Digestive disorders affect about 70 million Americans and require nearly 60 million doctor, outpatient and emergency room visits, as reported by Johns Hopkins Health Alerts. Some of the most common digestive disorders include ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing and hemorrhoids.
Ulcerative Colitis
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that ulcerative colitis produces inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon. The inflammation causes death of the cells, and that leads to bleeding and ulcer formation. The most common ages for ulcerative colitis to appear are between 15 and 30 years of age. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and fever. Diagnostic testing includes blood tests for anemia, stool samples to check for bleeding and a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. The most defining test is the colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which involves inserting a lighted endoscope inserted into the anus provides a clear view of the colon. Treatment includes medications for inflammation and for symptom control of pain and diarrhea. For severe cases that do not respond to conventional treatment, surgical removal of the colon is an option.
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's disease, an inherited disorder, causes the body to retain too much copper in vital organs, such as the brain and liver. Copper must be present in order for the body to develop and maintain healthy bones and nerves. When too much copper is present, as in Wilson's disease, a potentially life-threatening disorder results. Georgia Health Info reports that most symptoms of Wilson's disease appear after the age of five and before the age of 30 years. Wilson's disease can cause changes in behavior, liver problems such as jaundice and cirrhosis, neurological problems such as muscle spasms and tremors and kidney conditions such as stones. Treatment is for life and consists of medications that bind to metals and minerals to remove them from the body.
Heartburn
Heartburn manifests as a burning sensation in the esophagus--the tube that transports swallowed food from your throat to the stomach. When the digestive process works correctly, the lower esophageal sphincter (muscle) closes when the food or liquid passes into the stomach. If the sphincter fails to close, the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. The acidity of the contents causes heartburn and esophageal irritation. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the conditions most likely to cause heartburn include a hiatal hernia, which is a weakness in the top part of the stomach that bulges into the chest cavity, and GERD. Treatments include medications that block acid, avoiding fatty foods, eating smaller meals, losing weight if needed, sleeping with your head slightly elevated and over-the-counter antacids.
