Vital Link | fall 2008

Deciphering Digestive Disorders

Living with digestive disorders is uncomfortable and wreaks havoc on your daily life.

If you regularly experience symptoms such as heartburn, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain, you may have a digestive disorder. Following are some conditions and accompanying symptoms that compromise your digestive health:

  • Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of your stomach. Caused by a type of bacteria (called Helicobacter pylori) or the long-term use of nonsteroidal antiinfl ammatory drugs —including aspirin and ibuprofen—ulcers are associated with stomach pain, bloating, and weight loss.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel looks normal but doesn’t work properly. Characterized by gas, chronic abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea and/or constipation, IBS does not lead to more serious digestive diseases and often is aggravated by stress.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general name for two diseases that cause infl ammation or ulcerations in the small and large intestines: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms can include intestinal bleeding and fever, as well as cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Weight loss may occur over time.
  • Colorectal cancer often develops from abnormal growths, called polyps, on the wall of the colon. If polyps are detected at an early stage, they can be removed before they become cancerous. Many people do not experience any symptoms early on. However, you should see your doctor if you have frequent gas pains, blood in or on the stool, and diarrhea or constipation.
Although some digestive disorders can produce similar symptoms, treatment approaches vary. That’s why an accurate diagnosis by your doctor is the essential first step in managing your condition.

Depending on the condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medications, or a surgical procedure.

Gregory Haynes, M.D., is a board certified gastroenterologist, a physician who studies and treats the digestive system. Dr. Haynes attended medical school at the University of Minnesota. He completed his internship and residency in Dearborn, Mich. Dr. Haynes moved his practice to Caldwell County and opened his office in Mulberry Medical Park. All appointments with Dr. Haynes are physician-referred. Physicians may contact Dr. Haynes for referrals by calling 828-572-1770. Gregory Haynes, M.D., P.C., is not a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital.