Around 1% of people
have coeliac disease, but
many are symptom-free.
- The Digestive System
- Digestive Problems
A happy gut is a very important factor for living healthily - that's why you should always listen to it. Here are a few of the most common digestive problems and their symptoms, so you'll know what to keep an eye out for.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
About a third of us will experience IBS at some point. It's a collection of otherwise unexplained symptoms that might include abdominal pain and spasms, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, excess wind and an urgent need to visit the toilet. IBS is more common in women than it is in men, and may be aggravated by stress and life changes. For more information, see www.loveyourgut.com.
Diverticular disease
This occurs when pouches balloon outwards from the wall of the large intestine and become inflamed. Symptoms vary - some patients experience constipation and others diarrhoea - but may include pain, often quite low down in the left side of the abdomen, together with bloating and an irregular bowel habit. Serious complications are rare, and symptoms can often be controlled by eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water.
Coeliac disease
This is a sensitivity to the protein gluten where consumption of gluten results in damage to the lining of the small intestine. Around 1% of people have coeliac disease, but many are symptom-free. Symptoms can include: diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, anaemia, mouth ulcers or simply tiredness. Diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test and the condition can usually be managed by simply avoiding gluten.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent, loose or watery stools. There are two types - acute and chronic. Acute diarrhoea is most frequently caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic diarrhoea is commonly caused by irritable bowel syndrome but can also be linked to inflammatory bowel diseases, hormonal changes or certain medications. Acute diarrhoea will generally improve within a few days with the correct treatment. If chronic diarrhoea persists for more than two weeks, it is vital to visit the doctor.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD refers to a group of chronic disorders in which the intestines become inflamed. Two major types are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Ulcerative Colitis affects the colon, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, although mostly the small intestine and/or the colon. No specific treatment suits everyone; doctors and patients work together to manage symptoms long-term.
