Digestive disorders can be regarded as common problems affecting the stomach, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and heartburn. Some of the symptoms may include gas, stomach cramps, bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Treatment can include lifestyle changes and or medications.

Most Common stomach and digestive disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a stomach disorder that is characterized by wind, pain alternation between diarrhea, and constipation. The actual cause of IBS is unknown; however, the diagnosis is based on presenting symptoms alone. The symptoms may include bloating, constipation, pain, and diarrhea,

The treatment of IBS is based mostly on avoiding trigger diets such as alcohol, foods or drinks that produce gas, caffeine, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners. The use of probiotics (good bacteria) has also been known to help.

Heartburn

This is a burning sensation experienced in the chest and this is caused by the backup of stomach acid in the food pipe. Usually the burning sensation is around the central and upper part of the chest. Pregnancy and laying on the side or back can aggravate or worsen heartburn.

A majority of individuals experience heartburn at some point. There are a variety of over-the-counter medications, such as Zantac 75, that can be used in the management of heartburn. However, you need to see a medical professional if you experience heartburn several times a week. Severe heartburn can sometimes be accompanied other symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.

Celiac disease

This is a disease characterized by sensitivity to gluten (a protein mostly found in barley, wheat, and rye). Whenever an individual who is sensitive to gluten eats food containing it, the immune system reacts, and this leads to a damage to the villi found in the small intestine, which function to absorb nutrients for the various foods we eat.

Symptoms of celiac disease

Bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting in children. The symptoms in adults include bone loss, anemia, depression, seizures, and fatigue. 

Treatment of celiac disease

The treatment plan includes complete abstinence from gluten products by eating alternates such as lentils, rice, soy flour, quinoa, amaranth, and corn flour.

Anal fissures

This are small oval shaped tears that appear on the anus (end of the digestive track). The symptoms include pain and bleeding after a bowel movement similar to hemorrhoids. Diarrhea, hard stools, and soft stools can cause anal fissures.

The best treatment for this is a high fiber diet that will make you stool bulky and well formed. We also offer fiber products such as Benefibre Powder (105 doses) among others, which can be found on YouDrugStore.com.

Medications available

This group of medications (digestive) are available as tablets, liquids, powders, and capsules.

Prescription or over the counter?

Below is a list of some of the digestive medications that you can obtain over the counter.

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of nausea medicines may include:

• Headache;
• Diarrhea;
• Constipation;
• Abdominal pain;

Contraindications

The use of any digestive disorder product is contraindicated in any patient who is hypersensitive to any of the active ingredients or any ingredients used in the formulation.