About 60-70 million people worldwide areaffected by some type of digestive system disease, according to the NationalInstitute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). These diseasesaffect the organs involved in the digestive process: the esophagus, liver,stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine (colon), andrectum. 

Here is an overview of the most commondigestive system diseases and their symptoms, with the understanding that manysymptoms are shared by more than one condition, so always seek medical advice.

1) Gastroesophageal refluxdisease (GERD)

• A chronic condition in which stomach acidflows back into the esophagus continuously, causing irritation to the lining ofthe esophagus. Several factors contribute to the development of the condition,such as: obesity, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, and following a diet highin fat.
• Symptoms: heartburn, difficulty swallowing,coughing and difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea.
• Prevalence in Saudi Arabia is estimated tobe between 30-45%.

2) Peptic ulcer disease

• These are ulcers that affect the innerlining of the stomach or small intestine, and are often caused by the bacteriumHelicobacter pylori, or long-term use of pain relievers (NSAIDs).
• Symptoms: burning pain in the stomach,bloating, and nausea.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• A group of conditions that cause chronicinflammation in parts of the digestive system, including Crohn's disease andulcerative colitis.
• Symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, andweight loss.

4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Is characterized by the appearance ofsymptoms on the colon when stressed, or certain foods, or hormonal changes.
• Symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, changesin bowel habits including diarrhea or constipation, or a combination of both.
• Prevalence in Saudi Arabia is 24%.

5) Celiac disease

• An autoimmune disorder that occurs wheneating food containing gluten protein (found in wheat, barley, and rye), whichleads to damage to the small intestine and affects the absorption of nutrients.
• Symptoms: diarrhea, abdominal pain, weightloss, fatigue, bloating.
• Prevalence in Saudi Arabia is 3.2%, whichis the highest in Arab countries.

6) Gallstones

• These are hard deposits that form in thegallbladder, usually composed of cholesterol or bilirubin.
• Symptoms: Gallstones may not causepermanent symptoms. However, when they cause an obstruction in the bile ducts,it may lead to symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, oftenafter meals, changes in stool color, jaundice.

7) Liver diseases

• The different conditions that affect theliver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, etc.
• Symptoms: vary depending on the condition,but may include jaundice, pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, andchanges in the color of urine and stool.

8) Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, andcauses damage to the pancreas tissue and functions, and may be caused bygallstones, alcohol consumption, or other factors.
• Symptoms: severe abdominal pain, nausea,and vomiting, symptoms worsen when eating fatty foods.

9) Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis often occurs as a result ofpoisoning and infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
• Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,and diarrhea.

10) Appendicitis

• A medical emergency that occurs when theappendix, a small sac attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed.
• Symptoms: characterized by severe pain in thelower right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, the pain usually worsens withmovement, coughing, sneezing, or pressure on the affected area.

11) Gastrointestinalbleeding

• Occurs when there is bleeding anywhere inthe digestive system, which is usually caused by various conditions such asulcers, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
• Symptoms: may appear as visible blood inthe stool, or a change in the color of the stool to dark, or vomiting withblood.

12) Gastrointestinalcancers

• Includes: esophageal, gastric, liver,pancreatic, colorectal, and rectal cancers, among others.
• Common symptoms: unexplained weight loss,abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or difficulty swallowing.

13) Hernia

• Occurs when an organ or tissue bulgesthrough an abnormal opening or weak spot in the muscles surrounding the organ,most often in the abdominal wall.
• Symptoms: bloating or pain or discomfort inthe affected area, and sometimes difficulty swallowing.

14) Lactoseintolerance

• The inability to digest lactose, which isthe sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency of the enzymelactase that is responsible for that.
• Symptoms: bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal painafter consuming dairy products.

15) Hemorrhoids

• Swollen and inflamed blood vessels in therectum and anus area, due to increased pressure in the lower part of the body;due to straining during defecation or pregnancy.
• Symptoms: pain, itching, bleeding,discomfort when sitting, in addition to prolapse of hemorrhoids in some cases.

Don't let gastrointestinal problems affect yourquality of life! Our experienced team in the Department of Gastroenterology atDr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital is dedicated to providing accurate diagnosis andpersonalized care for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, using advancedtechniques. Contact us today to benefit from our experience, and start yourjourney towards a healthier life.