Understanding exactly what’s going on in our gut - The Irish Times

Gut health encompasses much more than simply maintaining a healthy diet and balance on gut bacteria. Studies have found connections that link our gut to our immune system and mental wellbeing, making the complex system of our gastrointestinal (GI) tract harder to navigate.

Ranging from mild to severe, there are a number of varying digestive disorders associated with gut health, with symptoms including bleeding, pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and more. When signs of digestive disorders begin to appear, but tests show little evidence, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is going on. Furthermore, we can experience digestive disorders without having any symptoms, leaving the underlying cause to affect other parts of our bodies.

Falling under two categories, gastrointestinal disorders are considered to be structural – caused by abnormalities in the GI tract which may need to be removed surgically; or functional – common problems with persistent symptoms affecting the GI tract which when examined looks normal but does not move properly. Unlike structural disorders, functional disorders can often be treated with lifestyle changes. Diagnosing digestive disorders is complicated as, when examined, some conditions fail to show any irregularities in the GI tract. However, most digestive disorders can be prevented or treated.

If you suspect you have a digestive disorder, don't delay in speaking with your GP or healthcare professional.

Achalasia

What is it? Achalasia is a rare disorder of the oesophagus which can make it difficult to swallow food or drink. Damaged nerves prevent the oesophagus from working as it should.
Symptoms: Difficulty or inability to swallow (dysphagia), choking or coughing fits, heartburn, regurgitating undigested food, chest pain, gradual weight loss, vomiting, pneumonia from aspiration of food in the lungs.

Celiac disease

What is it? Celiac disease is a chronic immune disorder that results in damage to the intestinal lining triggered by eating foods that contain gluten. Symptoms vary considerably with mild cases showing no symptoms.
Symptoms: Vomiting, poor appetite, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, rash, tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, mouth ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn.

Chronic constipation

What is it? Chronic constipation is the difficulty in passing a bowel movement, with infrequent or incomplete stools lasting longer than six weeks or more.
Symptoms: As constipation can cause a person to strain during a bowel movement which may include small, hard stools, symptoms can include anal fissures and haemorrhoids. Symptoms also include a distended abdomen, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting.

Crohn's disease

What is it? Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract, most often in the small intestine however Crohn's can involve different areas of the digestive system. Symptoms may be constant or come and go causing what's known as flare-ups.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on where the inflammation occurs with common signs and symptoms including severe diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, bloody stools, fatigue, fever, mouth sores, inflammation of skin, eyes, joints, kidney stones, anaemia, malnutrition.

Functional dyspesia

What is it? Functional dyspepsia, also known as non-ulcer dyspepsia or indigestion, is very common. It is a term used to describe symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including pain, discomfort, or a feeling of prolonged fullness or early fullness when eating.
Symptoms: Nausea, excessive belching, bloating or uncomfortable fullness after eating, sour taste in mouth, pain or burning in the upper abdomen, weight loss.

Gallstones

An anatomically correct model of the liver and gallbladder with a cut-away showing the inner anatomy of the gallbladder, including a gallstone.

What is it? Gallstones are abnormal stone-like masses which form in the gallbladder. Gallstones don't usually cause symptoms unless they cause a blockage of the bile ducts or move into other organs, causing persistent pain requiring medical attention.
Symptoms: Sudden intense pain, severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, pain in between the shoulder blades, fever, chills, loss of appetite, jaundice.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

What is it? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus which can irritate the lining.
Symptoms: Acid indigestion, or heartburn, is the most common symptom of GERD which feels like a burning chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), a persistent dry cough, sensation of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, or sore throat.

Haemorrhoids

What is it? Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus that cause bleeding and discomfort, sometimes caused by straining during bowel movements.
Symptoms: Blood in stool, pain or discomfort in the anal region accompanied by itching or swelling.

Hiatal hernia

The hiatal hernia is the advancement of part of the stomach towards the esophagus.

What is it? A Hiatal Hernia is a common condition in which part of the stomach bulges through an opening of the diaphragm into the chest.
Symptoms? Hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic meaning many people with the condition don't have any symptoms. Others however may experience heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, a bitter taste in the mouth or throat, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and burping.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

What is it? Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal condition affecting the lower digestive system, primarily the large intestine.
Symptoms: Symptoms of IBS are uncomfortable and may include abdominal bleeding, visible distension, pain passing a bowel movement, change in stool frequency and appearance, abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, excess gas, alternating constipation and diarrhoea.

Inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, often occur early in life.

What is it? Inflammatory Bowel Disorder is an umbrella term for a group of intestinal disorders, including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, that cause inflammation of the digestive tract.
Symptoms: Symptoms of IBD vary depending on the condition and where the inflammation occurs. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, excess gas, bleeding ulcers, blood in stool, stomach pain, bloating and cramping, fatigue, reduced appetite, weight loss.

Lactose intolerance

What is it? Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition in which the body has the inability to digest the sugar lactose because of a lack of the digestive enzyme lactase which aids in breaking down lactose found in milk and milk products.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, abdominal bloating, and distension. The severity of symptoms will depend on how much lactose was consumed.

Ménétrier disease

What is it? Ménétrier disease is a rare gastrointestinal condition of the stomach which is characterised by the enlargement of the ridges of the stomach wall, which form giant folds in the stomach lining.
Symptoms: Symptoms may vary from person to person with common symptoms including weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

What is it? Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is when there is excessive bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO occurs in people with IBS and certain other underlying conditions.
Symptoms: The association between SIBO and IBS means there are related symptoms including bloating, diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, malnutrition, vomiting, nausea, rash, malnutrition. Symptoms may also vary depending on the bacteria present in the small intestine.

Ulcerative colitis

What is it? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of IBD that is characterised by inflammation and ulcers along the superficial lining of the colon and rectum. There are five types of UC depending on the location with varying symptoms.
Symptoms: Symptoms are similar to that of Crohn's disease presenting with severe diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, urgency or inability to empty the bowels, fatigue, loss of appetite, severe dehydration. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.