Last updated November 24, 2022
Most diseases of the digestive system affect only one part of the system. For example, diseases of the esophagus, mouth, or intestines.
Heartburn or acid reflux occurs due to acid problems that can also cause burning pain under the diaphragm. Acid problems are referred to in technical terms as reflux, which means backflow. In this context, it is acid from the stomach that flows the wrong way and comes up into the esophagus.
The mucous membrane of the stomach tolerates the acid, while the mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated. This triggers discomfort or pain, and frequent reflux can lead to an inflammatory condition in the mucous membrane.
Reflux problems are very common. 5-10 percent of the adult population has daily problems with heartburn. The most common causes of acid problems are reflux, stomach ulcers, indigestion, and alcohol.
ConstipationConstipation is defined as sluggish, hard, or infrequent bowel movements. The problem is widespread among older people and is three times as common among women as men. 20% of the population has constipation and 10% use laxatives.
There are large differences in how often children have bowel movements. Some may go to the toilet several times a day, others once a week. Having bowel movements very often or very rarely can be a sign of constipation. It is not uncommon for constipation to be associated with the child “pooping themselves” (encopresis).
In many people, no clear causes for constipation can be identified. The most common explanations for constipation are irregular bowel habits, a low-fiber diet, little physical activity, high medication use, misuse of laxatives, and irritable bowel syndrome. Old age in itself is not a risk factor for constipation, but older people have more conditions that lead to constipation.
Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is divided into acute and chronic. As a general rule, acute abdominal pain should be treated at the emergency room, as the causes can be serious and cannot be properly assessed via video. Especially with fever, severe pain, pregnancy, or an affected general condition.
Recurrent abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms children experience. The requirement for recurrent abdominal pain is that it occurs three or more times within a three-month period and interferes with the child’s normal activities. In many children, it is caused by disturbances in the function of the digestive system and only rarely by physical illness. The discomfort can be caused by various psychological or physical conditions.
The diagnosis requires the doctor to rule out a physical (somatic) illness. When the doctor has ruled out an underlying disease causing the pain, the term functional abdominal pain is also used.
It is not uncommon for adults to also experience recurrent abdominal pain in periods.
These should also be investigated by a doctor to rule out physical (somatic) illness.
What doctors at Eyr can help with
Eyr can help assess conditions in the digestive system.
Eyr has the expertise to provide relevant and clinically updated advice on diseases of the digestive system.
Eyr can prescribe medication and renew regular medications.
Eyr can advise parents about children and diseases of the digestive system.
Eyr can help when you are traveling and have problems with the digestive system.
Eyr can refer to a gastroenterologist if necessary.
As a general rule, Eyr cannot assess acute abdominal pain.