What are the most common gastrointestinal diseases?

Gastrointestinal disease is a term that includes every condition affecting the oesophagus, stomach, or the small or large intestine. Early detection is essential to improve the patient's quality of life. Studies suggest that 40% of the population may suffer from a pathological and chronic digestive condition. But apart from chronic disorders, there are also many pathogens that can settle in the intestine and cause acute illness. If we travel to a foreign country on holiday, we must be particularly careful with what we eat to avoid contracting gastrointestinal infections. Some of these digestive conditions are discussed below.
 

Digestive disorders and diseases

SIBO 

SIBO is a digestive disorder caused by excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. It can bring about diarrhoea and nutrient absorption problems, which can lead to weight loss. Causes may include recent abdominal surgery, other gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's that can slow the movement of food through the small intestine, and structural problems such as intestinal diverticulosis.

Celiac disease 

This is a chronic digestive and immune condition that damages the small intestine when the patient eats food containing gluten. Its main symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, gas, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. These symptoms appear without any visible damage to the digestive tract and there is no infectious cause. It is most common in women under 45 years of age.

Inflammatory conditions

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract. Unlike Crohn's, it only involves the colon, mostly in the rectal area. Symptoms include passing blood with stool, weight loss and abdominal pain.

Crohn

This is an autoimmune condition that affects the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, although inflammation is usually seen in the lower end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Intermittent in nature, patients go through active and inactive phases. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. It is very common for patients to lose weight involuntarily when suffering from this condition.
 

Infectious diseases

Unlike the previous conditions, these are generally caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, and their most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. If you are travelling to a foreign country this summer, you should take the appropriate precautions to avoid contracting them during your stay.

E.coli

These bacteria are the main cause of what is known as traveller’s diarrhoea. It occurs when tourists come into contact with bacteria against which their body has not developed immunity. It occurs especially in countries with inadequate sanitation. To prevent contracting it, drink only water that is bottled and avoid ice cubes and brushing your teeth with tap water. 

Salmonella

This is a common bacterium that affects the intestinal tract. Although some of those affected present no symptoms, it can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Salmonella is found mainly in raw meat, eggs and unpasteurised yoghurt, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit.