How do we prevent Common gastrointestinal diseases?
4 min read
Gastrointestinal diseases in World are one of the most frequent health problems in the population. In this context, we will tell you more about this type of ailment, its causes and some recommendations to avoid them.
These conditions can be related to factors such as diet, hygiene habits or medications, and they occur in specific population segments.
SEMARNAT data reveals that in 2020 more than 2.5 million cases of intestinal infections were registered in Mexico. However, in previous years they were positioned as the second most common type of disease in our country.
What are gastrointestinal diseases?
They are conditions caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins or chemicals that affect the stomach, oesophagus and intestines.
The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) details that children under five years of age, the elderly, people with chronic diseases and pregnant women are among the segments of the population with the highest risk of suffering from a gastrointestinal illness.
Linked to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in ten inhabitants of the World gets sick every year from eating contaminated food. Although, children under five years of age are the ones who represent 40{ddd78f895a38155115b49f2bc1e633d192c151f1dcb634f46010bb94457e1746} of this type of foodborne disease.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases
There are various diseases of this type, and the symptoms vary depending on the condition. However, these are some of the most common:
- nausea
- vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Gases
- Proctalgia.
Five common gastrointestinal diseases
These are some of the most common:
- Acid peptic disease
This digestive disease is related to disorders such as gastritis and peptic ulcer. It commonly appears when an excessive production of acid and pepsin affects the body.
The most common symptoms manifest as upper abdominal pain, heartburn, bleeding, nausea or vomiting.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
The most common diseases in this group are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
According to the Gaceta Médica de México, Crohn’s disease can affect any gastrointestinal tract site. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis occurs when the membrane or mucosa of the large intestine or colon is inflamed, reaching the rectum.
Inflammatory bowel diseases can cause constipation, chronic diarrhoea, bleeding when passing stool, fatigue, and fever, among other symptoms.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
This disease occurs when gastric content (bile or stomach acid) backs up into the oesophagus and can cause injury to that part of the body.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can be more common in people who are obese or who do not have a proper diet, causing constant regurgitation and heartburn. The lesions that GER can leave may even require surgery or timely medical attention.
Celiac Disease
The Medical Gazette of Mexico defines it as the body’s immune reaction to gluten that mainly affects the small intestine; It occurs in patients with a genetic predisposition to this type of disease.
Some symptoms that may occur are anaemia, weight loss, diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, fatigue, etc. However, some patients may not have symptoms. However, they may have some intestinal damage.
Serological tests are of great help for specialists in diagnosing this type of disease. At Diagnostic Laboratories, we can help you with specific clinical studies.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Common Gastrointestinal Disease in Mexico
It is also known as irritable colon and is related to an alteration in the intestinal habit or another type of dysfunction that causes diarrhoea, constipation, pain, abdominal swelling, or mixed symptoms.
This is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in Mexico. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 16{ddd78f895a38155115b49f2bc1e633d192c151f1dcb634f46010bb94457e1746} and 30{ddd78f895a38155115b49f2bc1e633d192c151f1dcb634f46010bb94457e1746} of the Mexican adult population has conditions associated with IBS, such as colitis. In addition, it mainly affects women under 45 years of age.
Some of the causes of this condition are related to stress situations, intestinal infections, poor eating habits and the use of medications that affect the colon.
Prevention of digestive diseases
Many gastrointestinal diseases are related to people’s diet, lifestyle and hygiene habits.
The IMSS suggests disinfecting fruits and vegetables before consuming them, drinking water suitable for human consumption, and promoting habits such as constant hand washing and hygienic food handling.
A balanced diet helps prevent certain types of gastrointestinal diseases. In addition to including fruits and vegetables in it, it is essential to know what kind of food you should avoid and that you conduct studies to find out if you have lactose intolerance, gluten or other food allergies. Specialists can give you nutritional recommendations.
If you have any condition, a co-proper-otoscopic or coprological examination could help your doctor determine the following treatment.
At Diagnostic Laboratories, we can carry out your studies prescribed by your doctor to detect any gastrointestinal disease.
