The human body is incredibly complex, which is the result of many thousands of years of evolution and our digestive system and vital organs such as the liver can easily be impacted by disease. As we age, our body degenerates and here is a list of common gastrointestinal and liver conditions that might occur with recommended treatments.
- Acute Appendicitis – This occurs when there is inflammation of the appendix, which is a small organ that is 2-4 inches long and this organ is connected to the large intestine. While we do not know the precise function of the appendix, we do know that removing it is not harmful in any way. An extremely painful condition that usually requires emergency treatment; if the appendix bursts, it can be life threatening. The best treatment is surgery to remove the organ, which should see the end of any issues.
- Esophageal Disorder – The esophagus is a tube-shaped muscle that connects the throat to the stomach and issues can arise if the muscle is weakened for any reason. There are non-invasive treatments for this condition and the specialist might use a gastroscopy, which is a thin tube that has a small light and a small camera, which enables the doctor to examine the esophagus.
- Fatty Liver Disease – This is not caused by the consumption of alcohol, rather it is caused by a build-up of fat, usually due to being overweight. If left untreated, this can be life-threatening, but it is usually treatable long before this stage.
- Cirrhosis of the Liver – This is usually a late stage liver condition that is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which causes scar tissue and that impacts the liver’s ability to do its job, which is to filter the blood. The only real treatment for late stage cirrhosis of the liver an organ transplant, where the liver is removed from a deceased person and transplanted.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – This is a common condition that affects the digestive system and symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, which might come and go periodically. The best form of treatment is drugs and possible a change of lifestyle.
If you are having issues with digestion, the best thing to do is make an appointment at a hospital that specialises in digestive issues and let the medical experts give you their professional opinion. Only then can you make an informed decision about the best way forward.
