Common Diseases of the Human Digestive System

About 95 million people are impacted by digestive issues each year, accounting for some 37 million doctor's visits, according to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Most common digestive diseases are not life-threatening and, while they can cause great discomfort or disruption, most can be effectively treated.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's Disease is part of a family of inflammatory bowel diseases, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Crohn's Disease can cause inflammation in any part of the digestive tract, which ranges from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's Disease can be hereditary. It is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30. Symptoms mimic those of other digestive disorders. They may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever. In children, Crohn's Disease can delay growth and development. Treatment options vary and include a mix of drugs such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and steroids with nutritional supplements. About 66 to 75 percent of Crohn's sufferers will have surgery, according to NIDDK.

Ulcerative Colitis

• Ulcerative Colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation of the large intestine's inner lining and of the rectum, notes MUSC. Like Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis can run in the family. It most often impacts relatively young people between the ages of 15 and 30. With ulcerative colitis, cells on the surface of the colon die resulting in ulcers and the discharge of pus and mucus, which may also include blood. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and, due to blood loss, anemia. Occasionally, the disease causes skin lesions, joint pain, liver disorders and kidney stones, according to MUSC. Treatment is generally life-long, ranging from medications to surgery. People may have periods of hospitalization due to the ill effects of severe diarrhea, which include malnutrition.

Diverticulitis

• Diverticulitis is the swelling of abdominal pouches, most often located in the colon. The sacs, known as diverticula, are thought to form due to abnormal pressure in the colon. Mere presence of the sacs is called diverticulosis and is common, impacting more than half of Americans over 60. University of Maryland Medical Center reports that only a small percentage of people develop full-blown diverticulitis, marked by the tearing of these sacs. This results in the potential for stool to empty from the colon into the stomach cavity causing infection. Diverticulitis causes severe abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits and nausea and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment varies with the severity of symptoms and ranges from a low-fiber diet (which, ironically can contribute to the disease's onset) to hospitalization or surgery in serious cases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Stress can trigger IBS.

  While Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not as serious as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, it is common. Doctors diagnosis IBS after ruling out more severe conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, IBS is manageable once you learn how to control your symptoms. It is not life-threatening, nor does it lead to serious diseases, such as colon cancer. IBS patients suffer from a wide range of symptoms, but most experience diarrhea, constipation or alternating bouts of both. Abdominal pain, bloating, cramping and gas are also common with IBS. Mayo Clinic doctors note that while 20 percent of Americans have IBS, less than half seek medical attention. "Trigger" foods, such as chocolate, milk and some fruits and vegetables along with stress and anxiety are thought to contribute to IBS. Most people can minimize IBS symptoms by avoiding trigger foods, eating a high-fiber diet and dealing with contributing psychological issues.