How does the Digestive System work?

As much as it should run like a well-oiled machine, and usually does, sometimes the digestive system does encounter problems. Don’t we all?

About one in six hospital admissions are for a primary gastrointestinal disease and about one in six of the main surgical procedures in general hospitals are performed on the digestive tract.¹¹ Here are a few conditions that can affect the digestive system.

Constipation is when you have infrequent or uncomfortable bowel movements, and usually means passing only small amounts of hard dry stool, if any at all. As a general rule, you would be considered constipated if you are passing stool less than 3 times a week ¹⁶, however, we are all different, and a normal amount of bowel movements could range anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a
week.¹⁶

Acute diarrhoea is the second most commonly reported illness in the United States. Acute diarrhoea refers to diarrhoea lasting less than two weeks. diarrhoea that lasts longer than four weeks is considered chronic. Loose or watery stools are commonly described as a sign of diarrhoea. Viruses are the most common cause of acute diarrhoea. Chronic diarrhoea requires accurate diagnosis due to its multiple causes, including Crohn's disease, parasitic intestinal infections, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to name a few.²¹

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects 17% of people in the UK.²⁷ It is a chronic condition, meaning it is generally long lasting. However, symptoms tend to come and go in bouts, in episodes knows as “flares”. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and/or bloating. The exact cause is unknown, but scientists believe it may relate to the communication between the brain and the gut, known as the gut-brain axis. ²⁶

Diverticulosis occurs when tiny sacs in the intestinal tract wall become inflamed or infected. There is a high incidence of diverticulosis among older adults. Most patients with diverticulosis don't know they have the condition, and it doesn't cause them any trouble.¹²

Peptic ulcers affect around 5–10% of the global population.¹³ An “ulcer” is an open sore and the word “peptic” means the acid is at the root of the problem. The two most common types of peptic ulcers are “gastric ulcers” and “duodenal” ulcers referring to the location where it is found.¹⁴

Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or anal canal. Swollen or dilated blood vessels can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding. Haemorrhoids usually go away on their own or with simple measures. These measures include avoidance of straining and treatment of constipation.¹⁵

About 20% of the UK population suffers from GERD. It’s a condition in which stomach contents flow upwards into the oesophagus. Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common symptoms.²²

Coeliac disease (CD) is a digestive condition characterised by inflammation of the small intestine precipitated by eating gluten-containing foods. About one in every 100 people may have coeliac disease in the UK and numbers are higher in women than men.²³