The digestive system is an important part of your body that allows for food and nutrient absorption. Sometimes, certain organs in your digestive tract (stomach, intestines, esophagus or rectum) may be damaged. In some instances, your digestive system may become overactive or not function at all, possibly due to digestive system diseases.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue and gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a medical condition in which the small intestine becomes damaged due to gluten and other protein consumption. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gluten is typically found in wheat, oats and bran.
Celiac disease manifestations include stomach pain, bloating, gas (flatulence), diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. A poor appetite, weight loss, and foul-smelling and fatty stools are other celiac disease symptoms.
The NIH says that treatment involves eliminating gluten-containing foods in your diet. Vitamins and minerals can be used to make up for any deficiencies. Corticosteroids can also be prescribed. A support group and dietitian may also be beneficial to help you cope with the disease and plan your meals, respectively.
Gastroparesis
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) says that gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestines. They state that the vagus nerve allows your stomach to contract so this can occur. In gastroparesis, the vagus nerve is destroyed, and stomach and intestinal contractions do not occur as they normally would.
The NDDIC says that manifestations of gastroparesis include nausea, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, vomiting and bloating of the stomach. Gastroparesis also causes a poor appetite, gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux) and weight loss.
Numerous treatments can manage gastroparesis. The NDDIC says that medications such as metoclopramide, erythromycin and domperidone can help with stomach emptying. Simply eating smaller and more frequent meals can reduce your gastroparesis symptoms. The botulism toxin may also help treat gastroparesis. A feeding tube may be used to help in obtaining much-needed nutrients.
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence refers to a disease in which you are unable to control your bowel movements. According to the NDDIC, more than 5.5 million people in the United States suffer from this condition. Constipation, diarrhea and damage to the anal muscles or rectal nerves can all lead to fecal incontinence.
The NDDIC says that eating frequent smaller meals and including fiber in your diet can help control fecal incontinence. Also, taking anti-diarrhea medications such as loperamide or diphenoxylate can help manage this problem. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
