Digestive Disorders Overview
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are among the most common complaints reported to physicians. Constipation and diarrhea, heartburn and ulcers, irritable and inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s and celiac disease: These and other GI problems affect tens of millions of Americans.
Not surprisingly, drugs are the primary therapies for treating these digestive system disorders. Laxatives are among the best-selling over-the-counter drugs, and prescriptions for aggressively advertised, side effect-riddled ulcer and heartburn medications are handed out like candy at Halloween.
Diagnosis and treatment of some GI problems, however, present a challenge. For example, it can take years for patients to get a correct diagnosis for chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, and celiac disease. And once they’re identified, these disorders are all too often treated with drugs aimed at reducing symptoms rather getting to the root of the problem.
Since Digestive Disorders is a broad general category, we will address each part of the Gastrointestinal System individually and provide you with detailed information about each specific condition. Beginning at the top of the tube with acid reflux (GERD) all the way down to the bottom of the tube with hemorrhoids and everything in between. The Gastrointestinal System is basically broken down into 3 functional parts: Digestion, Absorption and Elimination. Most diseases of the GI Tract affect one or more of these 3 functions. Please search for any specific Gastrointestinal Disorder to see if we provide an overview.
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