Common Stomach Problems

Often, you feel your stomach grumbling and write it off as something bad you ate or slight indigestion. Common problems like a stomach ache and gas can be indicators of stomach problems but are oft-ignored despite the inconvenience and embarrassment they cause. Let us take a look at the symptoms and causes of some of the most common stomach problems.
Indigestion
Epitomised perfectly in the movie Piku, indigestion or constipation can plague an individual throughout their life. It can either be genetic or caused by a poor diet. While occasional indigestion isn’t a cause for worry, chronic indigestion is. There are several home remedies one can try before taking medical advice. These include eating fibre-rich foods, avoiding smoking and chewing gums, and exercising regularly.
Diarrhoea
Constipation’s counterpart, diarrhoea is a common issue faced by everyone at some point. It is a condition that features frequent and loose bowel movements. Diarrhoea is generally caused by a virus or bacterial infection but can also be an indicator of a food allergy or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Diarrhoea can be cured easily through natural remedies or over-the-counter medicines.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are a subset of peptic ulcers that affect your stomach and intestines. Persistent pain and loss of hunger are common symptoms of an ulcer. An ulcer occurs when the mucous lining of your stomach is eroded, allowing acids to eat away at the tissues. The primary cause of stomach ulcers is an infection of H. Pylori bacteria. Painkillers like aspirin can aggravate the ulcer and must be taken with precaution.
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In this disease, the acid produced by your stomach rises up the oesophagus which causes irritation in your throat. The most defining symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation rising up from your abdomen into your chest. Chronic coughs, regurgitation, and an acidic aftertaste in your mouth are other symptoms of this disease. Although it is usually cured by over-the-counter medicine, severe cases may require laparoscopic surgery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A common stomach problem faced by several people is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This can be caused by nervous system abnormalities, intestinal infection, and muscle issues in the stomach. Persistent gas, bloating, infrequent and inconsistent stool are some of the symptoms that can point towards IBS. It can be avoided by staying away from trigger foods in mild cases but needs medication in more serious cases.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits in your gallbladder caused by an accumulation of digestive fluids. Gallstones vary in size - the smallest ones can pass through unnoticed while the bigger ones usually require surgery. Gallstones do not show any symptoms unless they are lodged in a duct in your digestive system. This causes sudden intense pain in your abdomen and needs to be addressed immediately.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a broad term used to cover diseases which cause long-term inflammation of your digestive tracts. The two broad types of this disease are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn’s disease pertains to inflammation in your small intestine, usually towards its end while Ulcerative Colitis refers to inflammation in your large intestine. The exact cause of this disease is unknown but doctors believe genetic and immune system deficiencies to be the culprit. Stomach pain, diarrhoea, and blood in your stool are some symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Stomach problems are quite common and may easily go under the radar. Popping pills without consulting a doctor for such issues might prove to be more destructive than helpful. Gas-O-Fast is a completely natural solution for all your stomach problems. Available in different forms and flavours, Gas-O-Fast provides instant relief to your stomach!