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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN !

As the cases continue to increase worldwide more and more countries have begun to take drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some places it is clear containment is no longer achievable, as too many people have become infected and the natural exponential increase in number of cases is inevitable. Now the focus switches to damage mitigation.

We first saw this in Wuhan, with city wide quarantine measures. Then Italy enacted similar measures, now extending across the country with all non-essential services and businesses closed for the foreseeable future. The Italian health service has become strained with the rising patient load, with reports of drastic measures taken in hospitals including conversion of operating theatres into intensive care bays. We have previously discussed the effect this has had on the Italian economy.

A NEW EPICENTRE

With Europe now seen as the “epicentre” of the pandemic, other countries have begun following suit. Spain is the second hardest hit country in Europe, with 6,000 infections and nearly 200 deaths. After a lengthy meeting of the government cabinet, the Spanish PM has enacted a partial lockdown of the country, with the use of armed forces on standby to assist. This includes closure of all shops except those selling food and basic necessities, reduction in medium-distance rail traffic to stem the spread of people around the country, and economic measures to support business workers.

France has also shut down all non-essential businesses, with food shops, chemists, banks and petrol stations remaining unaffected. The PM urged a reduction in travel amongst the population, and to enact “social distancing”. Germany has 3,800 cases but remarkably has only had 8 deaths so far. Berlin has banned all public and private events with more than 50 participants, with similar bans occurring in other cities across the countries.

So what do they hope to achieve with such measures? At first people were advised to take measures to wash hands, practice basic hygiene, self-quarantine if developing symptoms. But it became apparent this was not enough. Social distancing and lockdowns further reduce the spread of the virus by drastically reducing the number of people out in public, the number of interactions they can have. Schools and universities act as breeding grounds for infections, large congregations amongst which respiratory infections can spread like wildfire.

SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING

Lockdown also carries great political power. People respond well to drastic action, rather than soft recommendations to slightly change their daily habit with washing hands and increased hygiene. This is why masks have been so popular amongst the populous. It is decisive, it is visible. It is however NOT recommended by the WHO and most governments to wear as it is unnecessary unless around infected patients, and increased demands is straining supply for medical professionals and those who truly need it.

Similarly, Lockdown is a decisive action. It reassures the population that something is being done, that the government is taking the IT seriously. But it is not a cure to COVID. It is a plaster, a temporary stopping measure, one that cannot continue indefinitely. Shutting businesses can seriously affect the economy, affect people’s income and subsequently prevent them from paying off mortgages or loans. Forcing children to stay at home can affect their education, parents have to choose whether to work or look after their unsupervised kids.

It’s true that lockdown is now a necessity in some countries, and the lockdown of the Hubei province and parts of China was credited with significantly slowing down the spread of COVID. But it will not stop the viral spread completely. For this reason the UK has adopted an alternate strategy, one that we will discuss in our next blog.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc

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Digestive System Disorders: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The digestive system plays a vital role in overall health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. When this system does not function properly, it can lead to discomfort, poor nutrition and chronic illness. Digestive system disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, dietary habits and stress. Understanding their causes, symptoms and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining long-term gut health.

Public health research shows that a large proportion of adults experience digestive symptoms at some point in their lives, yet many delay seeking care until problems become severe.

What Are Digestive System Disorders?

Digestive system disorders are conditions that affect:

the oesophagus
stomach
intestines
liver
pancreas
gallbladder

They may be temporary or chronic and range from mild functional issues to serious inflammatory or structural diseases.

Common Digestive System Disorders

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms include:

heartburn
chest discomfort
sour taste in mouth
difficulty swallowing

Long-term reflux can damage the oesophagus if untreated.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder.

Symptoms include:

abdominal pain
bloating
diarrhoea or constipation
alternating bowel habits

Stress and diet often trigger symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Causes include:

low fibre intake
dehydration
sedentary lifestyle

Chronic constipation affects comfort and gut function.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from rapid bowel movements.

Common causes include:

infections
food intolerance
medication side effects

Persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers are sores in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Symptoms include:

burning stomach pain
nausea
bloating

They are often linked to infections or long-term medication use.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms include:

chronic diarrhoea
abdominal pain
weight loss
fatigue

IBD requires long-term medical management.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Digestive system disorders often present with:

abdominal pain or cramps
bloating and gas
nausea or vomiting
constipation or diarrhoea
heartburn
unexplained weight changes

Symptoms may fluctuate and worsen with stress or poor diet.

Causes of Digestive System Disorders

Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in:

processed foods
refined sugars
unhealthy fats

strain the digestive system and alter gut microbiota.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress affects gut-brain communication, worsening digestive symptoms.

Infections

Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections disrupt gut function.

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten or other intolerances cause digestive distress.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity slows digestion and bowel movement.

Medication Use

Certain medications irritate the stomach lining or alter gut flora.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

People at increased risk include:

individuals with poor diet
those under chronic stress
older adults
people with family history of gut disease
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Early lifestyle correction reduces risk significantly.

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Evaluation may include:

medical history
physical examination
blood tests
stool tests
imaging or endoscopy

Diagnosis depends on symptom severity and duration.

Treatment Approaches

Medical Management

Treatment varies by condition and may include:

acid suppressants
anti-inflammatory medications
probiotics
antibiotics when needed

Dietary Modifications

increase fibre intake
limit trigger foods
eat regular meals
avoid excessive alcohol

Diet plays a central role in gut health.

Lifestyle Changes

manage stress
exercise regularly
stay hydrated
maintain sleep routine

Healthy habits support digestive function.

Prevention Tips for Digestive Health

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Stay Hydrated

Water supports digestion and prevents constipation.

Manage Stress

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques improve gut-brain balance.

Be Physically Active

Movement stimulates bowel activity and gut motility.

Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

These irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

Seek Early Medical Advice

Early care prevents complications and chronic disease.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Digestive Problems

Untreated digestive disorders may lead to:

nutrient deficiencies
chronic inflammation
poor quality of life
increased disease complications

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is recommended if:

symptoms persist beyond weeks
pain is severe
blood appears in stool
unexplained weight loss occurs

Prompt evaluation ensures safe management.

Conclusion

Digestive system disorders are common but often underestimated health issues. Symptoms such as bloating, pain, constipation and heartburn may seem minor initially but can signal deeper problems if ignored. Understanding causes, recognising early symptoms and adopting preventive habits help protect digestive health. With timely care, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, most digestive disorders can be effectively managed, allowing the digestive system to function smoothly and support overall wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Digestive Health and Nutrition Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive Disorders and Gut Health Guideline
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Dietary Fibre and Gut Health Researc
Lancet – Gastrointestinal Disease and Prevention Studies
Indian Journal of Gastroenterology – Digestive Disorder Research
Statista – Digestive Health Trends and Lifestyle Factors

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