Digestive Problems
Digestive problems is a collective term for discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. This includes heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Digestive problems are very common and can have many causes, from diet and stress to underlying medical conditions.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common causes of long-term digestive problems and affects up to 15 percent of the population. Other common causes include gastritis, reflux disease, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Bloating and flatulence
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Constipation or diarrhea (or both alternately)
- Nausea
- Feeling full quickly
- Changed bowel habits
When should you contact a doctor?
- Persistent abdominal pain or changed bowel habits
- Unintentional weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn
- Digestive problems that affect daily life
- New-onset problems after the age of 50
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake and avoiding triggers, help many. Antacids or proton pump inhibitors can be used for heartburn and reflux. For IBS, an adapted diet (such as low-FODMAP) can be effective. A doctor at Eyr can assess your problems, provide dietary advice, prescribe medication, and, if necessary, refer you for further investigation.
