Gastrointestinal upset

Gastrointestinal Upset

Gastrointestinal upset (pronunciation: gas-tro-in-tes-ti-nal up-set) is a general term used to describe disorders affecting the stomach and intestines.

Etymology

The term "gastrointestinal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "enteron" (intestine). "Upset" is an English term used to describe a state of disorder or confusion.

Definition

Gastrointestinal upset refers to any disturbance or dysfunction of the digestive tract, including conditions such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including foodborne illnesses, stress, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Gastrointestinal upset can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Foodborne illnesses
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Underlying medical conditions, such as gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and peptic ulcers

Treatment

Treatment for gastrointestinal upset typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include dietary changes, medication, stress management techniques, or in some cases, surgery.

Related Terms

• Gastroenteritis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Peptic ulcers
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

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