digestive diseases

• Constipation


  Infrequent or difficult bowel movements
• Causes of constipation


  • Poor diet
  • Lack of fiber
  • Dehydration
  • Certain medications
  • Lack of exercise
  • Some medical conditions
• Symptoms of constipation


  • Hard, dry stools
  • Difficulty passing stool
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Treatment for constipation


  • Increase fiber intake
  • Drink more water
  • Exercise regularly
  • Use laxatives if necessary (under medical guidance)
• Diarrhea


  Frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements
• Causes of diarrhea


  • Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
  • Food intolerances
  • Medications
  • Digestive disorders
• Symptoms of diarrhea


  • Frequent, loose stools
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
• Treatment for diarrhea


  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid dairy and fatty foods
  • Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications
  • Consult a doctor if persistent
• Esophageal spasm


  Painful contractions of the muscles in the esophagus
• Causes of esophageal spasm

  • Unknown
  • Certain foods
  • Stress
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Symptoms of esophageal spasm

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling of food stuck in the throat
• Treatment for esophageal spasm

  • Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants)
  • Dietary changes
  • Stress management
  • Sometimes surgery
• Heartburn


  A burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux
• Causes of heartburn


  • Acid reflux
  • Certain foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic)
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
• Symptoms of heartburn


  • Burning sensation in the chest, especially after eating or at night
  • Sour taste in the mouth
• Treatment for heartburn


  • Avoid trigger foods
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Don't lie down after eating
  • Over-the-counter antacids
• Peptic ulcer


  Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus
• Causes of peptic ulcers

  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Long-term use of NSAIDs
  • Excessive acid production
• Symptoms of peptic ulcers

  • Burning stomach pain
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
• Treatment for peptic ulcers


  • Antibiotics (for H. pylori)
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • H2-receptor antagonists
  • Lifestyle changes
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)


  Chronic acid reflux causing irritation of the esophagus
• Causes of GERD


  • Weak lower esophageal sphincter
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain foods and drinks
• Symptoms of GERD


  • Persistent heartburn
  • Regurgitation
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chest pain
• Treatment for GERD


  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medications (antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers)
  • Surgery in severe cases
• Gastritis


  Inflammation of the stomach lining
• Causes of gastritis


  • Infections (e.g., H. pylori)
  • Chronic use of NSAIDs
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
• Symptoms of gastritis


  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
• Treatment for gastritis


  • Avoid irritants (e.g., alcohol, NSAIDs)
  • Medications to reduce stomach acid
  • Antibiotics for H. pylori
• Practices to keep gut healthy


  • Balanced diet
  • Fiber intake
  • Hydration
  • Regular exercise
  • Probiotics
  • Avoid excessive alcohol
  • Manage stress
  • Limit processed foods
  • Chew thoroughly
  • Avoid smoking