One of the best ways to stay healthy is to catch health problems before they have a chance to get worse. That’s why yearly checkups are so important. Being proactive in your care is easy when you make sure to get your yearly checkups. A routine physical exam? Check! Checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels? Check! Visiting your dentist to check for cavities? Check! What about your digestive care? If you didn’t say, “Check,” you may be one of the millions of Americans who don’t know that they have a gastrointestinal disorder. “But I feel fine,” you may be saying. “Why do I need to worry about my digestive health?” Well, many of the symptoms you experience every day may be a sign that you need to pay attention to your digestive care. Even things as common as gas, bloating and acne could point to an issue with your digestive health.
What digestive health problems could affect me?
Many people think that they won’t have to worry about their digestive health until they grow older. But this isn’t always the case. There are many digestive health issues that won’t wait until you turn 50 to give you trouble. People in their 40s, 30s and even younger can still suffer from digestive health issues, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the large intestine. While it doesn’t harm the intestine, it can make life very uncomfortable at times. IBS causes abdominal cramping, bloating and highly irregular bowel habits. Constipation and diarrhea occur often in people suffering from IBS.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when one of the muscles in your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it. People suffering from GERD experience frequent heartburn, dry cough, asthma symptoms and trouble with swallowing.
- Colitis — Colitis is a condition that causes swelling of the large intestine. While the exact cause of colitis isn’t always clear, the results are uncomfortable. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and highly irregular bowel movements are all common symptoms of colitis.
Where should I go for help with my digestive care?
If you’re ready to take the first step toward better digestive health, visit the experts at the Digestive Health Institute. Our team of board-certified gastrointestinal specialists have years of experience in helping patients just like you address their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellness. Our providers are also involved in cutting-edge clinical research and medical education through our affiliation with Michigan State University. This partnership allows our specialists to employ the latest technology and treatments with our patients. Patients at the Digestive Health Institute receive the highest possible standard of care, no matter their level of gastrointestinal health. Contact our team today for more information about how we can help with your digestive care needs or to schedule an initial appointment.