Disorders of GIT
A gastrointestinal disorder refers to any condition or disease that occurs within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common gastrointestinal disorders include:
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten. Ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the villi of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption.
Constipation
Constipation is difficulty or infrequency in passing stools. Symptoms include small, hard, dry stools, bloating, stomach distention, and pain during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids often accompany constipation.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic bowel disorder causing patches of inflammation anywhere in the GI tract, commonly where the small intestine joins the large intestine. Its exact cause is unknown, but genetics, diet, stress, and Westernized lifestyles may contribute.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools with urgency, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting. Common causes include viruses (norovirus), bacteria (salmonella, E. coli), parasites (giardia), food intolerance, medicines, and underlying GI conditions like Celiac or Crohn’s disease.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease involves small bowel pockets (diverticula) that may become inflamed (diverticulitis) when food is trapped. It commonly affects people over 60 and is linked to a low-fiber diet. Treatment includes a high-fiber diet and mild pain relief.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is weak, allowing stomach acid and food to backflow into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and nausea. Treatment includes antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Hemorrhoids are swollen anal cushions that may be external or internal and can bleed during bowel movements. Anal fissures are small tears in the anus lining, often caused by large stools. Treatments include creams, suppositories, dietary fiber, and sometimes surgical procedures.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is abdominal discomfort with altered bowel habits. It may present as constipation-predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), or mixed type (IBS-M). Diagnosis often takes years due to varying symptoms.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance results from insufficient lactase enzyme, causing difficulty digesting lactose in milk. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, wind, nausea, or diarrhea. It is more common in certain ethnicities or after gut damage.
Malabsorption Syndromes
Malabsorption syndromes occur when the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients. Causes include chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, liver or gallbladder disease, cystic fibrosis, antibiotics, or birth defects. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Polyps and Colorectal Cancer
Polyps are growths on the colon’s inner surface. Adenomatous polyps may progress to colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer often develops slowly and is more common between ages 45–75. Screening is crucial. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
PUD includes gastric and duodenal ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are common in men aged 30–50, while gastric ulcers affect middle-aged or elderly people. The main cause is Helicobacter pylori infection. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, causing inflammation of the entire colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.
Vomiting
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Common causes include infections, overindulgence in alcohol, food allergies, migraines, or pregnancy. Nausea often precedes vomiting.
Detailed Notes
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