Digestive Diseases on the Rise in Young People

Gastrointestinal Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Gastrointestinal diseases are a group of diseases that occur in multiple parts of the gastrointestinal system, from the mouth to the anus. These diseases differ in intensity and seriousness according to their cause and type.

Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases

These diseases are divided into two types:

### 1. Structural Digestive Diseases

These diseases affect the body as a result of a significant change in one part of the digestive system. Once the examination, the doctor may determine the main reason behind it; often these diseases need medication or surgical treatment to adjust the situation and return it to its previous state.

Examples of structural digestive diseases include hemorrhoids, good or malignant colon diseases, Crohn’s disease, and gallstones.

### 2. Functional Digestive Diseases

It is intended by diseases that affect the function of the digestive system, so the bowel movement slows down, causing many health problems. Usually, these diseases are not dangerous if they continue for short periods, so the disorder is transient; but if they continue and repeat, they indicate many diseases, some of which are very dangerous, and deep diagnostic tests are required to find out the cause behind them.

Examples of these diseases include irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux.

Increasing Incidence of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Young People

In recent years, a noticeable rise in the spread of gastrointestinal diseases has been observed among young people, although there are no clear causes in many cases. These diseases include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastritis, esophageal reflux, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others.

Clinics and medical centers in the Arab world are witnessing a remarkable increase in the number of young people who suffer from digestive problems, a healthy phenomenon that was not common years ago. What is exactly what happens? And why did the stomachs of youth begin to scream at an age that is supposed to be full of activity and vitality?

We asked these questions to Dr. Naguib Abdel Rahman; a specialist in the digestive system in the modern international hospital, which benefited us the reasons behind this phenomenon, and how to prevent it. If you are one of those who suffer from problems in the digestive system, or you have knowledge of them, then this article is for you …

Possible Reasons for Increasing the Diseases of the Digestive System in Young People

According to Dr. Abdul Rahman, the increasing infection of young people with diseases of the digestive system is due to the following reasons:

### 1. Changes in the Diet

• Dependence on manufactured foods: which contain preservatives and high levels of unhealthy fats.
• Excessive food intake: These meals lead to digestion disorders and an increase in acidity. Likewise, irritable bowel, esophageal reflux, and liver problems, for abundance of complaints in an age group that was supposed to be “at the height of health.”
• Dietary fiber lack: leads to constipation and bowel movement problems. Usually, we find fiber in vegetables and fruits, which young people seem to be lean to eat in their daily meals.

### 2. Psychological Stress and Stress

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome, one of the diseases of the digestive system spread among young people these days, is closely tense and anxious, as the nervous system affects the function of the digestive system.
• Rapid lifestyle and work pressures or study: increase the secretion of stress hormones that affect digestion. Likewise, the daily psychological stress faced by young people, whether at work, study, or even social relations, plays a major role in irritating the colon and stomach upset. “The abdomen is a mirror of nerves,” as the popular proverb says, and today it seems healthier than before.

### 3. Lack of Physical Activity

Inactivity and lack of movement weaken the body’s immunity and affect the digestion process, which increases the problems of bloating and indigestion; especially with long hours in front of screens and smartphones, and the absence of any regular physical activity. These behaviors also contribute to chronic constipation and fat accumulation around the liver.

### 4. Excessive Use of Antibiotics and Medications

• Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which leads to a dysbiosis.
• Analgesics such as ibuprofen may cause gastritis and digestive ulcers.

### 5. Genetic and Immune Factors

Some diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may be associated with immune or genetic disorders.

### 6. Sleep Pattern Changes

Ensure late hours, affects the secretion of digestive hormones and increases esophageal reflux.

How to Prevent Digestive Diseases

The health of the digestive system starts from your daily lifestyle, Dr. Abdul Rahman confirms. So do not wait until symptoms are intense, as “prevention is better than treatment.” Take care of your digestive system, because it is actually the center of your health through the following steps:

1. Improving the diet: Eat balanced meals rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and avoid fatty and hot foods and soft drinks; In addition to drinking enough water every day to improve bowel movement.
2. Tension and anxiety: by doing relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation in addition to adequate sleep (7-8 hours per day).
3. Exercise regularly: walking or light exercise improves bowel movement and reduces bloating.
4. Avoid harmful habits: These are life habits that most young people do either a tradition of others or a desire to experiment; including quitting smoking, reducing caffeine and not excessive use of analgesics and antibiotics without medical advice.
5. Periodic tests: When symptoms continue (such as frequent abdominal pain, or intestinal bleeding), you should consult a doctor for surveys or other examinations.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of increasing the diseases of the digestive system in young people may be the result of the interaction of several factors, on top of which is bad nutritional options. Prevention begins to improve lifestyle, while effective medical measure requires careful diagnosis and early treatment. In addition, awareness of this problem and the follow-up of prevention instructions can reduce its spread, improve the quality and well-being of your life.

FAQs

* What are the most common digestive diseases in young people?
+ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastritis, esophageal reflux, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others.
* What are the main causes of digestive diseases in young people?
+ Changes in diet, psychological stress, lack of physical activity, excessive use of antibiotics and medications, genetic and immune factors, and sleep pattern changes.
* How can I prevent digestive diseases?
+ Improve your diet, reduce stress, exercise regularly, avoid harmful habits, and get regular check-ups.

Note: The article is written in Arabic, and the translation is provided for reference purposes only. The original article may contain minor errors or inaccuracies that are not reflected in the translation.