All gastrointestinal (GI) diseases should be taken seriously, but not all of them are life-threatening or cause for hugely serious concern. GI diseases are very common, as between 60 and 70 million Americans deal with them every year.

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team provides other helpful information about GI disorders and diseases below, so keep reading to learn more!

How Serious Are GI Diseases?

It really depends on the type of disease you are dealing with and the types of symptoms you are experiencing. If you experience the symptoms that we’ve listed below, it’s best to visit a doctor to receive a diagnosis and to learn what your next steps of treatment should look like.

Even though GI diseases are common among Americans, they still remain highly preventable.

Common GI Disease Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, pain or cramps)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
• Fecal incontinence
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing

Can I Treat GI Diseases at Home?

Yes and no. If you have been diagnosed with a GI disease, there are things you can do at home to help yourself feel better, which we’ve listed in the section below. However, actual medical care will be needed in most cases to properly treat the symptoms of a GI disease.

If you are having stomach problems that are causing you to feel concerned, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC team to learn what your next steps should be!

General GI Care Tips

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Follow the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast—all of which are easy on the stomach and beneficial in their own way. Additionally, avoid things like dairy, grease and spices, as they can aggravate your digestive system.
• Take over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms (for example, laxatives for constipation).

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit us today.