Gastrointestinal Disorders : Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction to the Gastrointestinal Disorders:

The stomach is one of the most important organ of our body. It is required for the purpose of digestion and the assimilation of the food after consuming. As a result, the body will be nourished and gives good health. The inner lining of the stomach contains mucous membrane and many small glands which secrete hydrochloric acid and many enzymes.

Diagram of alkaline Mucous layer in stomach with mucosal defense mechanisms (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are two enzymes namely renin and pepsin, in the gastric juice, which helps the food to break down into smaller particles. The hydrochloric acid helps for the hydrolysis of food and to create acidic environment for the enzymes to act for converting the food to smaller particles. It also kills any micro organisms which enter along with the food. The food which we take is acted upon by bile, pancreatic juice, intestinal juice and finally bacteria.

diagram of a human digestive system (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These juices contain many enzymes which break down the food to very small pieces for absorption. Water is absorbed in the large intestine and the residue is passed through the anus. When the activity of enzymes get disturbed, gastro-intestinal disorders occur. They may also be due to microbial infections. Some of the gastro-intestinal disorders are dyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation etc.

Symptoms and Treatment of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders

Symptoms of gastro-intestinal disorders which require medical attention and treatment are:

1. Recent loss of appetite
2. Aversion to particular food
3. Difficulty in swallowing
4. Severe vomiting, mainly if contains blood
5. Sudden pain in upper abdomen temporarily and is relieved by biscuits, milk or food
6. Sudden pain in the upper abdomen at midnight
7. Weakness or dizziness before or after passing a jet black stool
8. Recent change in bowel habits – alternating constipation and diarrhoea
9. Irregular bleeding before, during or after passing stool
10. Severe pain around the navel, which shifts to right side of the abdomen

Treatment:

Many plant preparations are available in the market to correct all types of gastro-intestinal problems.