Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

These are medical conditions characterized by chronic inflammation affecting the digestive tract. There are two commonly occurring conditions that are classified under inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Peptic ulcers

These are ulcers or open wounds found on the inner lining of the organs of the digestive system namely the stomach, and small intestine. Peptic ulcers can be broadly classified into two types, gastric ulcers that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and duodenum ulcers that are formed on the inside of the small intestine. The existing acids in the stomach can worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Celiac disease

This is an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the small intestine due to the ingestion of gluten. Some of the most common symptoms of this disease include pain in the abdomen area, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue, bloating, joint pain and ulcers in the oral cavity. This is a hereditary condition and can develop at any age.

Diverticulitis

An infection in the pouches of the digestive tract is called diverticulitis. This condition commonly occurs after the age of 40 and can be caused due to obesity, straining while having bowel movements, constipation, a poor diet consisting of processed meats, fried foods and fatty dairy products. Some of the warning signs include pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, nausea, fever, and tenderness in the abdominal area.

Gastroesophageal disease (GERD)

This is a commonly occurring digestive disorder due to the flow back of the acidic content of the stomach into the oesophagus. Patients suffering from this condition usually experience a burning sensation in the chest, more commonly known as heartburn. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty in swallowing, halitosis, nausea and respiratory problems.

Whipple’s disease

This condition is characterized by a bacterial infection in the digestive system that can spread to other areas of the body including the brain, heart, lungs and joints. The warning signs of this disease include abdominal cramping, weight loss, diarrhoea, and anaemia. This disease is fatal and life-threatening but is relatively rare.

Diagnosis and treatment

A thorough medical history is crucial to diagnose diseases of the digestive system. There are multiple advanced diagnostic testing services available at S.L. Raheja Hospital. Our department also has advanced interventional endoscopy techniques that enable easy visualization of the inside of the digestive tract.