Dealing with Common Digestive Issues

Thanks to advances in medical and scientific research and improved diagnosis from doctors, increasing numbers of us are becoming increasingly aware that the mild discomfort we experience on a daily basis is caused by digestive issues. They’re a whole lot more common than we may have considered in the past! The good news is that once you understand the cause of your individual abdominal and digestive discomfort, you can figure out treatment plans and methods of relief. So, let’s take a moment to understand three of the most common digestive issues and how best to deal with them.

IBS

Perhaps the most common digestive issue tends to be “IBS”, which is short for “irritable bowel syndrome”. It is believed that around one in every five people suffers from the condition. Confusion regarding this health concern tends to come into play because of the wide variety of terms that can be used to refer to this type of illness and the areas that it affects. In short, it is a long-term condition that affects the bowels. Symptoms often include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation; each of which tends to come and go over time. Unfortunately, it tends to be a lifelong problem that cannot be entirely cured but can be managed effectively to reduce the discomfort experienced by the sufferer. If you think that you are suffering from IBS, consult a professional in gastroenterology. They will be able to confirm any conditions and recommend methods of relief.

GERD

GERD stands for “gastroesophageal reflux disease”, however it is more commonly referred to as “acid reflux”. This condition causes an uncomfortable burning sensation due to stomach acids backing up into your oesophagus. Almost everyone experiences acid reflux every now and again. If the condition is rare or occasional, it can generally be treated with over-the-counter relief from a pharmacy. But if you are experiencing it on a daily basis or multiple times a week, you should consider consulting your doctor for further diagnosis and advice.

Diverticulitis

It is common for people develop pouches called diverticula within the walls of their colon. However, if you find that these diverticula become inflamed or irritated, you will be diagnosed with a condition called diverticulitis. This can prove extremely uncomfortable and even painful. Much like IBS, doctors are still unsure exactly what causes this condition. They are unsure as to why diverticula develop, and there is, as of yet, no direct cure for the irritation and pain that they can create. However, much like IBS again, there are certain measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of the symptoms on an individual’s lifestyle, such as increasing the amount of fibre in your diet. If you regularly experience pain in your stomach (most commonly the lower left area), fever and chills, bloating and gas, diarrhoea or constipation, or nausea and perhaps even vomiting, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

While there are no outright cures for these three common conditions, you don’t have to put up with them and accept their symptoms as a part of your life. Seek professional help, as doctors can provide you with comfort and relief.