Digestive disorders affect millions of individuals every year, digestive disorders are chronic conditions that involve the digestive tract, which is known medically as the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract includes the stomach, liver, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Digestive disorders incorporate a variety of different diseases ranging from mild to quite severe. Common digestive disorders include the following:

• Cancer
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Hiatal hernia
• Lactose intolerance
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Some of the most common symptoms of digestive disorders that you should be on the lookout for in case you suffer from the same, and will need to visit a digestive disorder specialist include:

• Bloating
• Bleeding
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pain
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Being able to accurately diagnose digestive disorders will often involve collecting thorough medical history and finishing by conducting a physical exam. Depending on the severity of your digestive disorder, you may need more extensive diagnostic evaluations, some of which may include lab tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging.

Gastrointestinal issues are more common than you may think. However, so many suffer in silence as they think it’s something you shouldn’t or do not talk about. A few of the most common digestive disorders we often see include:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is quite common and occurs when you begin to feel a burning sensation, quite common and shows symptoms related to heartburn.

2. Gallstones

Gallstones are larger and hard deposits that store and hold secrete.

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a severe sensitivity to gluten, which is a protein that is found in food ingredients like barley, wheat, and rye. Celiac disease will damage the villi and is like finger-like protrusions within the small intestine which is what helps you to absorb the nutrients necessary.

4. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that is known as inflammatory bowel disease. It often affects the part of the gastrointestinal tract, but the most commonly affected area is the terminal ileum, which connects to the ending of the small bowel, and the beginning of the colon.

5. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with symptoms showcasing similar to Crohn’s disease; however, a large part of the digestive tract is affected within the large intestine, which is known as the colon.

6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Noticing stomach pains or discomforts at least a minimum of three times per month for several months in a row, the possibility that is it irritable bowel syndrome is quite high.

7. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels that are found at the end of the digestive tract, they can be quite painful, and even itchy.

8. Diverticulitis

Small pouches which are known as diverticula can form anywhere that there are weak spots within the lining of the digestive system, but most commonly they can be found within the colon.

9. Anal Fissure

Anal fissures are oval-shaped, small tears that occur within the lining of the very end of the digestive tract which is known as the anus. Anal fissure symptoms are similar to that of hemorrhoids including bleeding, pain after a bowel movement, straining, and hard bowel movements which is what causes the fissures in the first place.

We highly recommend reaching out to our clinic if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Unusual or chronic abdominal pain
• Severe and persistent heartburn
• Issues swallowing
• Pain when you swallow
• Persistent sore throats or hoarseness
• Feeling like you have food stuck in your throat or chest
• Episodes of choking
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Chronic diarrhea
• Black or bloody stool
• Chronic constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Chronic gas or bloating
• Issues evacuating your bowels

Yes, digestive disorders are treatable by means of surgical procedures, organ transplants, as well as other methods. If you or a loved one is suffering from a digestive disorder, contact our specialist today.  For more information, call us or schedule an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.