Understand common gastrointestinal diseases and self-examine to protect gastrointestinal health

Gastrointestinal health is essential to maintaining overall health because it not only involves the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients, but also affects the function of the immune system and emotional stability.

1. Self-examination of gastrointestinal health

Many times, gastrointestinal problems are not just occasional discomfort, but may also be early signs of a series of potential diseases. Paying attention to changes in bowel habits is the basis of gastrointestinal health self-examination. Normal bowel movement frequency varies from person to person, but sudden changes, such as long-term constipation or diarrhea, may be a sign of intestinal dysfunction. Constipation may indicate slow intestinal transit, while diarrhea may be the result of acute inflammation of the digestive system. Recording the frequency and characteristics of bowel movements, as well as whether they are accompanied by pain or other discomfort, can help understand the health status of the gastrointestinal tract.

Normal stool is usually in the form of relatively complete strips, ranging in color from light brown to dark brown. If there is blood in the stool or its color changes to black, red, or very light, it may be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. In addition, abnormal secretions in the stool, such as mucus or fat, may also indicate problems with the digestive system.

Persistent abdominal discomfort, including pain, bloating, or indigestion, is an important sign to watch for. These symptoms may be caused by food intolerances, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer. Observing the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, as well as the specific conditions under which they occur, is critical to assessing gastrointestinal health.

Unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite are also aspects of gastrointestinal health that cannot be ignored. These symptoms may be early signs of gastrointestinal absorption problems or more serious diseases. If weight loss continues without significant changes in diet and activity levels, or if there is a long-term loss of appetite, it should be a cause of alarm.

When doing a self-examination of gastrointestinal health, you should also pay attention to your family history, because many gastrointestinal diseases have a genetic tendency. Knowing whether there is a history of gastrointestinal diseases in the family can help assess your personal risk of disease.

It is worth mentioning that although self-examination is a useful way to manage your health, it cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you find any abnormal symptoms during the self-examination, or if the symptoms persist and affect your daily life, you should seek help from a medical professional in time.

2. Common gastrointestinal diseases

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a very common condition in which stomach acid or stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable sensations such as heartburn and sour stomach. If left untreated, GERD may lead to esophagitis and even in the long term may develop into Barrett's esophagus, a condition associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Treatment for GERD usually involves lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is another common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine and presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (including constipation and diarrhea). Although IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestine, it can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. Treatment of IBS focuses on relieving symptoms and may include dietary management, strategies for coping with stress, and medication.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms of these diseases may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. The causes of IBD are not fully understood, but treatments may include medication to reduce inflammation and, in some cases, surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine.

4. Gastrointestinal infections. Also known as gastroenteritis, these can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These infections are usually spread by food or water, and proper hygiene and proper food handling can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Most cases of gastroenteritis are able to heal on their own without special treatment, but severe dehydration is a risk that requires medical intervention.

5. Peptic ulcers. These include gastric and duodenal ulcers, which are damage to the lining of the stomach or duodenum. These ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including long-term use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Helicobacter pylori infection. Symptoms of peptic ulcers may include abdominal pain, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness. Treatment may involve the use of proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production, and antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection.

In addition to the above diseases, there are some less common but equally important gastrointestinal diseases, such as stomach cancer and colon cancer. These diseases may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving survival rates.

Maintaining gastrointestinal health is an important part of maintaining overall health. Through regular self-examination and being alert to the above symptoms, gastrointestinal problems can be discovered and treated in time. If you find yourself having the above symptoms, or if you find anything unusual during self-examination, you should seek medical advice in time.

Prevention is more important than cure. Through healthy eating habits, moderate exercise and a good lifestyle, gastrointestinal health can be effectively maintained. Seemingly simple daily habits are important factors in promoting gastrointestinal health.

Author: Huang Wenwen, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Nationalities Hospital