Digestive problems are a mainstay in our everyday lives. Some conditions are, however, more serious than others and may be indicative of even more serious illnesses. Here are some common digestive problems and their causes:
- Diarrhea
Perhaps the most common of all digestive problems and the most difficult to ignore is diarrhea. If your stool is too loose and you feel the urgency to “go” more than thrice daily for 4 weeks, then there is a serious problem. Diarrhea may happen as a result of the body struggling to digest food; it may also be caused by infections, parasites, or disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
- Constipation
The opposite of diarrhea, constipation is typically the inability to ease/evacuate oneself as frequently as needed. Anything fewer than 3 bowel movements per week is a concern. Common causes include stress, IBS, eating disorders, strong antidepressants, antacid drugs that contain aluminum or calcium, drinking too little water, consuming too many dairy products, or using too many laxatives.
- Gastroenteritis
Also known as stomach flu, this condition is accompanied by fever, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Gastroenteritis may be caused by parasites or viral/bacterial infections. The bacterial infection may be brought about by e. coli or salmonella while the viral infection may be caused by norovirus or rotavirus.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD often starts as heartburn and if you suffer from heartburns constantly, you need to visit a doctor immediately. If heartburn is left untreated, it may lead to the erosion of your esophageal lining and afterward, bleeding. The chest pain that accompanies GERD has been known to be as painful as a heart attack.
GERD is caused by constant acid reflux and people who smoke, are obese, are pregnant, eat a lot of fatty foods, use medications like aspirin excessively, and eat late at night are particularly vulnerable.
If you feel any of the symptoms above and you live in Texas, please visit Cypress Family Clinic and receive top-class medical treatment quickly. To make an appointment, call