Digestive problems always start with mild discomfort and later cause severe complications. These issues encompass numerous conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Below, the best GI surgeon in Kolkata has discussed the top five common digestive problems and their management.
What are the top 5 common digestive problems?
- GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back to the esophagus, causing regurgitation, heartburn and discomfort. The best way to manage this condition include making lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and taking medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids as prescribed by your doctor to lower acid production and alleviate symptoms.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease falls under Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These conditions cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. This further leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain and overall fatigue. Medications such as immunomodulators or corticosteroids help control inflammation, but in severe cases, surgery is needed to remove the affected part of the intestine.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: IBS refers to a common condition characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and diarrhea. The condition can be managed through increasing fiber intake, avoiding trigger foods, minimize stress and having medications like laxative and antispasmodics to relieve symptoms.
- Gallstones: These are hardened deposits present in the gallbladder that cause symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. The best GI surgeon in Kolkata recommends dietary changes to reduce the intake of fatty foods, medications to dissolve stones and most commonly surgery for gallbladder removal.
- Peptic Ulcers: These are sores that develop in the stomach lining, esophagus or small intestine due to the erosion of the protective mucous layer. Antibiotics are recommended to eliminate H.pylori bacteria (commonly associated with ulcers) along with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acid suppressing medications for treating these conditions.
Some other ways to manage digestive conditions include the following.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: To maintain your digestive health, consume a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables and rich in fiber and probiotics to aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of various digestive conditions.
- Performing regular exercise: According to a gastrointestinal surgeon, exercising regularly facilitates proper digestion by stimulating bowel movements and managing the symptoms of IBS.
- Staying adequately hydrated: Drinking adequate water not only helps you to stay hydrated but also enables proper breakdown of food.
- Avoiding trigger factors: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods that worsen the symptoms of digestive problems is essential for managing the conditions effectively.
If you experience any of these conditions, reach out to the best GI surgeon in Kolkata to find relief from such digestive problems.