Gastroenterology

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile irritates the esophagus lining. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle between the esophagus and stomach, weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to flow back up.

Symptoms:Frequent heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and difficulty swallowing.

Complications:If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophageal ulcers, strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), or Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition where the esophagus lining changes.

Causes:Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and consuming large meals or certain foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.

Treatment:Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head during sleep; medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers to reduce acid production; in severe cases, surgery (e.g., fundoplication) may be necessary to strengthen the LES.

Ulcers:are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, often caused by excess stomach acid. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which may result from bacterial infection, prolonged NSAID use, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms: Burning stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, black or bloody stools. Gastritis may cause a gnawing or burning ache and is typically worse on an empty stomach.

Causes:Infection with Helicobacter pylori, chronic use of pain relievers (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and stress.

Treatment:Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection, antacids and PPIs to reduce stomach acid, and avoiding irritants like NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol.

IBS is a functional disorder of the large intestine, characterized by a group of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary in intensity and frequency.

Causes: The exact cause is unclear but may involve abnormal gut-brain communication, sensitivity of the intestines, and gut motility issues. Stress, certain foods, and hormonal changes may trigger symptoms.

Treatment:Managing diet (avoiding trigger foods like dairy, fatty, or spicy foods), increasing fiber intake, and medications to treat diarrhea or constipation. Stress management techniques like mindfulness or therapy are also effective.

IBD encompasses two chronic autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the GI tract, often the small intestine (especially the ileum) and the colon. The inflammation is patchy and deep, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous inflammation of the innermost lining. Symptoms include diarrhea (often with blood), rectal pain, and an urgent need to defecate.

Causes:While the exact cause is unknown, IBD is thought to result from an immune response triggered by environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and microbial factors.

Treatment:Anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids, biologics), immunosuppressants to control the immune response, and in severe cases, surgery to remove affected parts of the intestine or colon.

Liver diseases can severely affect liver function, leading to a variety of health complications.

Hepatitis inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C), chronic alcohol consumption, or drug use. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, potentially leading to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.p>

Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver due to non-alcoholic causes, often associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.

Symptoms:Fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and in advanced cases, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) or hepatic encephalopathy (confusion caused by liver dysfunction).

Causes:Viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C), chronic alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, obesity, and diabetes.

Treatment:For viral hepatitis, antiviral medications are essential. Fatty liver management involves lifestyle changes such as weight loss, a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol intake. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be required.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. It can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (develops over time and can cause permanent damage).

Symptoms:Severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In chronic pancreatitis, malnutrition, weight loss, and greasy stools may occur due to impaired digestion.

Causes:Gallstones blocking the bile ducts, chronic alcohol use, medications, and genetic disorders.

Treatment: Acute pancreatitis typically requires fasting, IV fluids, and pain management. For chronic cases, long-term treatment includes dietary changes, enzyme supplements to aid digestion, and treating the underlying cause, such as gallstone removal.