What are the common diseases of the digestive system?
Mar 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, often due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter or damage to the esophageal mucosal barrier. Patients may experience symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole tablets, and rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets can be used to inhibit gastric acid secretion.
Common diseases of the digestive system typically include gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cholecystitis, gastric ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, timely medical consultation at a hospital is recommended, followed by standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, often due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter or damage to the esophageal mucosal barrier. Patients may experience symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole tablets, and rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets may be used to inhibit gastric acid secretion.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional bowel disorder, often caused by abnormal intestinal sensation, abnormal bowel motility, or intestinal infection. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. As directed by a physician, medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, belladonna tablets, and loperamide capsules may be used to relieve discomfort.
3. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis typically occurs due to gallstones, bacterial infection, or impaired gallbladder emptying, which leads to gallbladder wall irritation from stones, bacteria, or inflammatory mediators, causing congestion, edema, and inflammation of the gallbladder wall. Symptoms may include right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, levofloxacin tablets, and amoxicillin capsules may be used to alleviate symptoms.
4. Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcers are typically caused by the digestive action of gastric acid and pepsin on the gastric mucosa, often induced by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Typical symptoms include epigastric pain that worsens after meals, belching, and acid regurgitation. As directed by a physician, medications such as clarithromycin capsules, colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, and metronidazole tablets may be used for treatment.
5. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, often caused by immune dysfunction, genetic factors, or environmental factors. An abnormal immune response in the intestine leads to persistent inflammation, ulceration, and fibrosis of the intestinal mucosa. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever. Under a physician's recommendation, medications such as azathioprine tablets, methotrexate tablets, and mesalazine enteric-coated tablets may be used to improve intestinal symptoms.
It is recommended to maintain good lifestyle and dietary habits, avoiding excessive fatigue and mental stress, which is beneficial for overall health.
