Gi (gastrointestinal) diseases are much more common than you might initially think. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, between 60 and 70 million Americans are diagnosed with GI diseases every year!

Read on to learn more about them from our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team.

What Should I Know About GI Diseases?

Gastrointestinal diseases affect the GI system from the mouth to the anus, and they are divided into two categories: functional and structural. A functional disease occurs when the GI tract is examined, and it seems normal but does not move properly. Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GERD and diarrhea are examples of this type of GI disorder.

Structural GI diseases are those in which your bowel looks abnormal and does not function properly. Surgical removal of the structural abnormalities may be required in some cases. Hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, colon polyps, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease are all examples of structural GI illnesses. The most frequent signs and symptoms of GI issues are described below.

Common GI Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, pain or cramps)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
• Fecal incontinence
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing

How Serious Are GI Diseases?

Some of them can be quite serious, but some are easy to treat and rather mild. Really, it depends on the type of disease you are dealing with and the types of symptoms you are experiencing. Don’t hesitate to talk to a member of our AFC team if you are experiencing any symptoms that causing you to feel concerned.

Even though GI diseases are common among Americans, they still remain highly preventable. Below, we’ve listed a few effective ways you can help to prevent GI diseases from happening to you.

Ways to Prevent GI Diseases

• Maintain a healthy diet. Add fiber, lower salt intake, drink lots of water and eat a variety of whole foods rather than processed foods.
• Stay active. Getting at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity can put you on the right path to a healthy lifestyle.
• Be wary of your medications. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause digestive problems, so talk to your doctor about possible side effects and ask for a substitute if a medicine is causing GI issues.

We’re here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center today.