The human body’s digestive system helps to break down different food and drinks into the required nutrients the body can easily absorb and use. Some illnesses can occur suddenly affecting the digestive system. The cause of these illnesses could be genetic in origin, meaning it has been passed down from one generation of the family to another, or it could be acquired through poor lifestyle activities such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and living a sedentary lifestyle. In any case, a number of digestive system conditions can be avoided with the correct planning and lifestyle changes.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive system illnesses that cause long-term problems with stomach cramps, passing loose stools, and constipation. There is usually no cure for IBS but it can be controlled with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and getting medication from your doctor. Seeing an online doctor at Consultdoc can help with making a prompt diagnosis of IBS based on your history. Depending on the individual, the doctor may advise you to have a further blood test to check if any other cause of the problem is found. You will be advised on the best treatment to control the symptoms.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a serious type of indigestion, where stomach substance (acid) travels upwards towards the throat causing a persistent burning sensation in the chest. This is sometimes caused by stress, pregnancy, eating spicy food, smoking, and some medications like Ibuprofen.
GORD can be prevented by making necessary lifestyle changes. Sometimes this can be difficult to manage, and if so, a Consultdoc GP may be able to prescribe you a type of medication such as Omeprazole following an online consultation. A follow-up consultation with the online doctor to check if your symptoms are better may be advised if required. If your symptoms do not settle, the Consultdoc GP can refer you to a specialist for a gastroscopy which is a type of camera test to look inside the food pipe for any abnormalities.
Coeliac disease is a life-long condition where your body adversely reacts to food containing gluten which is found in cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye. This condition can cause long-term stomach cramps, diarrhoea, bloating, and constipation.
Some foods that contain these cereals include bread, flour, pasta, cakes, pastries, biscuits, breakfast cereals, some ready meals, sauces, etc. A Consultdoc GP can diagnose this problem following an online consultation and may advise you to get a blood test. As there is no cure for Coeliac disease, the GP can advise you on treatment by mainly avoiding food that contains gluten.
Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps that can appear inside and outside the bottom (anus) over time. They often disappear again without causing any problem but sometimes they can be problematic and cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding during defecation. A Consultdoc GP can diagnose a pile following an online consultation and recommend treatment and, if very severe, may refer you to a specialist.
Patients of Consultdoc also feel secure and comfortable discussing their problems online and any natural elements of shame or embarrassment associated with some illnesses become irrelevant.