CONDITIONS

GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

Gastrointestinal disorders refer to any condition or disease that occurs within the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is made up of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus and together with the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, make up our digestive system that breaks down our food ingested into smaller components until it can be absorbed by the digestive enzymes and used by the body for energy.

Common gastrointestinal disorders include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular diseases, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, peptic ulcer disease, colon polyps, haemorrhoids and anal fissures. With symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, anaemia, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing as well as unexplained weight gain or loss.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see Dr Magashule for a comprehensive diagnosis as she has the expertise to assist in the treatment of various digestive disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. For those which involve more complex treatment management may involve relieving the symptoms and reducing the complications of the disease.

While many of these gut diseases can be treated, it is essential to see your physician for regular cancer screenings if you experience symptoms including a sudden change in bowel habits, dark stool, blood in the stool, very narrow stool and unusual abdominal or gas pains.