Common Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are a broad category of conditions that impact the stomach, intestines, oesophagus, liver, and pancreas, among other digestive system areas. Each type has distinct symptoms, causes, and diagnostic difficulties. Recognizing these variations is essential to correctly diagnose and treat these disorders, which ultimately preserves digestive health. GI conditions may be minor or severe, causing varying levels of discomfort, and even interfering with day-to-day functioning.

This article explores common GI disorders, their causes, symptoms, and various diagnostic procedures.

What are GI Disorders?

A gastrointestinal (GI) disease affects the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. There are primarily two types of GI disorders:

1. Structural Disorders

Structural diseases are conditions caused by structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) system that interfere with regular digestion. Congenital anomalies, inflammation, or injuries can cause these conditions. Examples include strictures, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer.

2. Functional Disorders

Functional disorders are conditions where the gastrointestinal (GI) tract seems normal but does not operate correctly. Unlike structural illnesses, there are no apparent organ abnormalities, yet symptoms remain due to problems with the digestive system. Diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome are common examples.

Common Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases 

Here are the types and symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases with diagnosis.

1. Constipation

Infrequent or challenging bowel motions, frequently accompanied by firm or dry stools, are referred to as constipation. The underlying reason determines whether it is a chronic illness or a temporary problem. Hormonal imbalance, low fiber, dehydration, inactivity, and medical conditions are its causes.

Symptoms

● Having less than three bowel movements per week
● Stools are dry, lumpy, or hard
● Straining while passing stool
● Feeling that the evacuation is not complete

Diagnosis

● Stool Analysis: This procedure checks the stool for parasites, blood, or illness indicators.
● Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI): This provides detailed intestinal views and detects blockages or tumours.
● Colonoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube to visually inspect the colon and rectum for polyps, tumours, inflammation, or strictures and to collect biopsies if necessary.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. Some potential reasons are food sensitivities, infections, stress, gut-brain connections, and changes in gut bacteria.

Symptoms

● Mucus in the poop
● Stomach pain
● Excessive gas

Diagnosis

● Stool analysis: Testing a stool sample to find infections and intestinal problems.
● Blood tests: They include anaemia, thyroid function tests, and inflammatory markers.
● Colonoscopy: It examines the colon and rectum for abnormalities.

3. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the swollen blood vessels in the anus or lower rectum. They may be external (under the skin surrounding the anus) or internal (within the rectum). Chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, low fibre diet, and obesity are its causes.

Symptoms

● Rectal bleeding
● Painful hard lumps close to the anus
● Anus irritation or aching, particularly when reclined

Diagnosis

● Digital rectal exam: Inserting a tube to check the rectum for anomalies.
● Anoscopy: The practitioner views the lining of the rectum and anus using a light tube.

4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD is a chronic disorder that induces inflammation in the digestive tract. Causes include genes, infections, and stress. IBD comes in two primary forms:

● Crohn’s Disease: Any area of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, can be impacted by Crohn’s disease, which frequently results in severe ulcers and inflammation.
● Ulcerative Colitis: It affects the colon and rectum, resulting in persistent inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the large intestine.

Symptoms

● Abdomen discomfort
● Stool containing blood
● Decreased appetite
● Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosis

● Endoscopy: To inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly in suspected Crohn’s disease cases.
● Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible tube to inspect the sigmoid glands and rectum colon.

Causes of gastrointestinal diseases 

Here are some of the gastrointestinal disease causes:

1. Infections: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause inflammation, ulcers, or diarrhea.
2. Lifestyle: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, and low-fiber intake all impair gut health.
3. Stress: By interfering with gut-brain communication, stress and anxiety can lead to disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
4. Genetics: Crohn’s disease is associated with inherited genetic components, and family history raises the risk of IBD and colorectal cancer.
5. Aging: Older persons will likely experience motility issues and impaired digestive system functions.

Gastrointestinal conditions can arise from genes, lifestyle choices, or infections. The symptoms can range from digestive issues to stomachaches. Early detection and treatment are essential for the optimal management of GI disorders.

To diagnose GI disorder symptoms correctly, consult a healthcare professional and book a test with Dr Lal PathLabs today!

FAQs

1. What is a gastrointestinal test?

A gastrointestinal test examines the health of the digestive system and uses endoscopy, imaging, or stool analysis to diagnose diseases like IBS, IBD, and ulcers.

2. Can gastrointestinal disorders be prevented?

Yes, GI disorders can be cured by a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.