Why digestion problem

Inflammatory bowel disease IBD is a type of chronic swelling. It affects one of more parts of the digestive tract. IBD can cause more general digestive ailments, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:. Not only will you be more comfortable, but early treatment also reduces damage to the GI tract. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases involving the digestive system.

These signs include:. These symptoms could be an indication of an infection, gallstones , hepatitis , internal bleeding , or cancer. You may be able to overcome digestion problems with treatment and lifestyle changes. Certain diseases of the digestive system might be long-term, but medications can help alleviate symptoms. Identifying specific digestion problems and talking with a gastroenterologist can go a long way in terms of helping your doctor give you a proper diagnosis.

Bloating is a common digestive problem, usually caused by certain foods and ingredients. Here are 11 evidence-based ways to reduce bloating. Bloating is often caused by certain foods. This article lists 13 foods that are known to cause bloating, and shows you what to replace them with. This is a detailed review of kefir and its health benefits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting two days of muscle-strengthening exercises a week, too.

Get out and get moving, your stomach will thank you. Medication, diet and lifestyle can cause digestive problems as you age. Get five tips that will help you avoid or manage these issues. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Related Articles. How to Prevent Constipation in Your Kids. Updated by: Michael M. Editorial team. Digestive diseases. The first sign of problems in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms: Bleeding Bloating Constipation Diarrhea Heartburn Incontinence Nausea and vomiting Pain in the belly Swallowing problems Weight gain or loss A digestive disease is any health problem that occurs in the digestive tract.

Other digestive diseases include: Gallstones , cholecystitis , and cholangitis Rectal problems, such as anal fissure , hemorrhoids , proctitis , and rectal prolapse Esophagus problems, such as stricture narrowing and achalasia and esophagitis Stomach problems, including gastritis, gastric ulcers usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and cancer Liver problems, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C , cirrhosis , liver failure, and autoimmune and alcoholic hepatitis Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst Intestinal problems, such as polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease , Crohn disease , ulcerative colitis , diverticulitis , malabsorption , short bowel syndrome , and intestinal ischemia Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia Tests for digestive problems can include colonoscopy , upper GI endoscopy , capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ERCP , and endoscopic ultrasound.

Other providers involved in the treatment of digestive diseases include: Nurse practitioners NPs or physician assistants PAs Nutritionists or dietitians Primary care doctors Radiologists Surgeons.

Normal abdominal anatomy. Digestive Diseases Read more. Yet some people may not have any symptoms. The only treatment for celiac disease is to completely avoid eating gluten. Common alternatives to gluten include brown rice, quinoa , lentils, soy flour, corn flour, and amaranth.

Doctors aren't sure what causes the disease, but it's thought that genetics and family history may play a part. The most common Crohn's symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding , weight loss, and fever.

Bamji says. Avoiding trigger foods like dairy products, carbonated beverages, alcohol, coffee, raw fruit and vegetables, red meat, and foods that are fatty, fried, spicy, or gas-producing can also help prevent flares. Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease that may affect as many as , Americans, according to the CCFA. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are very similar to those of Crohn's , but the part of the digestive tract affected is solely the large intestine, also known as the colon.

If you experience frequent and urgent bowel movements, pain with diarrhea, blood in your stool, or abdominal cramps , visit your doctor. Medication can suppress the inflammation, and eliminating foods that cause discomfort may help as well. In severe cases, treatment for ulcerative colitis may involve surgery to remove the colon.

Is your digestive tract irritable? Do you have stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months? It could be irritable bowel syndrome IBS , another common digestive condition. Signs of IBS can vary widely from having hard, dry stools one day to loose, watery stools on another.