What Are Digestive Disorders?
Digestive disorders are conditions where your body struggles to digest the food that you eat properly. This can result in a range of unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms.
What Are the Different Types of Digestive Disorders?
There are many different types of digestive disorders. Some of the most common are:
- GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Heartburn)
- IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- IBD – Irritable Bowel Disease, such as Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis.
What Are the Most Common Digestive Disorder Symptoms?
Symptoms of digestive disorders can vary, but usually include some combination of abdominal cramps, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, excess gas, and loss of appetite.
What Are the Causes of Digestive Disorders?
While digestive disorders can be genetic, they may also be brought on by poor eating habits. For example, IBDs, an inflammation of the intestines, is genetic, but IBS, an infection of the lower GI tract, is most commonly brought on by food poisoning. GERD is often a consequence of being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and/or smoking.
How Are Digestive Disorders Diagnosed?
GERD can usually be diagnosed through your symptoms (especially chronic acid indigestion), while IBS can be diagnosed with a blood test. IBDs are a little more complicated and may require MRIs, endoscopy, and other medical tests.
What Are Digestive Disorder Treatment Options?
This will also vary according to the condition. IBS, fortunately, can often be cleared up with the right antibiotic. IBD is a chronic disease that will usually require a customized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. GERD can usually be treated by avoiding foods that create a lot of acid, taking antacids, and elevating your upper body while sleeping. Before undergoing any type of treatment, you should consult with the doctor.
Visit Us for the Best Digestive Disorder Treatments in Northwest Georgia
It’s very important that you get a correct diagnosis for your digestive disorder so that you can get the right treatment. As an internist board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with over 25 years of experience, Jeffrey Esslinger is the ideal doctor to examine you for a digestive disorder in Georgia. To schedule an appointment, fill out the form below or call us at (470) 888-6543 now.
