We have all heard the saying, "You are what you eat."
Food does not just stay in our stomachs and get digested. It travels through our body—from the top (your mouth) to the bottom (your anus), where different body parts absorb it. The nutritious parts of food are absorbed by our digestive system, giving us energy while simultaneously eliminating the other parts, so we do not have to worry about them! Hence, it is important to have a healthy digestive system.
The most common diseases that affect our digestive system include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), haemorrhoids, internal haemorrhoids, external haemorrhoids plus anal fissures and colon polyps. Rely on Manipal Hospitals for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders in Pune. Our gastroenterology centre of excellence is equipped with state-of-the-art machines that can perform a wide range of treatments and procedures such as liver scan, colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, minimally invasive surgery for acute pancreatitis and more.
Common Diseases of the Digestive System
Digestive system diseases are disorders of the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which include: the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The food and drinks we consume break down into nutrients which our body absorbs and uses as energy and building blocks for cells. If the digestive system is not functioning properly then it can affect the overall health of a person. The common diseases of the digestive system are:
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Constipation
When a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. Constipation becomes abnormal if it affects your daily life and becomes a problem. Some common causes are:
- Lack of fibre in the diet.
- Less than required water consumption.
- Lack of physical movements or exercises.
- Excess exercises.
- Certain medications and hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause.
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- Long-term use of laxatives.
- Physical limitation to reach the toilet.
- Surgeries involving anaesthesia.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A condition in the large intestine. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms can be intermittent or continuous and may vary from person to person.
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Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus and rectum. They can be internal or external and may cause a lot of discomfort for the sufferer, such as itching, pain or bleeding. Internal haemorrhoids inside your rectum can be painful if they swell up from straining to pass stool (faeces). External ones lie just outside your anus (back passage) and might not hurt unless you rub them on the toilet paper after wiping yourself during a bowel movement. Visit our Gastro Hospital in Kharadi Pune for the treatment of Haemorrhoids.
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Anal fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. They are most common in people with anal intercourse and those who have had anal surgery. Anal fissures can cause pain, blood on the stool, or bright red blood streaking on toilet paper. The doctor diagnoses an anal fissure by doing a physical exam, usually including an anoscopy (looking inside your anus with a lighted instrument).
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Colon polyps and cancer
Colon polyps are growths on the colon's inner lining. They can become cancerous. If colonoscopy finds polyps, it's usually removed and reattached to your body, so it doesn't grow back. There are two ways of eliminating polyps:
- When you have surgery, which is sometimes necessary if you have more than one polyp or if your doctor thinks there's a chance for some other complications (such as infection).
- Burn them off with electric current during an outpatient procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Treatments of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Treating gastrointestinal diseases depends on the type of disease and the severity of the symptoms, consult with a Gastroenterologist in Kharadi Pune to know more about the treatments. The treatment may include:
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Diet changes
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Medication
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Surgery
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Lifestyle changes
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Alternative medicine (natural remedies)
Prevention of Gastrointestinal Diseases
In addition to the measures above, there are several other steps you can take to prevent GI diseases. These include:
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Reduce alcohol consumption.
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Avoid tobacco products.
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Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
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Avoid foods that may trigger symptoms in your digestive tract, such as those containing lactose (found in dairy products) or gluten (found in wheat and other grains).
Best Gastrointestinal Diseases Hospital in Pune
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi is trusted as one of the best gastroenterology hospitals in Pune with an excellent reputation for its treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. We also hold an excellent success rate for minimally invasive surgery procedures performed by experienced doctors using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. In addition to diagnosis and treatment procedures, we are also a reliable source of information to keep you abreast of the latest happenings in the medical world. Listen to the podcast by leading experts- White Coat World. or read the blogs by India's top experts. Visit Manipal Hospitals today, to discuss all your health concerns.
Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi
