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The Top 5 Common Digestive Conditions Explained (Part Two)

As you will have seen from our previous blog, there are many common digestive conditions that countless people live with every day. These can seriously affect your lifestyle and your help, and therefore it is very important that you receive medical treatment if you suffer from one of these conditions.

Here we will show you three more common digestive conditions and guide you to find the right treatment to manage your condition.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, also known as GORD, is a very common digestive condition, and can be very uncomfortable for sufferers. It is caused by acid leaking from the stomach to the oesophagus – a long tube of muscle that runs from the mouth to the stomach.

It is highly likely that you have experienced the symptoms of GORD at least once in your life. In fact, one in ten people suffers with it every week! The most common symptoms include:

  • Heartburn – a burning feeling in your chest or discomfort while eating
  • Acid Reflux – stomach acid coming back up to the mouth, causing discomfort and an unpleasant taste
  • Pain or difficulty when swallowing

Experiencing these symptoms on the odd occasion is quite common, and the symptoms can usually be controlled with medications available from your local pharmacy. However, if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms frequently on a regular basis, you may require professional, specialist treatment.

GORD can be controlled in several ways, which range from changing your diet to taking antacids, however it is very important that you consult with a medical professional before pursuing a course of treatment.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, which can also be spelled as coeliac disease, is a common digestive condition that many people suffer from. Those who are diagnosed with celiac disease have an adverse reaction to gluten, and therefore when they consume foods containing gluten they are likely to experience a range of symptoms.

The symptoms often suffered by those with celiac disease are:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloating and/or flatulence
  • Abdominal pains
  • Weight loss caused by malnutrition
  • Exhaustion caused by malnutrition
  • Not growing at the expected rate (in children)

This disease is an auto-immune condition, which means that it causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. The body perceives the presence of gluten (the protein found in wheat) as an infection or an attack on the body. This then damages the surface of the small intestine, which disrupts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.

There is no cure for this condition, however it can be managed with professional assistance. The main course of treatment for the symptoms of celiac disease is changing to a gluten-free diet, which will help to relieve the condition and protect the digestive system from damage.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is more commonly known as IBS, is a very common condition, and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to sufferers. This is a long term condition that can go through stages of seeming better, and then flaring up again.

Symptoms vary between sufferers, but the most common symptoms of IBS are:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Bloating and/or flatulence

Certain diet and lifestyle choices, such as smoking and foods that are very high in fat, can make symptoms worse, and therefore there are particular courses of treatment that you can follow after you have been diagnosed by a GP. However, it is important that you discuss IBS treatment with a medical professional before going any further.

There are many common digestive conditions out there, and it is important that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. If you believe you may be suffering from one of these conditions, or you have been diagnosed and want to discuss treatment, contact the London Gastroenterology Centre today. We will help you to organise your private endoscopy in London, reach a diagnosis and find a treatment that’s right for you. Call 020 7183 7965 to contact us today to discuss your requirements.

We are available to see patients daily.

For a private consultation contact us on
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