Share:

Uncomfortable symptoms such excess gas, constipation, and bloating are abnormal. If you are experiencing gastric problems, you may have a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, or colon polyps. Medical doctor and digestive disorder expert John R. Loughrey in Cincinnati, OH, wants to help patients understand both functional and structural gastrointestinal issues. Learn more below about what they are and how physicians treat them. 

A Guide to Gastric Problems 

Functional Disorders 

Gastric ProblemsWhen patients have a functional gastrointestinal disorder, their GI tract looks healthy. However, one or more parts of the system are not working correctly. Patients with these conditions usually have problems with their rectum or colon. Commonly diagnosed disorders include IBS and constipation. 

Symptoms of an irritable bowel include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Signs of illness include passing less than three bowel movements per week, straining while having a bowel movement, and hard stools. Your GI physician will treat your functional disorder depending on your condition.

Treatment strategies include prescribing prescription medication and fiber supplements. Some patients feel better by engaging in regular exercise and stress-coping techniques. Your doctor may also advise you to stay away from caffeine and keep track of foods that lead to symptoms.

Structural Disorders

Men and women with structural gastric problems have bowels that look abnormal and malfunction. Typical diagnoses include diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon polyps, and cancer. Patients with structural issues may experience pain or irritation, inflammation, itching, and anal bleeding. Some illnesses like diverticulosis and early colorectal cancer may have no symptoms.

Treatment for structural problems includes preventing constipation and resisting the urge to strain during bowel movements. Your doctor may prescribe medication, use a minimally invasive procedure to remove the issue, or ask you to consume more dietary fiber. Conditions like internal hemorrhoids or anal fissures may require surgery.  

Disease Prevention 

You can protect yourself from digestive disorders by visiting your gastroenterology doctor regularly. They will evaluate your age and medical history to determine if screenings for colon polyps or cancer are necessary. If you have symptoms of a functional or structural disorder, it is helpful to treat them as soon as possible to prevent illness or structural damage. 

You deserve to find relief from your digestive symptoms. To make an appointment with the doctor to discuss your gastric problems, call physician John R. Loughrey in Cincinnati, OH, at (513) 681-8800. For information about his experience and services, visit his website.

tracking