The gastrointestinal tract performs the most important functions in the human body. Diseases of this part of the digestive system are conditions in which the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines is affected, severe complications develop. They threaten not only health, but also the life of the patient.
There are several types of diseases that affect the human stomach and intestines. There is no strict classification of conditions, but doctors distinguish between acute and chronic conditions. The first develop suddenly, are accompanied by severe symptoms, often threaten the patient's life.
Chronic diseases usually develop slowly, are the result of violations from other organs and are complicated. The patient may not notice the signs for a long time, which also aggravates the condition.
The most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are the following:
In addition to diseases, defeat inner walls digestive tract may be associated with the appearance of a benign or malignant neoplasm.
Gastrointestinal diseases proceed in several stages, regardless of the type of condition. The initial degree is characterized by the absence of symptoms that could be a reason to see a doctor. The patient leads a normal life, but the mucous membrane has already changed.
The progressive stage is usually accompanied by the appearance of severe symptoms. The patient is worried about nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach and intestines. Gradually, his condition worsens, the symptoms become more pronounced, appetite worsens.
At the advanced stage, the patient is exhausted, dehydrated, often in a horizontal position. At this stage of the disease, treatment is complicated and lasts a long time.
It is worth noting that with an acute form of pathology, all stages develop rapidly, so the disease quickly passes into a neglected form. In the chronic course, the symptoms are mild. But this type is not considered safer, since it often leads to the development of complications.
With the development of one of the gastrointestinal diseases, the patient may be disturbed by various symptoms, which depends on the specific disease and the degree of its neglect.
The most common manifestations will be the following:
Among the external manifestations of diseases, deterioration of the skin, dryness and peeling can be distinguished. With a long course of the disease, the patient has brittle nails and hair, the appearance of a rash on the face. Sometimes the skin becomes icteric, since pathologies of the stomach and intestines often provoke complications from the liver and gallbladder.
The patient's abdomen may be swollen, when touched, he feels a sharp pain. If the condition is associated with bleeding, the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall are tense, the patient becomes pale, the skin is moist. The patient is in the supine position, when trying to probe the stomach and intestines, severe and sharp pain is noted.
With bleeding, loose stools are also noted, which in medicine are called "coffee grounds". Such a phrase very accurately describes bowel movements, which, in color and consistency, really resemble coffee grounds. An additional symptom of bleeding will be a sharp decrease in blood pressure to critical levels.
Gastrointestinal diseases are the result of various causes and predisposing factors. Specialists can only determine the cause of bleeding. In most cases, it develops as a result of severe damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines, which leads to the release of blood. In addition, heavy physical exertion can be the cause.
Other diseases of the digestive tract are usually caused by other causes.
The main ones will be:
One or more causes will certainly provoke disorders of the digestive tract.
Gastrointestinal disorders are quite difficult to diagnose in the absence of symptoms. Diseases may not appear for a long time. Used for examination various methods to pinpoint the cause of the disorder. 
| Method | Description | Cost, venue |
| General examination and questioning of the patient | The first step is to identify the cause of the disorder. The specialist listens to the patient's complaints, the duration of their manifestation. After that, he examines the skin, mucous membranes and tongue of the patient. | Usually, payment for the examination is not required, an examination is carried out in any medical institution |
| Clinical blood test | General analysis helps to detect deviations from the side internal organs. | It is carried out in every clinic, in a private one the price is approximately 200 rubles. |
| Biochemical analysis | For analysis, blood is taken from a vein, the result allows you to see violations of the liver, pancreas. With disorders of the stomach and intestines, complications almost always develop. | Available for holding in every clinic, the price in a private institution is approximately 200-300 rubles. |
| A study to detect Helicobacter pylori in the body | The bacterium can be detected by diagnosing feces and blood. For an accurate result, both methods are used, but sometimes it is enough to study blood from a vein for antibodies produced by the body against bacteria. | It is carried out in public and private clinics. The second offer diagnostics for 400 rubles. |
| FGDS | Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is the most effective method. In this case, the patient is offered to swallow a probe, at the tip of which there is a miniature camera. Thanks to her, the image is displayed on the monitor, the specialist studies the condition of the gastric mucosa and duodenum. | In a public clinic, the study is usually free of charge. In private it costs about 300 rubles. |
| MRI with contrast agent | The technique is effective and common when other methods have failed to determine the disease and its presumed cause. In this case, the entire digestive tract is studied using a magnetic field. To obtain a clearer picture, a contrast agent is injected intravenously, which is concentrated in the affected area. | It is carried out in clinics where there is appropriate equipment. The price is approximately 1000-1300 rubles. |
The most effective method is MRI and FGDS.
Thanks to such an examination, it is possible to accurately determine the site of the lesion and the degree of neglect of the condition.
If there are disorders of the digestive tract, it is recommended not to postpone a visit to the doctor. Such diseases are treated by a gastroenterologist, but in the absence of such a narrow specialist in the locality, the therapist is involved in the treatment.
If the patient has signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, which will take the patient to the hospital of the surgical department. Do not postpone a visit to a specialist, even if there are no acute symptoms of the disease.
Gastrointestinal diseases are much easier to prevent than to treat. To do this, it is necessary to normalize the diet, to abandon harmful products. It is important to exclude canned food, smoked meats and carbonated drinks from the menu. In addition, you should minimize the amount of alcohol consumed.
One of the most important methods of prevention is the elimination of stress.
It is recommended to remain calm in any situation so as not to provoke the production of hydrochloric acid. If you need to work the night shift, you should try not to stick to such a schedule on weekends so that the body does not adapt to such a schedule.
During the period of treatment with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to additionally take medications that protect the gastric mucosa. They will help prevent organ damage during treatment.
Patients who abuse tobacco products are advised to give up addiction.
To treat diseases of the digestive tract, specialists use several methods. The main therapy is dietary nutrition, which reduces the load on the stomach and intestines. In addition, doctors prescribe medications and some methods to improve the patient's condition.
Treatment of diseases involves taking drugs from different groups to ensure a complex effect.
Most effective means will be the following: 
In addition, other means may be prescribed to eliminate the specific symptoms of the disease. In each case, the set of drugs is different, and the dosage is selected individually.
Gastrointestinal diseases are often treated with prescriptions alternative medicine. Some of them are efficient.
Infusion based on pharmacy chamomile is a popular antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to destroy pathogenic microflora and normalize digestion. To obtain the medicine, it is necessary to insist 3 g of dry raw materials in 300 ml of boiling water for 30 minutes, filter and take 100 ml 3 times a day. The duration of the course is 7 days. 
Nettle decoction is an effective medicine for the development of gastrointestinal bleeding, since nettle has hemostatic properties. Preparing the medicine is simple: for 1 liter of water you need 20 g of dry raw materials, you should cook for 5 minutes, then leave for at least 1 hour, filter. Ready medicine 3 times a day to use 50 ml. Duration of treatment - no more than 7 days.
A decoction of oak bark has astringent properties and helps to alleviate the condition of patients with gastritis, accompanied by frequent loose stools. It is necessary to prepare the medicine from dry and pre-shredded bark. For 500 ml of water, 20 g of raw materials will be needed, it needs to be boiled for 10 minutes, insisted for 2 hours, filtered. Use 20 ml in the morning and evening for 10 days.
Any prescription for alternative medicine can provoke complications, so they can only be used after an examination.
For any disease of the digestive tract, it is necessary to adhere to a strict diet during treatment and after its completion for 2-3 months to consolidate the result. The most strict diet will be for gastrointestinal bleeding, as the patient is not allowed to eat for 2 to 5 days. Only small amounts of cool water are allowed.
For other diseases, the following products should be excluded from the menu:
It is allowed to use dairy products, boiled meat, low-fat soups. Good to include in your diet vegetable stew, baked fruits and biscuits. In addition, it is important to eat cereals, mashed potatoes without oil, boiled fish. It is allowed to cook steamed dishes without adding spices and oil.
The approximate daily menu should include healthy, but light meals. For breakfast, you can eat buckwheat porridge without oil, a soft-boiled egg and drink weak black tea. Lunch should consist of a first course, such as chicken broth potato soup, and steamed beef or chicken steak.
It is better to replace dinner with a glass of low-fat kefir, biscuit cookies. Portions should be small. In each case, the menu is compiled individually.
The only alternative treatment for gastrointestinal diseases is surgery. It is indicated for perforated gastric or intestinal ulcers, as well as acute gastrointestinal bleeding, when the blood cannot be stopped conservatively.
The operation involves opening the anterior abdominal wall with the subsequent elimination of the area that provokes bleeding. With perforation, part of the stomach is removed, it is sutured, followed by the removal of several drainages from the abdominal cavity.
The intervention is performed under general anesthesia, the recovery period lasts at least 4 weeks. The operation is considered a last resort, done only when there is a threat to the life of the patient.
If left untreated, complications will inevitably develop. The most common is peptic ulcer, when the patient does not go to the doctor when symptoms of gastritis appear. In addition, the development of peritonitis is possible with perforation of the ulcer and the release of the contents of the stomach into abdominal cavity.
Peptic ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disease The condition is life-threatening for the patient. In addition, any disease can become chronic. A frequent consequence is the exhaustion of the patient, asthenia, anemia as a result of regular blood loss. The most dangerous complication is death.
Gastrointestinal disorders are considered a fairly common problem among patients of different sex and age. Diseases require timely treatment, which helps to prevent complications.
Article formatting: Vladimir the Great
Elena Malysheva will talk about 3 tests for gastrointestinal diseases:
Gastrointestinal diseases are one of the most common pathologies of internal organs. Almost every third inhabitant of our planet suffers from one or another disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Many people are interested in what diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are most common? According to statistics, gastritis, ulcers, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hemorrhoids are most often diagnosed.
The gastrointestinal tract is part of the digestive system. With its help, the body processes incoming food, receiving useful components for itself and removing undigested food residues to the outside.
Under the influence of a number of factors in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, a failure occurs, as a result of which diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may develop in the future.
The main causes of these diseases are:
There are several classifications of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
For reasons of occurrence, they are:
By localization, diseases are distinguished:
According to the severity of the pathological process of diseases of the digestive tract, there are:
Main clinical signs diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are:
1. Heartburn. It is manifested by a burning sensation in the region of the sternum, which spreads upward to the oral cavity.
2. Pain in the abdomen.
3. Dysphagia (violation of the act of swallowing). May occur in the presence of inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies in the esophagus, oral cavity, larynx, as well as in a number of diseases of the central nervous system.
4. Belching. What diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by this symptom? First of all, these are pathologies of the stomach and duodenum, sometimes diseases of the gallbladder or liver.
5. Nausea. A fairly common symptom that can be observed in almost all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In some pathologies, vomiting may begin after nausea.
6. Constipation. The absence of stool for two or more days may be a symptom of dysbacteriosis, pancreatitis, ulcers, tumors, or irritation of the colon.
7. Flatulence. It is observed in dysbacteriosis, cirrhosis of the liver, intestinal infections, pancreatitis, colitis. It is manifested by bursting and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, followed by the passage of gases.
8. Diarrhea. This is loose stools, which can be one-time or frequent. It is one of the symptoms of poisoning, infections, disorders of the nervous system. In addition, diarrhea can occur due to a sharp change in climate, unusual food, strong physical exertion.
9. Cough. With pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, coughing can be one of the symptoms of dysbacteriosis, infectious diseases, and helminthic invasions. In addition, cough often occurs when there is a foreign body in the esophagus.
Diagnosis of diseases of the digestive tract includes the following steps:
Each of the above stages includes a number of procedures by which the state of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract is determined, their functioning is studied and possible violations are identified.
Therapy of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may include the following steps:
One of the most effective methods The treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is a complex therapy using prebiotics, probiotics and the immunomodulator Transfer factor.
Acting in conjunction with each other, these drugs restore the normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract and significantly increase the body's immune defenses.
The most effective of them are:
The most important link in the scheme complex treatment diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is an immunomodulator Transfer factor, which is based on molecules that are a natural component of the human immune system. Once in the patient's body, Transfer Factor helps to solve several important tasks at once:
It is also important that the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases with the help of the above drugs does not harm the patient's body. These funds do not cause side effects and habituation, have practically no contraindications. An overdose of them is also impossible due to the fact that all of the above products have a 100% natural composition.
All diseases of the gastrointestinal tract proceed in different ways, so diet recommendations can only be given when a specific diagnosis is made. The following are general recommendations for patients with gastrointestinal disease:
Diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should be especially strictly observed during periods of exacerbation. During remission, you can afford small indulgences.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the symptoms and methods of treatment of which are described above, can be prevented. In order to reduce the likelihood of developing gastrointestinal diseases to a minimum, the following recommendations should be observed:
1. Eat right and balanced.
2. Go in for sports. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract "love" sedentary people who spend all their time indoors. Therefore, you need to lead an active lifestyle, walk more often, go swimming, do exercises in the morning.
3. Refuse bad habits.
4. Avoid stressful situations, observe the regime of work and rest.
Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases includes compliance with the cooking regimen and personal hygiene rules. This will help avoid intestinal infections.
If you experience any suspicious symptoms, you should seek medical attention. This will help to diagnose the disease in the early stages and avoid its transition to a chronic form, which will greatly facilitate treatment and improve the prognosis.
The phrase gastrointestinal disorder refers to the most various diseases, both directly affecting, and related to disruption of other body systems. Such diseases are among the most common today. In general, all of them can be divided into three large groups: functional, organic disorders and psychosomatic disorders. Let's take a closer look at each of the groups.
As the name suggests, this type of disorder disrupts the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, this violation is not accompanied by any organic changes in the structure of the organs themselves. So, what functions can be violated?
Each of these functions, or several at once, may be disturbed due to various reasons, which leads to a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. The failure of the organs is reflected in the sensations of a person, which allows you to highlight certain symptoms.
As you can see, the symptoms are very common and can indicate many different diseases.
The causes of functional disorders can be very diverse, ranging from adverse effects external environment to other diseases in the body that provoked a complication in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common of them:
Most often, the reasons lie in malnutrition. Often the use of dry, fatty, spicy and fried foods require more secretion than is normally necessary. Over time, the glands "get tired" and can no longer secrete right amount juices to process not so heavy food. This condition leads to irritation of the mucous membrane, gastritis and so on may occur. In other cases, the motor function of the organs is disturbed, the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract slows down or accelerates, which causes discomfort and pain in the patient.
Accurate determination of the localization of discomfort in the abdomen helps to bring the doctor closer to making an accurate diagnosis. Conventionally, the entire abdomen can be divided into 9 sections, as illustrated in the picture below. At first glance, this seems very difficult, but let's figure it out. The division begins with two horizontal lines that connect the upper ends of the thighs and the lower ends of the costal arches. Thus, the abdomen can be divided into three levels, from upper to lower: epigastrium, mesogastrium and hypogastrium. Further, each of these levels lasts for another 3 parts, which are distinguished by drawing two vertical lines that are drawn along the rectus abdominis muscles. Also, to limit the scheme, a solid line is drawn from above along the costal arcs. The dotted line in the picture indicates the dome of the diaphragm.
Why is it necessary to divide the body into sections? The fact is that certain organs are located in each of these sections, and by defining the sections, we significantly narrow the range of possible diseases. For example, in area No. 7, the appendix is most often located, and in 6 and 4, the kidneys.
These methods are used only for primary diagnosis. Ultrasound, fecal, blood and urine tests are used to confirm.
Of course, we will not cover in this article the whole variety of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore we will briefly consider the most common:
Basically, the standard therapy regimen includes methods of traditional and traditional medicine, as well as diet. All patients are advised to give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking) for the duration of treatment, as well as carefully observe the treatment.
In most cases, treatment is limited to taking medications (anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to restore intestinal microflora, drugs that normalize stomach acidity. In extreme cases or in advanced stages, surgery may be required.
Or, in medical terms - organic dyspepsia - a pathology associated with changes in the structure of organs (for example, stomach ulcers, hepatitis). Organic disorders are not as common as functional ones, but they are much more serious for the body and more difficult to treat.
In organic disorders, the causes are exactly the same as in functional ones, but most often they are based on various bacteria and infections. Therefore, the clinical picture can be supplemented by fever, fever, and in rare cases, cough and runny nose.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Delay with treatment can lead to deterioration and complications.
In most cases, with organic dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcers (of the stomach or duodenum), as well as various infectious diseases of the intestine: enterocolitis, colitis, enteritis, appendicitis.
Organic dyspepsia is diagnosed in the same way as functional dyspepsia. However, the therapy will already be different. In this case, more intensive and prolonged treatment is required. Patients must be prescribed antibiotics (often even two at once), as well as drugs that support the microflora in the intestine. With a pronounced pain syndrome, antispasmodics and painkillers are used.
Important! These drugs are prescribed only after an accurate diagnosis! Do not drink painkillers for abdominal pain without consulting a doctor, they can hide the symptoms of serious diseases.
If an infection has been diagnosed that is accompanied by a high temperature, then antipyretics are prescribed.
In a severe course of the disease, the patient must necessarily observe bed rest, and overload himself physically, for a while give up work and study.
Drink plenty of fluids and watch your diet.
It is best to go on a diet: eat only boiled, non-spicy and low-fat foods.
In no case do not eat hot or cold food, everything should be at room temperature. Eat small meals several times a day.
If you like tea, then it is better to replace it with herbal decoctions.
With the development of serious complications, surgical intervention may be required.
Under them, in most cases, they understand all the same diseases of the digestive tract, however, caused by the mental state of a person. The theory of such an impact was developed by Hans Selye, who studied wounded soldiers and conducted experiments with rats. In the course of his research, he found that the level of stress and the duration of its effect on the body significantly affect life expectancy and health.
Today, such dependence is not a secret for doctors, and especially gastroenterologists, because nervous tension most often affects the gastrointestinal tract.
As mentioned above, the main reason is nervous tension and stress. However, how do they affect digestion? The fact is that a person is a biological being, in which many natural instincts are embedded. When there are any changes in life that entail strong feelings, the body can behave in two ways:
The first strategy requires the activation of all body systems, obtaining additional energy. To get it, it is necessary to speed up the process of digestion of food, by releasing more secretion and increasing the motility of organs. In the second case, the whole organism, on the contrary, slows down, all processes slow down, respectively, less secretion is released, motor skills slow down.
Both situations negatively affect the state of the organs: in the first case, they are depleted, and in the second, they allocate an insufficient amount of resources for the digestion of food and the body receives less nutrients.
Most often, doctors diagnose such diseases:
Typical manifestations of diseases of the digestive tract are supplemented by insomnia, loss of appetite, "emptiness" in the head, chaotic thoughts, difficulty in concentrating and other signs of high nervous tension. If the impact of a stressful situation is prolonged, then other symptoms begin to appear:
Often the patient himself may not notice that he is in a state of stress.
In this case, an integrated approach is needed: drug treatment and psychotherapy. As additional means, you can use the methods of alternative therapy, namely decoctions based on herbs that have a calming and relaxing effect. Which medications will be prescribed depends on the disease. These can be drugs that lower or increase the acidity of the stomach, “enveloping” the mucous membrane of medicines, antispasmodics, analgesics, and in some cases even antibiotics. Immunostimulants and vitamins are used to restore the body's resources.
Psychotherapy is necessary to normalize the patient's condition, his psychological relaxation. The main goal is to relieve stress, “turn off” this mode in the psyche in order to restore the normal functioning of the organs. For this, ordinary consultations, auto-training, various exercises can be used. Depending on the complexity of the situation, therapy is supplemented with sedatives of different strength.
In some cases, medical stress relief can be substituted folk remedies. A decoction based on valerian, mint, lemon balm, motherwort is perfect. Brewing them is very simple - you need to pour a tablespoon of dry raw materials into 200 ml of boiling water. It is best to drink decoctions at night, before going to bed.
As you can see, there are a lot of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and in some cases the same diseases can be triggered by different factors, and therefore require differentiated methods of therapy. In no case do not try to diagnose yourself or your loved ones on your own. The information in this article is for informational purposes only.
If you have found certain symptoms in yourself, and were able to diagnose diseases, do not prescribe medication yourself! You may not take into account side effects or contraindications, thereby harming yourself. Treatment should be prescribed only by a doctor!
Anton Palaznikov
Gastroenterologist, therapist
Work experience more than 7 years.
Professional skills: diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.
Symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and diseases leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. This page contains a summary of complete information For a specific symptom, go to the rubric or use the site search.
Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation along the esophagus, starting from the xiphoid process, spreading upward. It is associated with the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Contributes to heartburn hypersensitivity mucous membrane of the esophagus, increased activity of the cardial section of the stomach, as well as spasm of the pylorus - the section connecting the stomach and duodenum 12.
More often, heartburn appears against the background of increased acidity of gastric juice, but it can also be with hypochlorhydria (lack of hydrochloric acid). Heartburn necessarily accompanies reflux esophagitis, often with stomach ulcers. Sometimes heartburn occurs with cholecystitis, against the background of pregnancy. Intolerance to certain foods can also be manifested by heartburn.
Flatulence - bloating of the intestines, accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. It appears when gases accumulate in the lumen of the small or large intestine.
Normally, gases from the intestines are absorbed through the intestinal wall and then excreted through the lungs, some of the gases are excreted through the rectum. With inflammation of the intestinal wall and venous stasis, an accumulation of gases occurs. Therefore, flatulence is an early manifestation of portal hypertension syndrome.
With insufficient activity of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fermentation processes in the intestine are intensified. Flatulence after drinking milk is characteristic of lactase deficiency. Bloating after eating vegetables (potatoes, cabbage) is a sign of indigestion in the initial section of the large intestine.
Intestinal stenosis (for example, a tumor) is manifested by flatulence in a certain area, which disappears after rumbling in the intestines. Bloating in the left side of the abdomen is characteristic of megacolon. That symptom is usually pronounced in irritable bowel syndrome.
Sometimes flatulence is psychogenic in nature or is associated with excessive swallowing of air (aerophagia).
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the epigastric region, chest, oral cavity, accompanied by salivation, often weakness and a decrease in blood pressure. Nausea is associated with the excitation of the vomiting center. Nausea in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is a reflex and is associated with irritation of receptors in the walls of the stomach, bile ducts.
Nausea can have a variety of causes. In particular, it is a symptom of diseases of the digestive system, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach cancer, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis.
Vomiting is a complex reflex process that leads to the removal of gastric contents through the mouth. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting has the same causes as nausea. Nausea and vomiting are non-specific symptoms that occur with many other diseases. Vomiting is dangerous with the possibility of developing gastric bleeding. In addition, with frequent vomiting, dehydration of the body and electrolyte imbalance and acid-base balance occur. As a result, the activity of internal organs is disrupted.
Belching is the passage of gases from the stomach and esophagus through the mouth. It occurs when the diaphragm contracts. Belching with air happens with aerophagia - swallowing air. It can appear in healthy individuals when overeating or after drinking carbonated drinks.
Frequent belching can be a symptom of insufficiency of the cardia - the upper part of the stomach. It appears with a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, inflection of the stomach, pyloric stenosis.
Dysphagia is a violation of swallowing at the level of the oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus, accompanied by a feeling of stopping the food bolus, sometimes accompanied by pain. Most often, dysphagia is a sign of diseases of the esophagus. It can be a manifestation of organic lesions (ulcers, tumors, consequences of a burn of the esophagus, zzophagitis, achalasia of the cardia, foreign bodies of the esophagus). In other cases, dysphagia is associated with external compression of the esophagus with tumors of the mediastinum, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and aortic aneurysm.
Bitterness in the mouth is one of the signs of hepatic dyspepsia. Its appearance is associated with a violation of the movement (motor) of the gallbladder, biliary tract, duodenum, stomach, esophagus. Most often, bitterness in the mouth is a symptom of cholecystitis, pancreatitis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone. It is also found in gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
Bad breath can be the result of oral pathology (halitosis).
It can be a symptom of indigestion in diseases of the stomach, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, diverticulum of the esophagus or stomach. The smell may be sour or resemble hydrogen sulfide.
The smell of bitterness occurs with diseases of the gallbladder. The smell of feces from the mouth usually indicates a serious pathology, for example, intestinal obstruction.
Pathological impurities in the feces are substances that are normally found in it in small quantities or are absent at all. This is blood, mucus, the remains of undigested food.
The remains of undigested food in the feces are usually the result of inflammatory diseases of the small intestine (enteritis). They are accompanied by an increase in the amount of feces, its liquefaction, and an increase in defecation.
The admixture of blood and mucus is characteristic of diseases of the colon and rectum, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis. Also, an admixture of blood and mucus can be a symptom of a tumor of the large intestine. Bright unchanged blood appears with anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
Pain in the abdomen can accompany any disease of the digestive system. If the source of pain is hollow organs (stomach, intestines), it may be due to spasm of smooth muscles or stretching of the walls of the organ in violation of blood flow and inflammatory diseases. With damage to a non-hollow organ (liver, pancreas), pain is associated primarily with stretching of the capsule of this organ with an increase in its size.
The main diseases of the digestive system, in which there is pain in the abdomen:
Constipation is a rare difficult bowel movement, often accompanied by excessive stool hardness, pain, and flatulence. You can talk about constipation with bowel movements less than 3 times a week. Constipation is associated with a violation of the motility of the colon with a disorder of the regulation of the activity of the intestine. Another mechanism of constipation is a violation of the act of defecation in the pathology of the rectum.
Constipation types:
Constipation in children is organic and functional. Organic is associated with anatomical disorders in the structure of the intestine and manifests itself from birth. Organic constipation may occur as a result of bowel operations.
Functional constipation is quite common. Its criteria are not well defined. It is believed that a child's stool may not be daily, but at the same time it should not be accompanied by discomfort during defecation, impurities in the feces, a change in its shape, and developmental disorders of the child. Physiological constipation can occur when the nutrition of a nursing mother changes, there is a lack of water in the child's diet, or improper introduction of complementary foods. It can be the result of diseases such as rickets, hypothyroidism, food allergies, anemia, and helminthic invasion. In older children, constipation may occur when the child deliberately suppresses the act of defecation, for example, during a stay in kindergarten.
Rumbling in the abdomen can occur in a healthy hungry person, as well as after overeating or drinking carbonated drinks.
This phenomenon can be a symptom of diseases associated with impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, as well as with excessive gas formation in the intestinal lumen. Rumbling appears with gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. It may indicate an overgrowth of pathogenic intestinal flora in dysbacteriosis or be a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome.
Diarrhea (diarrhea) - frequent bowel movements, accompanied by an increase in the volume of feces and their liquefaction. Its occurrence is associated with an accelerated passage of feces through the intestines and a slowdown in the absorption of fluid from it. The most common cause of diarrhea is intestinal inflammation of a viral or bacterial nature (enteritis, colitis).
Diarrhea can occur with digestive disorders (pancreatitis, cholestasis). Sometimes diarrhea is a consequence of taking some medicines. It may be associated with a disorder in the neurohumoral regulation of intestinal activity.
Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of almost all bowel diseases.
Diarrhea in children is most often the result of an intestinal infection of a viral or bacterial nature. It can also be a symptom of lactase deficiency or a food allergy. In some cases, diarrhea appears with biliary dyskinesia in a child, as well as against the background of stressful situations (for example, teething).
Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva and sclera of the eyes and other tissues. It can be a sign of many diseases. In many cases, jaundice occurs with liver disease, accompanied by a violation of its function (hepatitis, cirrhosis). Other causes of jaundice may be violations of the outflow of bile through the biliary tract with cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone.
Often jaundice is accompanied by severe itching, weakness, dysfunction of the central nervous system. Some forms of jaundice are accompanied by discoloration of the stool and darkening of the urine. Hemolytic jaundice is also distinguished, associated with blood pathology, and not with damage to the digestive organs.
Itchy skin can be a symptom of various blood, kidney, liver, endocrine diseases, and many other conditions. Generalized pruritus often accompanies liver disease, in particular, primary biliary cirrhosis. It is a symptom of liver failure. Skin itching appears with cancer of the head of the pancreas and other conditions that cause obstructive jaundice (cholelithiasis, cholangitis).
The appearance of hiccups is associated with irritation of the diaphragm and its sharp reflex contraction. Hiccups are most often not a symptom of diseases of the digestive system. It occurs with pericarditis, pleurisy, ascites, peritonitis. Hiccups can be one of the symptoms of diaphragmatic hernia and intestinal obstruction.
In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by neurotrophic disorders or leading to the development of intoxication, a plaque appears on the tongue. Usually it is white or grayish, rarely yellow. Plaque on the tongue occurs with gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach tumors, enterocolitis and many other diseases.
Swelling of the tongue is more common in intestinal diseases with impaired water-salt metabolism, primarily in enteritis and colitis.
Changes in some diseases appearance tongue due to changes in the papillary apparatus. So, with gastritis, peptic ulcer, accompanied by high acidity, hyperplastic glossitis is formed with an increase and growth of the papillae of the tongue. With gastritis and peptic ulcer, as well as with diseases of the small intestine and biliary tract, atrophic glossitis can form, in which atrophy of the papillae occurs, and the tongue acquires a “lacquered” appearance.
In diseases of the digestive system, ulcerative and desquamative lesions of the tongue and oral cavity, changes in taste sensitivity, paresthesia (burning, tingling in the tongue) may appear.
Fever accompanies infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially intestinal infections. It can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. An increase in body temperature is noted in acute surgical pathology (appendicitis, peritonitis). It can accompany acute inflammatory processes in other departments (acute cholecystitis).
Tenesmus - painful urge to defecate, which is accompanied by the release of a minimum amount of feces. They appear with infectious colitis (for example, with dysentery), nonspecific ulcerative colitis, sigmoiditis, proctitis, tumors of the sigmoid and rectum. Tenesmus occurs with hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In children, they can be a symptom of trichuriasis.
Tenesmus is often accompanied by erosions, fissures, itching in the anus, and prolapse of the rectal mucosa.
Increased salivation is most often not a symptom of damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it can accompany stomatitis or helminthic invasion.
With a long, severe course of diseases of the digestive system, patients may develop disorders mental state. Most often they are manifested by increased fatigue, tearfulness, emotional lability. Sometimes there are vegetative-vascular disorders in the form of hypertensive crises, fainting. Prolonged headaches and radicular pains, polyneuritis phenomena are not uncommon.
Such disorders may appear in patients with peptic ulcer, achalasia of the cardia, hypochlorhydria, colitis and gastritis.
Allocate forms of mental disorders, manifested by a change in eating behavior - anorexia and bulimia. At the same time, malnutrition is a consequence of mental illness.
Weight loss appears with swallowing disorders, for example, with a narrowing or swelling of the esophagus.
Indigestion is also accompanied by weight loss. It may be due to a violation of digestion in gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, indigestion may be caused by reduced absorption nutrients with celiac disease, enteritis and colitis of various etiologies.
Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract cause metabolic disorders and intoxication, which also leads to weight loss.
Weight loss occurs with a mental disorder such as anorexia nervosa. Worm infestations lead to a decrease in body weight.
Itching of the anus is a symptom of many diseases of the rectum, such as proctosigmoiditis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, anorectal fistulas. The occurrence of itching in children is most often due to helminthic invasions, in particular, pinworms, roundworms or Giardia.
Itching in the anus can appear in any condition accompanied by diarrhea and a violation of the normal intestinal microflora.
Itching in the anus can be a symptom of many other diseases that are not related to the digestive system.
Diseases of the stomach are very dangerous, so it is important to identify them in the early stages of development.
The stomach is one of the most important organs in our body. It is he who is responsible for the digestion of food and the further absorption of nutrients from it. The stomach also plays the role of a barrier. It prevents the penetration of various pathogenic microbes into our body, which easily come to us with poor-quality food.
It is no secret that everything in our body is closely connected, and if the listed functions of digestion are violated, damage to other vital human systems is also possible.
It is important to know the symptoms of stomach diseases, which should alert and, possibly, push for an unscheduled examination.
Gastritis (acute and chronic), ulcers, gastroparesis and cancer are the most common diseases of the stomach.
The most common disease affecting the digestive organ is gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach. There are acute and chronic forms.
Acute gastritis is a one-time (one-time) inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The reason for it, as a rule, is a strong irritant: bacteria ingested with food; medication taken; Chemical substance.
Chronic gastritis is a long-term disease of the stomach with occasional frequent exacerbations. The following is a list of causes that can cause stomach problems:
It is impossible not to say about such a cause of gastritis as autoimmune processes in the body. This is a severe human immunological disease, when the body rejects and destroys the walls and mucous membrane of the stomach.
We disassembled the causes of stomach disease, symptoms, treatment depends on the stage and form of the disease. So, with infectious gastritis, an increase in body temperature is possible. People suffering from chronic gastritis notice a decrease in appetite and weight loss, a disgusting aftertaste in the throat, heartburn, constipation (diarrhea), and flatulence. However, in any case, you should be alerted by pain in the upper abdomen. It can be both aching and sharp, or aggravated during meals. Gastritis can be accompanied by nausea and even vomiting.
Treatment is to eliminate the causes of the disease. So, with bacterial gastritis, a course of antibiotics will be required. In addition, patients are recommended a special diet: avoiding fatty and fried, spicy foods, limiting products that cause fermentation (in particular, bakery products, milk, grapes, etc.). You will have to give up alcohol, chocolate, canned food, smoked products, soda, spices and spices.
It is important to remember: painkillers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used to relieve pain. These are drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid(citramon, aspirin, etc.), ibuprofen (nurofen, ibuprofen). Such drugs provoke inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
To normalize the acidity of gastric juice, preparations with an enveloping effect, as well as absorbents, are used.
Remember: a qualified doctor should prescribe treatment and dosage.
The most dangerous form of the chronic course of the disease is atrophic gastritis. This disease of the stomach develops against the background of prolonged inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive organ and leads to the gradual destruction of the glands responsible for the secretion of gastric juice.
Chronic gastritis can cause the development of another serious pathology. This is a stomach ulcer, the symptoms of which are often similar to gastritis.
An ulcer is a deep wound in the mucous membrane of the main digestive organ. It penetrates into the submucosal layers of the stomach.
This disease is chronic. There are exacerbations, which are then replaced by periods of significant weakening or even complete disappearance of symptoms.
A stomach ulcer should be distinguished from erosive gastritis. Erosions do not affect the deep layers of the gastric mucosa and pass without a trace. A healed ulcer leaves a scar behind.
Often, a stomach ulcer develops against the background of chronic gastritis and the ingestion of Helicobacter pylori into the body. However, not only these factors contribute to the formation of wounds in the stomach. A long-term violation of the correct way of life affects. For example, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking, non-compliance with the rules of nutrition (poor-quality snacks, a downed diet, a lot of fatty, spicy, exotic food in the diet). Blame can be a regular or one-time (in large doses) intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Contribute to the development of the disease and emotional stress (regular stress, nervous breakdowns, overexertion).
In addition, an ulcer can develop against the background of a number of other chronic diseases, including those associated with endocrine, cardiovascular system, or problems with other digestive organs.
Signs of a stomach ulcer:
How to treat a stomach ulcer? As in the situation with gastritis, the disease in question is treated by acting on its cause. However, remember: with a stomach ulcer, symptoms and treatment should be determined only under close medical supervision. As a rule, treatment is aimed at destroying the bacteria provoking the disease, as well as normalizing the acidity of gastric juice. Often, antacids or antisecretory drugs are used for this.
Diet is important. You will have to refrain from alcoholic and carbonated drinks and smoking.
This stomach disease is dangerous for the development of such complications:
Most of these complications require immediate surgical intervention.
These reasons are enough to take care of your health very carefully. Regular examination will help to diagnose the disease at an early stage, and adequate competent treatment prescribed by a specialist will reduce the risk of complications to a minimum.
Another ailment that disrupts the work of the stomach is gastroparesis. What is this stomach disease? It is associated with motor dysfunction of the abdominal organ. In other words, the muscular apparatus of the stomach weakens, and at the same time, the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract slows down.
Symptoms of the disease are very similar to other diseases of the digestive organ. Nausea occurs, vomiting is possible immediately after eating, pain is felt in the stomach area. Many note the rapid saturation of food and, as a result, bloating.
Due to similar symptoms, a diagnosis of gastroparesis can only be made after a thorough examination.
What is the danger of this disease? The disease can cause:
The risk of developing gastroparesis increases with diabetes, transferred intestinal infections, as well as after surgical interventions affecting the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
One of the areas of treatment for such a disease of the stomach will be the prevention of dangerous consequences. So, first of all, adjust the diet. It is important to eat in small portions and often (up to 5-6 times a day). Rough food is reduced or eliminated completely, they switch to puree, liquid food. Your doctor may suggest special nutrients. Prescribed and drugs that stimulate gastric motility, if necessary, antiemetic drugs.
Perhaps the most terrible disease of the stomach is cancer. This is an oncological disease. A malignant tumor develops from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa.
Alcoholism, smoking, unhealthy diet, chronic stomach diseases, genetic predisposition can provoke oncology. malignant neoplasm may develop in patients with atrophic gastritis.
Surprisingly, cancer often proceeds completely without symptoms, only in the later stages there is a pronounced clinical picture: terrible pain, vomiting, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, painful bloating.
Cancer treatment can be effective and successful if the disease is diagnosed early. As a rule, this is a surgical operation.
You should certainly be alerted by the following signs of stomach disease:
Listen to your body. At first glance, the listed ailments occur in everyone. However, they can be symptoms of dangerous diseases.
The main method for diagnosing diseases of the stomach is gastroscopy. Such an examination will help to identify problems with the stomach, even in the early stages.
Remember: if you find yourself worrying signs, you should immediately seek advice from a gastroenterologist.
If the stomach is concerned, the doctor will help to distinguish diseases and symptoms. Be healthy!
The lifestyle of a modern person often leads to the development of many diseases. In particular, low physical activity, improper and irregular nutrition, unfavorable ecological environment negatively affect the body, which eventually becomes difficult to maintain its normal mode of operation.
The digestive system, the main part of which is the gastrointestinal tract, is one of the vital human systems. Violation of any of its functions and the development of various pathologies adversely affect the quality of human life and leads to many health problems. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have characteristic symptoms that everyone should be aware of.
Gastrointestinal tract - as one mechanism
The human body is a complex mechanism consisting of many systems that function smoothly and ensure its viability. The digestive system plays an important role in the life of any organism.
This is due to the fact that a person cannot live without food: with food, he gets everything he needs for normal life - proteins, carbohydrates, fats, various vitamins and other elements.
These particles not only play the role of "fuel", filling the body with the necessary energy, but are also necessary as building material, which is used to restore and create new cells in all human organs and systems.
The gastrointestinal tract is a part of the digestive system, with the help of which the body processes the food coming through the mouth and esophagus, and receives from it all the useful and necessary components. The digestive system has several functions, among which are:
Gastrointestinal diseases are divided into 3 groups
Under the influence of many negative factors, malfunctions often occur in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, as a result of which the occurrence and development of diseases of this part of the human digestive system occurs. The development of such pathologies can be triggered by the following reasons:
Due to the fact that this list of causes is quite wide, the likelihood of a particular disease of the digestive system is quite high. It is extremely important to pay attention to the state of your health and in case of the slightest signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body, consult a doctor in a timely manner. This will help reduce the risk of developing serious diseases and their consequences.
Many factors can lead to the development of pathologies of the intestines and other parts of the digestive system, so you need to be extremely careful about your health.
One of the main organs is the stomach.
The stomach is one of the main organs that are part of the gastrointestinal tract. So, in it, food is processed by gastric juice, as a result of which the process of digestion begins directly.
Food exposed to gastric juice becomes more liquid. In this state, the ground food is called chyme. After the stomach, chyme, through the lower sphincter of the organ, enters the following sections of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to liquefying food, under the action of digestive enzymes and gastric juice, proteins are decomposed, the so-called hydrolysis.
Also, the acidic environment of the stomach is an excellent barrier to a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. The organ itself is protected from aggressive hydrochloric acid by the mucous membrane. Pathologies of the stomach are divided into three groups:
The division is based on differences in the symptoms of different diseases. Each classification manifests itself in its own way, and the signs of diseases differ depending on the course of the disease and the degree of its neglect. The course of diseases of the stomach can be either acute or chronic.
As a rule, acute forms of organ diseases occur as a result of an infectious disease or poisoning with toxins. The chronic form is the result of the influence of negative factors over a long period of time. Serious diseases of the stomach, such as cancer, are difficult to treat. Their therapy depends on the timeliness of the patient's request for medical help.
Due to the fact that many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have very similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis, on which the effectiveness of therapy directly depends, can only be made by a gastroenterologist. Among the diseases that affect the stomach, pathologies such as gastritis are leading in frequency of occurrence.
This disease manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process covering the mucous membrane of the organ. In most cases, gastritis manifests itself in a chronic form. Often, gastritis causes the development of other gastric diseases. In the case of gastritis, the patient may complain of the following symptoms:
It is important to remember that many pathologies of the stomach, occurring in remission, have practically no signs of manifestation. Nevertheless, destructive processes continue in the organ even when there are no symptoms of this.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal disease - a lot!
In case of gastritis on the background low acidity organ, on the shell of the stomach, various formations are formed - tumors and polyps. Food is not digested sufficiently, the digestion process deteriorates, the patient may suffer from anemia.
When sick. proceeding with increased acidity, hydrochloric acid corrodes the walls of the organ, erosion and ulcers form. In especially severe cases, perforation of the stomach is possible - the formation of a hole, as a result of which the contents of the organ flow into the abdominal cavity.
Behind gastritis, in the list of diseases of the stomach, are ulcers and erosions, also called peptic ulcers. They are damage that occurs on the mucous membrane of the organ, or the duodenum. The difference between an ulcer and erosion is in the degree of tissue damage. In the case of erosion, shallow damage to the mucosa occurs, which does not affect the underlying tissues.
The main sign of the occurrence of ulcers is acute pain that haunts the patient both when his stomach is empty and some time after it is filled with food. Peptic ulcers are characterized by seasonal exacerbations.
Pathology of an organ, not accompanied by changes in the integrity of its shell. This disorder includes an abnormal change in the acidity of gastric juice, dyspepsia, various functions, hypotension, and vomiting. In case of functional diseases, the following symptoms appear:
Most pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract have similar symptoms. In order to accurately determine the disease, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. This must be done in a timely manner, immediately after the slightest suspicion of the occurrence of pathology.
Wrong diet - main reason diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
The basis of a variety of bowel diseases is inflammation, which can be acute, chronic or infectious. In the process of development of the inflammatory phenomenon, not only one section of the intestine, but several at once, can be affected. Depending on the localization of inflammation, the disease has a specific name:
As a result of inflammation, the mucous membrane of the affected intestine becomes hyperemic, edematous, discharge of a different nature can be produced: hemorrhagic, serous or purulent. In especially severe cases, frequently bleeding ulcers develop. If the development of the ulcer is not stopped, it eventually causes perforation of the affected area and the subsequent development of peritonitis. Intestinal pathologies negatively affect its functions:
The main signs of the occurrence of pathologies are:
Depending on the localization of the disease in the intestine, it has a specific name. In general, the symptoms of all diseases are similar and the main one is the occurrence of pain.
Since almost all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have fairly similar symptoms, it is necessary to consider each of them in more detail.
Human intestine - schematic
This symptom can be defined as an unpleasant sensation, which is accompanied by increased salivation, general weakness, low pressure and is localized in the epigastric region. In the case of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, this symptom is a reflex, which indicates irritation of the receptors in the stomach or biliary tract.
There are many reasons for this unpleasant symptom. It often accompanies diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, tumor disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cholecystitis.
The process by which the contents of the stomach are expelled through the mouth. If vomiting is caused as a result of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, then its occurrence is associated with the same reasons as the previous symptom. Frequent vomiting threatens the risk of dehydration and the occurrence of electrolyte imbalance in the body.
The process by which gases are released from the stomach through the mouth. Aerophagia - swallowing air while eating can also cause belching. This symptom may indicate a deterioration in the functioning of the upper sections of the stomach and other diseases.
Symptoms of hepatic dyspepsia. Appears as a result of impaired motility of the gallbladder and excretory duct, stomach, duodenum. This symptom most often occurs with cholecystitis and pancreatitis. It is also possible its appearance in peptic ulcers of the organs.
Pain as a symptom of gastrointestinal disease
This symptom may indicate the development of any disease of the gastrointestinal tract. If the cause lies in the hollow organs - the stomach or intestines, then the occurrence of pain indicates a spasm of smooth muscles, or stretching of the walls of the organ.
This is usually observed in case of blood flow disorders, as well as in the presence of inflammation. When pathology affects a non-hollow organ - the liver, pancreas, etc., then the appearance of pain indicates an abnormal increase in the size of this organ.
Frequent bowel movements, during which there is an increase in the volume of feces, as well as their liquefaction. The occurrence of diarrhea is associated with the rapid movement of food through the digestive tract, as a result of which the food does not have time to undergo normal processing, and the liquid is not absorbed normally. The most common cause of diarrhea is intestinal inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria.
In addition, the cause of diarrhea may be a digestive disorder, which is observed with pancreatitis or cholestasis. In some cases, diarrhea is a side effect of certain medications.
A bowel condition that makes it difficult to empty. The feces become harder, the patient suffers from pain and flatulence. As a rule, constipation indicates a deterioration in the motility of the large intestine. Also, constipation can be caused by pathologies of the rectum. There are many types of constipation, each of which occurs with a particular disease.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by similar symptoms. If they occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
The gastrointestinal tract is a part of the digestive system that plays an important role in the digestion process. When the functioning of this system deteriorates, the entire human body suffers and the quality of life deteriorates. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have certain symptoms, knowing which you can timely detect the fact of the onset of the disease and prevent its further development by contacting a gastroenterologist.
Thematic video material will acquaint you with the digestive system of the human body:
