Gastrointestinal disorders include such conditions as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, perianal infections, diverticular diseases, colitis, colon polyps and cancer. Many of these can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good bowel habits, and submitting to cancer screening.
Other GI disorders not mentioned above that can also be included are GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and GP (Gastroparesis), two of which I was diagnosed with in September. I was also diagnosed with a Hiatal Hernia.
GERD affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Many people, including pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called Hiatal Hernia. In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery.
GP is a severe neuromuscular disorder of the stomach that results in a partially or completely paralyzed stomach. Individuals suffer with a spectrum of symptoms collectively known as dyspepsia. These symptoms range from nausea, vomiting, belching, reflux (stomach acid washing into the mouth), early satiety (a feeling of fullness after a few bites of food), abdominal pain or bloating, a change in bowel habits, and weight loss. People with gastroparesis may experience a substantial loss in quality of life to the point of being housebound for months at a time.
Gastroparesis is also known as delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying can be a component of numerous other gastrointestinal disorders such as:
- non-ulcer dyspepsia,
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- functional dyspepsia,
- cyclic vomiting syndrome,
- functional abdominal pain,
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome);
It is also found in a subset of individuals with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome).
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