The Most Common Forms Of Digestive Diseases

Some of the most common forms of digestive disorders appear and disappear on their own, almost as if they were temporary symptoms. For example, some forms of food poisoning tend to appear for 24 hours and then disappear.

However, there are others who are chronic, such as colon cancer, whose symptoms do not become apparent until it causes serious health complications. Although researchers have made progress in detection, it continues to be one of the most widespread cancers.

Part of the reason why there are so many digestive diseases is that the digestive tract is varied throughout the journey and involves different organs; from the mouth with its own microenvironment, to the colon and its associated glands, such as the pancreas, which also perform hormonal functions by secreting insulin.

What are the most common forms of digestive disorders? Keep reading to find out!

1. Gastroenteritis

Among children, gastroenteritis is a common disease. These are almost always infections that they get from contact with other children, especially in school settings.

The biggest danger of childhood diarrhea is dehydration. When the gastroenteritis is long-lasting and aggressive, and creates abundant vomiting together with loose stools, water flows out of the body that carries electrolytes with it.

Therefore, the basic treatment for gastroenteritis is fluid intake. Parents should provide fluids to children properly, without forcing nausea, and by also replenishing with salts, especially sodium and potassium.

In some countries, diarrhea is a major cause of death and a public health problem associated with poor sanitation. Simple hygiene, which can include hand washing, is already a powerful barrier against microorganisms that cause gastroenteritis.

2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GØRS) is an unpleasant condition in which stomach acid leaks and enters the esophagus. Patients often complain of chest pain, heartburn and even coughing.

Gastric acid should only be in the stomach so that it does not harm other parts of the body. When it passes to other organs, it damages them, and this is what happens to the esophagus, which is not prepared to receive that acidity.

It is common for GØRS to be associated with gastritis or diarrhea. Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and diaphragmatic hernia is the incorrect positioning of the stomach, which is located above the diaphragm.

To treat the condition, doctors often prescribe antacids and altered eating habits. The patient should reduce the amount of food they eat at each meal and eat every 4 hours.

The most common forms of digestive disorders: hemorrhoids

In adults, hemorrhoids are one of the most common forms of digestive disorders. They are veins in the rectum that become varicose veins, that is, they are inflated and inflamed until they bleed.

In fact, a common symptom is blood in the stool. The person has a bowel movement and can see that small drops of blood appear in the toilet. When a person suffers from inflamed hemorrhoids, they may also experience anal itching.

Many times a doctor can observe hemorrhoids with the naked eye, and the diagnosis is quick. In other cases, they are internal, so the doctor performs an observation with a device, in a procedure called rectoscopy (proctoscopy) or anoscopy.

4. Colon cancer

Colon cancer is a serious disease and unfortunately very common. After lung and breast cancer, it is the third most common form of cancer in the world. In some countries, it has risen to second place if you combine the number of men and women with the diagnosis.

Although it is in the 70s that the largest number of cases occur, the vulnerability and risk increases from 50 years. Therefore , clinicians recommend that you perform a regular colonoscopy from the age of discovering polyps as they can clear before they become malignant.

Today, there are a number of treatment options for colon cancer. However, it is still a serious problem. The basis for the treatment is in fact in early detection. For this reason, campaigns that encourage detective endoscopy are crucial.

The most common forms of digestive disorders can be treated

Diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux, hemorrhoids and colon cancer are digestive diseases that have treatment options. Science has come so far that we can identify appropriate forms of prevention and treatment.

Individual and social responsibility are important in each of them. Proper hygiene, healthy food, enough awareness to plan a consultation early and conduct screening tests are the tools we have at our disposal to combat the most common forms of digestive diseases.