS occurs most often in females under the age of 50, often with a family history of IBS, anxiety or depression. Long-lasting, untreated IBS can cause poor quality of life or mood disorders.
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBS, caused by an autoimmune condition. It is a lifelong condition with no known cure. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation and can occur in any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe and the most common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloody stool
- Fever
- Fatigue
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease can be painful and debilitating. It can lead to serious life-threatening complications such as bowel obstruction or malnutrition. Risk factors for Crohn’s disease include family history, age, ethnicity or smoking. Be sure to consult a physician if you experience bloody stool, diarrhea lasting more than two weeks or weight loss without trying.
Stomach ulcers are caused when stomach acids eat away at the protective stomach lining and produce an open sore. The two main causes of stomach ulcers are H. pylori infection and the use of NSAIDS. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach. It can begin to grow and multiply. When this happens, the bacteria eat into the stomach lining causing chronic inflammation which leads to gastric ulcers. The use of common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin (or NSAIDS) irritate the stomach lining and inhibit the chemicals needed to defend and repair it. If NSAIDS are overused, eventually the stomach won’t be able to keep up with repairs and an ulcer will result.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids rise into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. The digestive system is set up so that stomach contents only travel in one direction (down). However, when stomach acid builds up, it reverses the direction of stomach flow, causing acid reflux. Acid reflux is a very common condition. It generally presents as heartburn or indigestion. Occasional reflux is uncomfortable and can affect the quality of life or even cause tissue damage.
Some symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Sore throat
Common causes of acid reflux include:
- Hiatal hernia
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Prior surgery
Mild reflux can usually be managed at home with lifestyle modifications. More severe reflux might need a prescription medication to obtain relief. In either case, it is a good idea to discuss your reflux condition with a physician to obtain the recommended course of action. The great new is that acupuncture can help you manage all of these conditions!
