Symptom

Digestive disorders

Digestive disorders include many different symptoms: bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. These symptoms are very common and usually harmless, but if they recur they should be evaluated.

The most common causes are food sensitivities (lactose, gluten), irritable bowel syndrome, stress, irregular meal patterns, or certain medicines. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can also cause symptoms.

Treatment includes dietary changes, probiotics, stress management, and, if needed, medication. Chronic symptoms usually require medical evaluation to rule out organic causes.

Frequently asked questions

How does stress affect digestion?

The gut and the brain are closely connected through the so-called gut-brain axis. Stress and anxiety can slow down or speed up bowel function, cause spasms, and change intestinal permeability. Chronic stress is one of the most common triggers of irritable bowel syndrome.

Are gluten sensitivity and celiac disease the same thing?

No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac gluten sensitivity) is a syndrome in which gluten causes symptoms without immunological damage. The diagnosis is made with blood tests and, if needed, a small bowel biopsy.

Do probiotics help with digestive problems?

The evidence for probiotics varies. Certain probiotic strains are beneficial in IBS, post-antibiotic diarrhea, and some other situations. The best approach is to choose a probiotic whose effectiveness for the target symptom has been scientifically proven. A dietitian or doctor can help with the choice.