A disorder is a disturbance of the function or structure of an organ system, while the impairment of physiological function of a part or organ of an organism is called a disease.
Gastrointestinal Upset or upset stomach is a disorder, not merely a disease. On the other hand, Pathological Hemorrhoids are the abnormal swelling of vascular tissues in the anal area, therefore, it is considered as a disease. This article will prove that there is no relationship between the disorder and the disease.
The Human Digestive System comprises several organs (stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus) and its accessories (pancreas, liver, spleen, salivary glands and gallbladder). This system is responsible for the breaking down of food into smaller pieces that our body can absorb to use as energy, which is the process of metabolism. When the body can no longer work normally, the dysfunction occurs.
One of the dysfunctions of our digestive system is Gastrointestinal Upset or Indigestion. This occurs when the stomach lining is irritated by too much acid. Occurrence of swollen gastric lining is manifested by stomach pain, nausea, heartburn and belching. Therefore, metabolism is not possible when inflammation is present as well as if there is too much acid. Indigestion can originate from multiple diseases or from an unknown cause. However, more often it is caused by active lifestyle and prompted by strong beverages, stomach irritants such as spicy foods, and therapeutic drugs. Its complications frequently resolved to upper gastrointestinal disorders but not limited to:
•Esophageal Stricture. Defined as constriction of esophagus that results to the difficulty of swallowing.
•Pyloric Stenosis. This is the narrowing of the passages between the stomach and the small intestine, which is known as the pylorus.
•Barrett’s Esophagus. It refers to recurring intestinal acid reflux that results to the abnormal maturation of cells on the distal part of the esophagus, which is known as the metaplasia.
Treatment of Indigestion is usually symptomatic. Most doctors prescribed antacids, such as Gaviscon, Maalox, and Gelusil, to neutralize hydrochloric acids and to ease heartburn.
In contrast, painful hemorrhoids became pathological when inflammation persists. It is formed due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels on the anal canal. More often, it is caused by chronic constipation secondary to decreased fiber intake. Basically the precipitating and predisposing factors are related to poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Also, anal intercourse (for homosexuals), nonstop heavy lifting (for Body Builders) and straining during bowel movements are the factors that contribute to hemorrhoids.
Physicians would advise to take anti-inflammatory drugs (Hydrocortisones), pain relievers (Aspirin) and ointments to ease discomfort and itchiness. Even so, drugs alone are not as effective as lifestyle and diet modification. 6 out of 10 Hemorrhoid–free patients suggest that increasing fiber intake in the diet definitely lowers the risk of forming an internal or external hemorrhoid. Such fibers are cereals, beans, legumes, prunes and raisins. These foods will help soften and moisten the stools that would prevent you from straining or holding your breath during bowel movement.
Therefore, hemorrhoids and gastric pain have neither similar contributing factors nor relationship with each other. Both ailments have different modifiable and non-modifiable factors as well as complications.
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