Owing to the very spicy street food, unhygienic fried foods, and contaminated water gastrointestinal issues in Pakistan are very prevalent. From simple stomach pain to hepatitis and severe ulcers, all require special attention from gastroenterologists.
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive system and its disorders. It includes all the organs of the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. Gastroenterology also covers all the organs related to the digestive system such as the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. Doctors who specialized in this field are called gastroenterologists.
According to a 2018 report by the PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences), there was a 30% increase in reported gastro issues in just one year.
Common Gastrointestinal Issues In Pakistan
Diarrhea and Constipation
These two are the most common gastrointestinal issues across the globe. Diarrhea and constipation are not dangerous or life-threatening diseases. But these can be a symptom of something more serious.
Diarrhea is characterized by recurrent loose watery stools. This can lead to severe dehydration. Long-term diarrhea may need special attention from the doctors
Constipation is characterized by frequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. Constipation is a result of an unbalanced and unhealthy diet and lifestyle. It can also hint at a serious health complication.
Gastroenteritis
It is also known as stomach flu and is marked by two major symptoms; vomiting and diarrhea. It is characterized by the swelling up of the stomach, due to a bacterial or viral infection.
This is mostly caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks. Gastroenteritis can be prevented by avoiding unhygienic food and water.
Ulcers
Ulcers are basically open sores that can develop anywhere along the digestive tract. These can be gastric, duodenal, or mouth, depending on their location.
Common symptoms of ulcers are vomiting blood, sticky stools, and sudden sharp pains. Ulcers can be very painful and require special medication and diet for their treatment.
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disorder)
Gerd occurs when the acidic juices from the stomach, food, and drink are pushed back up toward the esophagus. This can be prevented by adopting simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
Gerd is not a serious health complication itself but if remains untreated and prolonged it can lead to the erosion of the digestive tract lining leading to ulcers.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. This happens when the liver tissues get injured or infected. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. Due to poor living conditions, contaminated water, and lack of proper healthcare systems, hepatitis is very common in Pakistan. The common types of hepatitis are
- Hepatitis A: It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A. Due to the poor living condition in Pakistan, it is very prevalent in people living in slums.
- Hepatitis B: The carrier virus is called the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen. Unprotected sex, use of pre-used needles, and using used shaving razors and nail cutters can lead to the spread of hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Direct contact with infected body fluids, through unprotected sex and the use of infected needles, can cause hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis D: Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. It only happens in conjunction with hepatitis B, never on its own.
- Hepatitis E: It is a waterborne disease. It is caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). As it is found in areas with poor sanitary conditions, it is very prevalent in Pakistan.
Other Common Conditions
Other common gastrointestinal issues include Gall stones, Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), Hemorrhoids, and Anal fissures. All these diseases are very much prevalent in Pakistan but people hesitate to consult a doctor. They prefer self-medication which often leads to the worsening of a situation.
Testing Methods For Gastrointestinal Problems
Diagnostic testing for gastroenterology problems ranges from as simple as a physical examination to as complex as anal endoscopy.
1.Physical Assessment
Most of gastrointestinal problems come with some physical markers, like weight loss and pale skin. A specialist can assess your condition by looking for physical signs and symptoms but further testing is often carried out to be more certain.
2. Lab Tests
Lab tests like fecal occult blood tests and stool cultures are most common in Gastroenterology. These tests are used to identify the presence of certain viruses or blood in the feces.
3. Image Testing
Image testing like CT scans, X-ray, Ultrasounds, and MRI are common procedures. These are used to identify any physical injury or ailment across the Gastrointestinal tract. Image testing is also done to examine gastrointestinal movement.
In some tests, like “Barium Beefsteak Meal”, patients are made to eat a barium-incorporated meal. The barium movements are then monitored to examine the stomach functioning.
4. Endoscopy
Endoscopic procedures like Colonoscopy, EGD, or Upper endoscopy are usually carried out for detailed examination. For you to understand it better, a camera is inserted into the body through any natural opening like the mouth or anus. The camera image is monitored closely by the doctor to look for anything unusual.
People often accuse this procedure to be very painful, but it is not. Patients are usually given local anesthesia just to numb the area. No cuts are made to carry out an endoscopy.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can consult online with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehreen Zaman – Gastroenterologist.