Bowel problems can be extremely uncomfortable. From frequent trips to the loo to the feeling of uneasiness, bowel problems cause them all. Bowel problems are generally categorized by conditions affecting the small intestine. They may also affect other parts of the digestive system as well. They have a telling impact on the way the body absorbs and digests food and they can cause several unwarranted symptoms like constipation and diarrhea. If one is suffering from bloody stools, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately. While these problems can be treated effectively with the help of medications, if left untreated, they can lead to a series of further complications.

Types of bowel problems
There are four major types of bowel problems. They include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects both the large and small intestines. It affects your everyday life as it can lead to frequent gastrointestinal problems. According to the Clinical Epidemiology journal, IBS affects up to 11% of people in the world.

Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is another common bowel problem. It is an autoimmune disorder and an inflammatory type of bowel disease. In Crohn’s disease, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the anus, mouth, and intestines. This can cause damage to these tissues and immediate treatment is the best course of action.

Celiac disease
Celiac disease has genetic roots. If someone in your family has suffered from the disease before, your likelihood of contracting the disease increases. It is an autoimmune condition wherein consumption of gluten triggers a negative reaction. Gluten is a protein commonly found in barley, rye, and wheat. When a person suffering from Celiac disease consumes gluten, his or her immune system reacts negatively and attacks the inner lining of their small intestine. This can be damaging and requires a course of effective treatment.

Intestinal obstruction
As the name suggests, intestinal obstruction occurs when the intestines become blocked. This prevents the digestive system from passing stools properly or the digestive system from processing food as a whole. This can lead to several symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and inability to pass wind or stools.

There are several other medical conditions which can lead to symptoms quite similar to that of bowel problems. Intestinal cancer, ulcers, and infections have symptoms common to these conditions. Contact a doctor immediately and get yourself diagnosed to understand the underlying cause of the condition and seek treatment for the same.

Causes of bowel disorders
The exact cause of bowel disorders is unknown in many cases. For example, experts still don’t know what exactly causes IBS. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease still remains unknown But certain factors increase an individual’s risk of Crohn’s disease, including smoking; environmental factors, such as diet; microbial and immunologic factors; family history of Crohn’s disease; and being of Jewish descent.

The cause of IBS is unknown. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder. You are more likely to develop the condition if it has affected a family member before. Injuries to the intestine, surgeries, cancer, or hernias too may cause bowel problems. The overuse of some medications may cause bowel problems as well as a side-effect. If you are suffering from the symptoms of any of the above-mentioned bowel disorders, do contact a doctor immediately and seek treatment.

Each of the above-mentioned bowel problems has a different course of treatment. Visit a doctor immediately after experiencing the symptoms of these conditions. A safe course of treatment at the earliest is the best way out. Bowel disorders are treated through lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. While these conditions are more uncomfortable than dangerous, treatment is a necessity. The conditions may complicate in nature if left untreated and lead to further health problems and risks. The symptoms of bowel problems include experiencing a fever over a period of time, a sudden loss in weight, nausea, vomiting, constipation, discomfort in your abdominal region, mild to extreme pain, and diarrhea. As mentioned before, visit a doctor at the earliest if you are experiencing bloody stools.

If you are diagnosed with a bowel disorder, the short-term and long-term outlook will depend on the condition as well as how well your body responds to the treatment plan.

In many cases, the symptoms can be controlled and the risk of complications be reduced by following a treatment plan recommended by the doctor. It is important to contact your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen over time, as the doctor may need to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.