GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES

What are Gastrointestinal Diseases?
Gastrointestinal, or GI, diseases occur within the GI tract. The GI tract is the part of the digestive system that helps with the processing of nutrients and the passing of waste out of your body. Gastrointestinal issues are common, and the symptoms of these types of diseases are similar.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Abdominal bloating
Severe abdominal pain
Bloody diarrhea
Fever and chills
Severe nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, or vomiting blood
Inability to swallow or have bowel movement

Here is a list of the 6 most common GI diseases

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition that causes heartburn, or the act of stomach acid going back up into your esophagus. Most people experience heartburn every once in a while; however, if you have heartburn at least twice a week or have symptoms that affect your everyday life, then you may have GERD.

Symptoms

Heartburn
Bad breath
Tooth erosion
Nausea
Pain in chest or upper abdomen
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Treatment
OTC antacids
Change in diet
Elevating the head of the bed
Avoid tight-fitting clothing
Quit smoking
Avoid laying down after a meal
Medication and surgery in more severe cases

2. Gallstones
Gallstones are hard objects that form in your gallbladder as a result of high cholesterol, waste in your bile, or your gallbladder not functioning properly. About one million Americans develop gallstones annually.

Symptoms

Sharp pain in your upper-right abdomen
Treatment
Medication
Surgery

3. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a severe gluten intolerance that causes intestinal damage whenever patients with this condition ingest gluten. About 1% of the U.S. population suffers from this disease unknowingly. They are often misdiagnosed with something else.

Symptoms in Children

Abdominal pain and bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Vomiting
Symptoms in Adults
Anemia
Bone loss
Fatigue
Depression
Seizures
Treatment
Avoid gluten
Eat alternatives like brown rice, quinoa, lentils, soy flour, etc.

4. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is part of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group that causes a series of digestive conditions. Crohn’s primarily affects the terminal ileum (connection of the small bowel and colon), though it can affect any part of the GI tract. About 780,000 Americans have this disease, yet the cause remains unknown. Some experts believe that genetics play a role in its development.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding
Diarrhea
Fever
Weight loss
Treatment
Avoid trigger foods (alcohol, coffee, dairy products, carbonated drinks, raw fruit and vegetables, red meat, and foods that are: fried, spicy, fatty, or gas-producing)
Topical pain relievers
Immunosuppressants
Surgery

5. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the large intestine, or colon, and about 907,000 Americans.

Symptoms
Sores or ulcers
Frequent and urgent bowel movements
Painful, bloody diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medication
Avoid trigger foods
Surgery to remove the colon
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition that about 10-15% of the global population suffers from.

Symptoms
Irregular bowel movements (cycles of hard, dry stool and watery diarrhea)
Bloating
Stomach pain or discomfort
Treatment
Avoid trigger foods
Eat low-fat, high-fiber meals
Incorporate probiotics into your diet with yogurt
Manage stress (cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants may help)

Complications

Gastrointestinal diseases can cause complications, such as:
Dehydration
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fecal Impaction (unpassable, dry, hard stool)
Bowel Obstruction (blockage of the small or large intestine by something other than stool)
Radiation Enteritis (inflamed intestine caused by radiation therapy)
Risk Factors
People at higher risk of developing a GI disease:
Are overweight or obese
Are pregnant
Have a family history of GI issues
Take medication like antacids, antidepressants, narcotics, or iron supplements
Travel or change your routine, causing stress on the digestive process
Smoke

Unfortunately, gastrointestinal diseases are extremely common not just in the U.S., but all over the world. However, experts have provided us with a list of symptoms that are common in any GI disease along with treatments that can improve a person’s quality of life. Luckily, Illuminate Mee has the best solution for the immediate relief of GI disease symptoms.

Illuminate Mee Hydrates IV Hydration Treatment immediately relieves patients of gastrointestinal disease symptoms like nausea and pain as they begin or continue their road to recovery. Start your journey to a healthier you with Illuminate Mee Hydrates IV Hydration Treatment.

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