Types of Digestive Disorders and Their Treatment

Reviewed by: Dr. Amira Az Zahra

Digestive disorders are one of the health problems that can be experienced by everyone. Digestive disorders are a condition that causes the digestive system to not function properly, and can be in the form of various signs and symptoms. This condition is influenced by various factors, including consuming foods that are low in fiber, lack of exercise, experiencing stress, and so on. The treatment also includes various methods, both natural and medical. Let's see!

Types of Digestive Disorders

Here are some common types of digestive disorders—ranging from mild to severe:

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as more frequent bowel movements—can be 3 or more times a day—with soft and liquid stools. Diarrhea can be caused by consuming stale food, rarely washing hands before eating and after going to the bathroom. In addition, diarrhea can also be caused by intolerance to gluten or lactose, stress and anxiety, or parasitic infections especially after consuming contaminated food and water. Symptoms include liquid stools, abdominal pain and cramps, and can be accompanied by fever to dehydration.

Maag

Gastric or dyspepsia is one of the most frequently complained digestive disorders, which can be discomfort in the pit of the stomach and upper abdomen, bloating, feeling full, or burning in the stomach. This condition usually occurs when there is an increase in stomach acid due to eating late or after consuming food or drinks that irritate the stomach, such as acidic, spicy foods, or coffee and tea drinks. Gastric symptoms can also arise due to bacterial infections or wounds in the stomach that cause inflammation.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Unlike ulcers, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition in which stomach acid rises into the esophagus. This condition can be influenced by the habit of lying down after eating, obesity, or the presence of underlying diseases such as connective tissue disorders, including lupus and scleroderma. Some of the symptoms that appear include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), a bitter and sour taste in the mouth, a lump in the throat, nausea and vomiting, esophagitis (inflamed or sore esophagus), frequent belching, bloating, a sour taste in the mouth, and so on.

Gastric Ulcer

Peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer is an inflammation that appears in the stomach wall due to erosion of the stomach lining. This erosion can occur due to infection by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that sticks to the mucous layer and causes damage to the layer, or an imbalance between stomach acid and protective factors of the stomach. This condition can be aggravated by consuming spicy or sour foods, experiencing stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, and so on. Symptoms last for minutes to hours, but worsen between meals, morning and night, and when the stomach is empty.

Treatment of Digestive Disorders

Treatment for digestive disorders depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

Diare

In cases of diarrhea, the main principle of treatment is to stop the diarrhea and prevent or treat dehydration, namely by:

• Fulfill fluid intake so that the body remains well hydrated.

• Taking drugs that reduce digestive tract movement or solidify stool, such as kaolin and pectin, attapulgite, and loperamide.

• Avoiding spicy, high-fat, and high-fiber foods.

• Taking supplements containing probiotics with Lactobacillus acidophilus to speed healing.

• Eating soft foods and foods that contain lots of water such as soups that are easier to digest.

Maag

In avoiding and treating stomach ulcers or dyspepsia, a balance between stomach acid and protective factors in the stomach is needed. Preventing and treating stomach ulcer symptoms can be done by:

• Reduce consumption of spicy and fatty foods, as well as those that irritate the stomach such as coffee, tea and alcohol.

• Exercise regularly every day to keep the body healthy.

• Sleep 7-8 hours a day to help relieve heartburn.

• In more severe conditions, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and others can be prescribed.

GERD

The management principle for GERD is to treat the symptoms experienced and prevent complications, including:

• Avoid lying down after eating and sleeping at least 1 - 2 hours after eating to prevent GERD.

• Do not consume foods that trigger GERD such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and others.

• Take antacids that function to neutralize stomach acid. This drug is usually used for mild stomach acid symptoms.

• In patients with more severe symptoms, the use of drugs in the form of prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, H2 receptor blockers such as ranitidine, and so on can be considered.

Gastric Ulcer

Therapy for gastric ulcers includes the following:

• Manage stress well and get enough rest.

• Increase consumption of fruits, grains, and vegetables.

• Avoid consumption of foods that can irritate the stomach.

• Take medication as indicated, such as proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics if needed (must be prescribed by a doctor).

When to see a doctor?

Most common digestive disorders can be treated with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. However, in more severe conditions that do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, a doctor's role is needed to treat the digestive disorder.

If Sahabat Premier experience symptoms of digestive disorders that do not improve with the efforts mentioned above, Premier Friends can seek help from an Internal Medicine Specialist, especially a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Consultant (SpPD-KGEH), who will help find the cause of the symptoms experienced and determine the right therapy. Premier Friends can also visit Digestive Center, clinic that specializes in treating all diseases in the colorectal area.

That is a brief explanation of digestive disorders, types of digestive disorders, and treatments that can be done. Hopefully useful, Sahabat Premier!

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