Causes, control and impact of gastrointestinal disorders

Poor food habits and dietary changes have led to the exponential rise in digestive disorders. Many individuals have died as a result of gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, gastrointestinal conditions have resulted in significant economic and social costs (Peery, Anne F., et al.). For example, surveys done in the United States of America revealed that nearly 9.3 billion dollars were spent in 2002 on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Knowledge of the causes and treatments for gastrointestinal diseases is also critical in reducing mortality and the costs associated with gastrointestinal illness. This research paper tries to find out the main causes of gastrointestinal diseases and their appropriate control measures. The paper also looks at social and economic impacts of gastrointestinal diseases.

Problem statement

Gastrointestinal diseases cause substantial social and economic costs. Although these disorders inflict heavy burden on economy, there is no adequate and comprehensive information covering prevalence, morbidity and cost implications of gastrointestinal diseases. Nevertheless majority of these disorders can be prevented and thus reducing their prevalence. As a result by offering knowledge regarding to prevalence, morbidity and costs of gastrointestinal diseases can help relevant stake holder to set priorities aimed at curbing these disorders.

Purpose of the research

The main purpose of this study is to reduce impacts of gastrointestinal disorders. To achieve this purpose the study will identify major causes of gastrointestinal diseases and also control measures that can be adopted to eliminate gastrointestinal disorders.

Participants

Group of intellectual researchers who are well-versed with gastrointestinal disorders knowledge

Government officers especially those working in healthcare and department of statistic and population

Literature review

Gastrointestinal diseases cause heavy economic and social impact. Despite, gastrointestinal disorders inflicting considerable economic burden there is no adequate information on morbidity, prevalence and cost of gastrointestinal diseases (Sandler, Robert S., et al.). Study conducted by Sandler and his team indicated that United States spend large amounts of money on treating gastrointestinal disorders annually. According to their research they found that gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) diseases had highest cost approximately $ 9.3 billion annually. GERD was closely followed by gall bladder disease and colorectal cancer with estimated cost of $ 5.8 billion and $ 4.8 billion respectively (Sandler, Robert S., et al.). Consequently, a clear understanding of prevalence, severity and costs associated with these diseases can help in establishing priorities to reduce the heavy economic costs experienced.

Statistical analysis of gastrointestinal disorders prevalence and cost is crucial in providing guidelines on gastrointestinal diseases research, clinical practice and education (Peery, Anne F., et al.).In 2012, Peery and his group of researchers found that abdominal pain was the main gastrointestinal sign that prompted many patients suffering from digestive diseases to visit clinic with a reported number of 15.9 million clinic visits. Gastroesophageal reflux recorded the highest number of clinic visits in relation to the research. In addition, colorectal cancer was found to be main gastrointestinal cancer accounting for more than half cancer incidences (Peery, Anne F., et al.). Colorectal cancer was also identified as the leading cause of gastrointestinal disorder mortality with 52,394 deaths being recorded. In United States, gastrointestinal disorders are sources of significance mortality, cost and morbidity (Peery, Anne F., et al.).

Functional gastrointestinal disorders can be classified into six classes namely; esophageal, gastroduodenal, functional abdominal pain syndrome, biliary, anorectal and bowel (Drossman21). Main symptoms of functional gastrointestinal diseases include increased visceral hypersensitivity, high motor reactivity, inflammation and changed mucosal immune.

Patient attitudes and behaviors, genetic and environmental factors can predispose an individual to gastrointestinal disorders. Genetic factors predispose people to gastrointestinal disorders through a number of ways, for example, lowering of anti-inflammatory cytokine and serotonin reuptake transporter polymorphisms (Drossman44). Research has found that psychological stress worsens gastrointestinal disorders symptoms by affecting functionality of gastrointestinal system. High emotional feelings and stress can cause increased motility in gastrointestinal organs such as esophagus, colon, stomach and small intestine. Consequently, increased motility in gastrointestinal tract increases risks of contradicting gastrointestinal diseases. Due to chronic nature of gastrointestinal diseases it is crucial for medical practitioner to establish the main reasons of the patient visiting the hospital before administering treatment (Drossman34).

Colostrum is a meal for young ones of mammal. Colostrum contains antimicrobial peptides, immunoglobulin and growth factors (Playford, Christopher and Wendy). Research has revealed that these colostrum constituents can be used to treat a number of gastrointestinal diseases including but not limited to chemotherapy induced mucositis, inflammatory bowel disorder and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gut injury (Playford, Christopher and Wendy).

Generally causes of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and constipation differ greatly (Andreyev, Jervoise, et al). For instance, diseases such as mal-absorption disorders, gastroenteritis, ulcers, colitis and digestive cancer can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Similarly, gastrointestinal diseases can result from stress, inactive life style and food allergy. Constipation is caused by eating diet with little fiber, heavy intake of dairy products and low consumption of fluids (Andreyev, Jervoise, et al). On the other hand diarrhea can emanate from too much fiber or intolerance to particular food products.

Study conducted by Kelesidis and Charalabos, suggests that clinical trials and experimental studies on Saccharomyces boulardii have potential of preventing and treating various gastrointestinal diseases. S. boulardii has produces responses that resemble the protective effects of health and normal gut flora. In addition, the various strategies of action of Saccharomyces boulardii and its characteristics make it effective and efficient in preventing and treating chronic gastrointestinal disorders (Kelesidis and Charalabos). However, precautions need to be taken more also for patients showing risk factors.

Methodology

The research employed use of literature review to identify main causes, preventive measures and costs of gastrointestinal disorders. Various research articles were reviewed and conclusions drawn. Besides reviewing scholarly articles a survey was conducted where key informants were identified and interviewed. The key informants included senior government officials working in health care sector and department of statistics and population. The collected data was analyzed and conclusions made.

Results

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) diseases has highest cost approximately $ 9.3 billion annually in US. GERD is closely followed by gall bladder disease and colorectal cancer with estimated cost of $ 5.8 billion and $ 4.8 billion respectively. Abdominal pain is the main gastrointestinal sign that prompts many patients suffering from digestive diseases to visit clinics with a reported number of 15.9 million clinic visits.

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of gastrointestinal disorder mortality with 52,394 deaths being recorded.

Discussion

Gastrointestinal disorders inflict heavy social and economic burdens. Large amounts of finds are spent in treating and preventing these disorders with gastroesophageal, gall bladder disease and colorectal cancer taking the lead. United States has spent approximately $ 19.9 billion on treatment of GERD, gall bladder disease and colorectal cancer.

Causes of gastrointestinal disorders vary widely (Drossman42). The causes can be physiological, psychological or genetic factors. . While examining the patient, medical practitioners should first identify the reasons of the patient visiting the hospital before giving prescriptions to minimize worsening gastrointestinal disorders.

Colostrum from mammals contains beneficial food elements which can be used to treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, Saccharomyces boulardii can be utilized to manufacture drugs for treating gastrointestinal disorders (Kelesidis and Charalabos).

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal disorders have caused significant loses in terms of loss of human life and huge funds being spent in treating and preventing the diseases. Most of these gastrointestinal disorders are preventable and therefore appropriate preventive measures should be formulated and implemented to curb them (Peery, Anne F., et al.). Research has shown that use of colostrum and Saccharomyces boulardii have potential of treating and preventing gastrointestinal diseases. Nevertheless, understanding of prevalence, morbidity and costs associated with gastrointestinal disorders can help in prompting relevant authorities to develop measures to minimize thee diseases.

Works cited

Andreyev, H. Jervoise N., et al. “Practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal problems arising as a result of treatment for cancer.” Gut (2011): gutjnl-2011.

Drossman, Douglas A. “The functional gastrointestinal disorders and the Rome III process.” gastroenterology 130.5 (2006): 1377-1390.

Kelesidis, Theodoros, and Charalabos Pothoulakis. “Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders.” Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology 5.2 (2012): 111-125.

Peery, Anne F., et al. “Burden of gastrointestinal disease in the United States: 2012 update.” Gastroenterology 143.5 (2012): 1179-1187.

Playford, Raymond J., Christopher E. Macdonald, and Wendy S. Johnson. “Colostrum and milk-derived peptide growth factors for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 72.1 (2000): 5-14.

Sandler, Robert S., et al. “The burden of selected digestive diseases in the United States.” Gastroenterology 122.5 (2002): 1500-1511.