What are Gastrointestinal Diseases?

Gastrointestinal, or GI, diseases occur within the GI tract. The GI tract is the part of the digestive system that helps with the processing of nutrients and the passing of waste out of your body. Gastrointestinal issues are common, and the symptoms of these types of diseases are similar.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Abdominal bloating

Severe abdominal pain

Bloody diarrhea

Fever and chills

Severe nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, or vomiting blood

Inability to swallow or have bowel movement

Here is a list of the 6 most common GI diseases

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition that causes heartburn, or the act of stomach acid going back up into your esophagus. Most people experience heartburn every once in a while; however, if you have heartburn at least twice a week or have symptoms that affect your everyday life, then you may have GERD.

Symptoms

1. Heartburn
2. Bad breath
3. Tooth erosion
4. Nausea
5. Pain in chest or upper abdomen
6. Trouble swallowing or breathing
7. Treatment
8. OTC antacids
9. Change in diet
10. Elevating the head of the bed
11. Avoid tight-fitting clothing
12. Quit smoking
13. Avoid laying down after a meal
14. Medication and surgery in more severe cases

2. Gallstones

Gallstones are hard objects that form in your gallbladder as a result of high cholesterol, waste in your bile, or your gallbladder not functioning properly. About one million Americans develop gallstones annually.

Symptoms

1. Sharp pain in your upper-right abdomen
2. Treatment
3. Medication
4. Surgery

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a severe gluten intolerance that causes intestinal damage whenever patients with this condition ingest gluten. About 1% of the U.S. population suffers from this disease unknowingly. They are often misdiagnosed with something else.

Symptoms in Children

1. Abdominal pain and bloating
2. Constipation
3. Diarrhea
4. Weight loss
5. Vomiting
6. Symptoms in Adults
7. Anemia
8. Bone loss
9. Fatigue
10. Depression
11. Seizures
12. Treatment
13. Avoid gluten
14. Eat alternatives like brown rice, quinoa, lentils, soy flour, etc.

4. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is part of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group that causes a series of digestive conditions. Crohn’s primarily affects the terminal ileum (connection of the small bowel and colon), though it can affect any part of the GI tract. About 780,000 Americans have this disease, yet the cause remains unknown. Some experts believe that genetics play a role in its development.

Symptoms

1. Abdominal pain
2. Rectal bleeding
3. Diarrhea
4. Fever
5. Weight loss
6. Treatment
7. Avoid trigger foods (alcohol, coffee, dairy products, carbonated drinks, raw fruit and vegetables, red meat, and foods that are: fried, spicy, fatty, or gas-producing)
8. Topical pain relievers
9. Immunosuppressants
10. Surgery

5. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the large intestine, or colon, and about 907,000 Americans.

Symptoms

1. Sores or ulcers
2. Frequent and urgent bowel movements
3. Painful, bloody diarrhea
4. Abdominal cramps
5. Treatment
6. Anti-inflammatory medication
7. Avoid trigger foods
8. Surgery to remove the colon

6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition that about 10-15% of the global population suffers from.

Symptoms

1. Irregular bowel movements (cycles of hard, dry stool and watery diarrhea)
2. Bloating
3. Stomach pain or discomfort
4. Treatment
5. Avoid trigger foods
6. Eat low-fat, high-fiber meals
7. Incorporate probiotics into your diet with yogurt
8. Manage stress (cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants may help)

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Complications

1. Gastrointestinal diseases can cause complications, such as:
2. Dehydration
3. Constipation
4. Diarrhea
5. Fecal Impaction (unpassable, dry, hard stool)
6. Bowel Obstruction (blockage of the small or large intestine by something other than stool)
7. Radiation Enteritis (inflamed intestine caused by radiation therapy)
8. Risk Factors
9. People at higher risk of developing a GI disease:
10. Are overweight or obese
11. Are pregnant
12. Have a family history of GI issues
13. Take medication like antacids, antidepressants, narcotics, or iron supplements
14. Travel or change your routine, causing stress on the digestive process
15. Smoke

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Unfortunately, gastrointestinal diseases are extremely common not just in the U.S., but all over the world. However, experts have provided us with a list of symptoms that are common in any GI disease along with treatments that can improve a person’s quality of life. Luckily, Illuminate Mee has the best solution for the immediate relief of GI disease symptoms.

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Illuminate Mee Hydrates IV Hydration Treatment immediately relieves patients of gastrointestinal disease symptoms like nausea and pain as they begin or continue their road to recovery. Start your journey to a healthier you with Illuminate Mee Hydrates IV Hydration Treatment.