Gastrointestinal Diseases: Definition, Examples, Causes, and Treatment

Gastrointestinal diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the digestive system. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, colon (large intestine), and rectum. Because so many organs form this system, so many diseases can affect it as well.

Here are some of the most common ailments that affect the GI tract, what causes them, and how they can be treated.

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional disease of the GI tract, meaning that there are no visible signs that something is wrong, but it’s still not functioning properly. With IBS, the colon muscles contract either more or less often than normal. The three main types of IBS include IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with constipation (IBS-C), and IBS-M, which is a mixture of the first two. With that being said, some of the main symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Excess gas

It’s not known exactly what causes IBS, but doctors think that it may be multiple factors, such as a miscommunication between the nerves in the brain and gut, problems with the GI muscles themselves, and/or extra sensitive nerves in the GI tract. Treatment options include medications, but dietary changes (e.g., more fiber and probiotics) and an increase in physical activity can also help. Avoiding triggers, such as dairy, spicy foods, red wine, and green onions will also help alleviate symptoms.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is acid reflux that happens repeatedly over time. Acid reflux is when stomach acid repeatedly flows back up the esophagus, causing irritation and a burning sensation in the chest. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn after eating, upper abdominal/chest pain, trouble swallowing, a sensation of a lump in your throat, an ongoing cough, and new or worsening asthma. Unlike IBS, doctors know what causes GERD, and your risk is higher for developing GERD if:

• You’re pregnant
• You’re overweight/obese
• You have a connective tissue disorder
• You have a bulge at the top of your stomach (hernia)

Treatment options for GERD include antacid medications and even surgery if you’ve experienced complications from GERD. However, certain lifestyle adjustments are usually the best option when it comes to treating— and ultimately preventing— GERD.

3. Colitis

Infectious, ischemic, and radiation colitis are all forms of this GI tract disease, but ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most well-known. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, whereas ulcerative colitis only causes inflammation of the colon and rectum. The exact cause of both of these diseases is unknown, but like IBS, it may be caused by a variety of factors, including an overactive immune system. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• nausea
• diarrhea/urgent bowel movements
• Anemia

Unfortunately, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, but treatments can help prevent inflammation— which will also help alleviate a lot of the symptoms. If medications aren’t working, then surgery may be another treatment option for some, especially if symptoms are severe. About 30% of people with ulcerative colitis will need surgery at some point in their life.

4. Cancers of the GI Tract

Because the GI tract contains many organs, there are many possible cancers that can affect it. Colorectal cancer is the most common type of cancer in the GI tract, but other common cancers include stomach, esophageal, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Many things can cause these GI tract cancers, including:

• smoking/tobacco use
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Having an existing GI tract disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
• Family history of GI tract cancers
• Excessive alcohol use

Even drug recalls, such as the recall of the popular antacid Zantac, have caused one or more GI tract cancers in people. Those who think their GI tract cancer was caused by a recall should contact a personal injury/drug recall lawyer.

Other conditions, such as bloating, diarrhea, food poisoning, gas, and nausea are also common ailments that involve the GI tract. These, however, aren’t chronic and can usually be cured in a short period of time. Those mentioned above, on the other hand, are chronic conditions that don’t have a known cure— aside from GERD. 

The bottom line is that when it comes to the health of your GI tract (and total health), it’s important to eat a nutritious diet high in fiber and other essential nutrients. REgular exercise also helps, and knowing your triggers if you have any of these ailments and being aware of certain drug recalls will also help you keep your GI tract in good health.