Common Digestive Disorders: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
Digestive disorders refer to any condition that affects the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain, and may interfere with daily activities. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common digestive disorders, their symptoms, and when to seek medical attention.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include regurgitation, nausea, and a sour taste in the mouth. GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and quitting smoking. If these measures do not improve symptoms, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or surgery may be necessary.
More information can be found at the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (https://gastro.org.au) and Better Health Channel Victoria (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/heartburn-and-reflux).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms can vary in severity and frequency and can be triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes. There is no cure for IBS, but management strategies include dietary changes, stress reduction, and medications such as antispasmodics or laxatives.
More information can be found at the Gut Foundation (https://www.gutfoundation.com.au) and the IBS Network (https://www.theibsnetwork.org/).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include medications such as steroids, immunomodulators, or biologics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue.
More information can be found at Crohn’s and Colitis Australia (https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au) and the Australian Government Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd).
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease occurs when there is damage to the lining of the stomach or small intestine, usually caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Treatment may involve antibiotics to eliminate the H. pylori infection and medications to reduce acid production in the stomach.
More information can be found at Healthdirect Australia (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/peptic-ulcers) and the Better Health Channel Victoria (https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/peptic-ulcers).
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, these symptoms may be indicative of a more serious condition. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
At Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne, our practitioners utilize acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques to help manage digestive symptoms and promote overall digestive health. In addition to acupuncture treatments, we offer dietary advice and recommendations for better eating habits to complement medical treatment and improve well-being.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating psychogenic digestive disorders such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These conditions are often exacerbated by stress and anxiety, and acupuncture can help to alleviate these symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
In addition to acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers dietary advice and recommendations for better eating habits to promote digestive health. For example, our practitioners may recommend avoiding cold or raw foods, which are thought to be harder to digest and may cause digestive issues. They may also recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding overeating or consuming large amounts of greasy or spicy foods.
It is important to note that acupuncture and TCM dietary advice should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Acupuncture and TCM can be used as complementary therapies alongside medical treatment to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.