Gastrointestinal diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. There are two types: functional and structural. Some examples include nausea/vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and diarrhea.

FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE:
Functional diseases are those in which the GI tract looks normal when examined, but doesn’t move properly. They are the most common problems affecting the GI tract (including the colon and rectum)

STRUCTURAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE:
Structural gastrointestinal diseases are those where your bowel looks abnormal upon examination and also doesn’t work properly. Sometimes, the structural abnormality needs to be removed surgically.

CAUSES of gastrointestinal disorders:
Eating a diet low in fiber.
Not getting enough exercise.
Traveling or other changes in routine.
Eating large amounts of dairy products.
Stress.
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, possibly because of hemorrhoids.
Overusing anti-diarrheal medications that, over time, weaken the bowel muscle movements called motility.
Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
Take certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics).
Pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS:
A change in normal bowel habits.
Blood on or in the stool that is either bright or dark.
Unusual abdominal or gas pains.
Very narrow stool.
A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after passing stool.
Unexplained weight loss.
Fatigue.
Anemia (low blood count).

CONDITIONS of gastrointestinal disorders:
Below are some conditions of gastrointestinal disorders-

1. Constipation: Constipation is a functional problem, that makes it hard for you to have a bowel movement (or pass stools), the stools are infrequent (less than three times a week), or incomplete.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS, (also called spastic colon, irritable colon, IBS, or nervous stomach) is a functional condition where your colon muscle contracts more or less often than “normal.”
3. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anal canal, structural disease. They’re swollen blood vessels that line your anal opening.
4. Internal hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids are blood vessels on the inside of your anal opening.
5. Anal fissures: Anal fissures are also a structural disease. They are splits or cracks in the lining of your anal opening.

WHAT TO DO?
a. Drink plenty of water
b. have food rich in fiber
c. Avoid oily, and junk food
d. Exercise daily
e. Avoid inactive lifestyle
f. Follow proper medication

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