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CELIAC

Medically reviewed

13 Most Common Gastrointestinal Conditions and What to Do About Them

Written by

imaware

on

February 7, 2020

Medically reviewed by

Stefano Guandalini, MD

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In this article

Take the guesswork out of lab work

Our new Symptom Checker analyzes your symptoms to find the right health test for you.

Sometimes “tummy trouble” is something serious. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, somewhere between 60 million and 70 million Americans suffer from
gastrointestinal problems, leading to nearly 250,000 deaths each year. These conditions are responsible
for close to 50 million hospital visits and 21.7 million hospital admissions annually, according to the
NDDK. What’s more – treating and managing digestive diseases come with a staggering price tag of
more than $141.8 billion to the US healthcare system.

Gastrointestinal conditions are disorders of the digestive system, an extensive and complex system that
breaks down food in order to absorb water and extract nutrients, minerals and vitamins for the body’s
use, while then removing unabsorbed waste (yes, we’re talking about poop).

Also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the digestive system comprises a range of vital digestive
organs, including:

The mouth

Esophagus (the “feeding pipe”)

Stomach

Small and large bowels

Rectum, and anus

The GI tract also includes connected organs - the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

"Unfortunately, there are many different gastrointestinal issues, so it is easy to mistakenly neglect them.
Some GI problems are mild and usually go away on their own, but some conditions are serious enough
that you have to see a physician or gastroenterologist."

Dr S. Guandalini, MD
Founder of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Understand your body’s reaction to gluten with a comprehensive at-home celiac test.

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General symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions

Symptoms of digestive disorders obviously vary from condition to condition and from person to person.
However, some symptoms are common to most gastrointestinal problems. Common symptoms include:

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.

If you see blood in your vomit or stool, get in touch with your physician immediately.

“Please remember, the only way to address these problems and get rid of these symptoms is to get
proper diagnosis and treatment from a medical physician.”

says Dr. Guandalini.

What causes gastrointestinal conditions?

Common causes of gastrointestinal problems include:

A low fiber diet‍

Fiber, a sort of carbohydrates found in plants that cannot be digested, is crucial when it comes to
digestive health. It helps you feel full and aids in the digestion of certain foods. Everyone is talking about
gut health - your microbiome health, and fiber is an important part of this. Fibers are a much welcome
food for the trillions of beneficial bacteria (your microbiota) that happily inhabit our large intestine,
which in turn provide wide-ranging health benefits.

The total daily recommended fiber intake is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men under age 50. If
you’re older than 50, you will need to consume slightly less (around 21 grams for women and 30 grams
for men). The good thing is that fiber is easily available in foods such as fruits (almost entirely in the skin,
however), whole grains, legumes, beans, and vegetables.

A diet low in fiber can be a great way to help reduce bloating and ease digestive problems, ranging from
constipation, to abdominal pain, and even the onset of colon cancer.

Being stressed

S‍ tress and anxiety don’t only affect your mental health; they can also take a toll on your digestive
health, especially the gut microbiota. Recent medical studies have shown that there is an established
link between the GI tract and the brain. The two are always in bi-directional communication - always
sending messages to each other - which is why the gut has more neurons than the whole spinal cord.

Being stressed has been found to cause a broad range of digestive issues that include: appetite loss,
inflammation, bloating, cramping and changes in microbiota.

Not drinking enough water

Water is important to your digestive health because it helps cleanse the whole gastrointestinal tract. In
particular, water softens the stool, helping prevent constipation. More crucially, water is known to aid
your digestive system by helping break down food, assisting the GI tract to absorb nutrients faster and
more effectively. If you don’t drink enough water, you are inviting all sorts of digestive problems.

You can increase your intake of water by drinking unsweetened coffee, tea, or even sparkling water to
get to those 8 glasses of liquid a day! Just avoid sugary drinks like soda!
Eating a lot of dairy foods

Dairy is relatively new to the human diet - it was not really consumed for the first 200,000-plus years of
mankind's existence. Milk and cheeses are usually loaded with fats and proteins that are difficult to
digest, and according to some medical evidence have a pro-inflammatory effect. That’s why consuming
large amounts of dairy products can cause bloating, gas, constipation, and abdominal cramps.

Inactive lifestyle

‍ ot getting enough physical exercise is not good for your overall health and digestive health. That is why
N
doctors recommend a combination of exercise, diet changes avoiding foods that cause inflammation and
increasing intake of foods that actually fight inflammation, and when necessary medication to remedy
certain GI problems.

Aging

Aging is unavoidable - sadly - and age adds another predisposition for gastrointestinal disorders. As we
age, digestive glands decrease in activity, affecting gut motility, reflux, and certain digestive conditions
develop. The risk of developing cancers related to the digestive system also increases with age.

Genetic factors

‍ nother unavoidable factor - your genes! Many immune and autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders
A
have a genetic component, which means they have an hereditary basis. In some cases, these modified
genes are all it takes to develop a Gi disorder (think cystic fibrosis, or hereditary pancreatitis).
Thankfully, in most instances they simply predispose you to the disease, meaning there are factors in the
environment that need to be in play. This means that while your genes are a part of the story - it’s not
the entire store. Lifestyle changes can help intervene. Examples of predisposed genetic conditions are
ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and some liver conditions.

“These are but a few common causes of gastrointestinal disorders. Lifestyle choices, medication side
effects, pregnancy, overusing laxatives, functional issues, inflammation, and systemic ailments may also
play a role.”

says Dr. Guandalini.

‍

The 13 most common gastrointestinal conditions:

Celiac Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Lactose Intolerance

Chronic Diarrhea

Constipation

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Crohn’s Disease

Ulcerative Colitis

Gallstones

Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Liver Disease

Diverticulitis

Gastrointestinal disorders, symptoms & treatment

1. Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder. That’s a fancy way of saying that while it has a
genetic basis, it is triggered by factors in the environment. Celiac is caused by an autoimmune reaction
to gluten - proteins found in grains such as barley, rye, wheat, and their hybrids. When a person with
celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune reaction which destroys villi, small hair-like
projections on the lining of the small bowel.

When the villi are destroyed, the small intestine is unable to effectively absorb nutrients, vitamins, and
minerals from food. This results in malnutrition and can lead to many serious health problems, including
infertility, permanent damage to the small bowel, and even the big “c” - intestinal lymphoma. That’s
why celiac disease, and getting properly diagnosed for celiac - is so important.

The prevalence of celiac disease in the world (and in the US population) is estimated to be around 1
percent. That means for every 100 Americans, one person has celiac disease. Once thought rare, celiac
disease is now considered one of the most common autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of celiac disease involve the digestive system, but they can also be seen in other areas of the
body. Some people may not show symptoms at all. It’s worth noting, however, that adults and children
often exhibit different symptoms. For example, celiac children may be smaller in stature, experience
delayed puberty, and often feel irritable and tired. Digestive symptoms shown by children as well as
adults with celiac disease include awful-smelling stool, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain,
abdominal bloating, vomiting, and weight loss.

Celiac patients, whether children or adults, can have both digestive and non-intestinal signs and
symptoms. These are symptoms that are outside of the intestines, symptoms like headaches, fatigue,
joint pain, iron-deficiency, skin rashes, hair loss, irregular menstruation, miscarriage, infertility, weak
bones, tooth discoloration and even seizures. As you can see, there are many symptoms of celiac
disease!

Treatment:
Celiac disease has no known cure. But the good news is that following a strict gluten-free diet is in
general very effective in reducing and often stopping these symptoms. Multivitamin supplementation
may help complement this lifelong gluten-free diet.

A proper diagnosis is necessary. Never ”try” eliminating gluten from your diet without getting screened
for celiac! There are risks to a gluten free diet. Getting tested includes a preliminary blood test (highly
accurate, such as the imaware™ home celiac test) followed - if it shows possible celiac disease - by a
biopsy of the small intestine. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt - it’s a quick, safe and painless procedure done
by pediatric or adult gastroenterologists. Keep in mind, you do have to continue to eat gluten for both
the blood test and the biopsy for the results to be accurate.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is ometimes referred to as nervous stomach, irritable colon, mucous
colitis or spastic colon. IBS is a group of gastrointestinal conditions in which one experiences a
combination of frequent abdominal pain, bloating and cramps associated with either diarrhea or
constipation. This occurs by definition in the absence of any underlying inflammation, chemical or
anatomical abnormalities, and is caused by a variety of factors, including irritated gut microbiota.

Contrary to common misconception, this condition is not the same as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),
a set of digestive disorders including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease that cause inflammation of
various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 3-20 percent of the US
population. Some of the risk factors include being stressed and consumption of certain medicines and
foods. Women are more susceptible to IBS than men.

Symptoms:
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary in duration and frequency from one person to another, and
can occur also in teenagers and ;less frequently in children. Some people have mild symptoms, while
others experience substantial symptoms that can affect their quality of life.

Remember: a proper diagnosis handled by gastroenterologists is crucial. These symptoms may be

Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, food allergies or food intolerances, and you need to be sure they are
appropriately ruled out before assuming it is IBS.

Treatment:

Treatment options for IBS depend on the type of IBS (IBS-C with constipation, IBS-D with diarrhea, or
IBS-Mixed, alternating diarrhea with constipation) and may include:

Eating a diet with more (or less!) fiber

Avoiding stress, or learning ways to cope with stress

Eliminating FODMAP from your diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides,
monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in many vegetables that are poorly
absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon, causing
symptoms. A low-FODMAP diet should be undertaken with a dietitian or nutritionist.

Taking a probiotic for IBS

3. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a disorder in which a person is unable to fully digest lactose, a simple
carbohydrate present in all mammals’ milk and in its derivatives. This is due to low levels of an enzyme
called lactase that is responsible for digesting lactose. Lactose intolerance is a very common condition -
affecting approximately 79% of Native Americans, 75% of African Americans, 51% of Hispanics, and 21%
of Caucasians.
‍

Symptoms:

Upon eating dairy, symptoms can range from mild to distressing. Symptoms of lactose intolerance
include diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps and bloating. Symptoms vary between individuals due to
various levels of decrease of intestinal lactase, and typically depend on the amount of lactose ingested.

Treatment:

Treatments for lactose intolerance include enzyme supplements to help break down lactose, and
replacing regular milk with lactose-free or dairy-free milk. It's important to also identify the differences
between lactose intolerance, milk allergy and dairy sensitivity as part of your diagnosis and treatment.

4. Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a gastrointestinal condition in which the person passes watery, mushy or loose stools
that lasts more than 4 weeks. In a 2018 study, researchers found that the prevalence of chronic diarrhea
in the US is 6.6 percent. This means that for every 100 Americans, 6 to 7 suffer from the condition. A
high daily intake of sugars, being overweight, feeling depressed, older age, and being a woman seem to
favor this condition.

However, chronic diarrhea can be the end result of a number of disorders that must be identified in
order for proper treatment, including celiac disease, food intolerances (like lactose intolerance) and
allergy, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, IBS. Chronic diarrhea can also be due to a large number of
intestinal infections such as C. difficile, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and others.
‍

Treatment:

Your doctor will choose the best treatment option based on the underlying cause of diarrhea that has
been identified. It may include steroids, antibiotics, pain killers, immunosuppressants, antidiarrheal, and
other prescription medication. A specific diet and lifestyle changes may also help reduce symptoms of
chronic diarrhea.

5. Constipation

Constipation is a digestive condition in which the person experiences hard, dry and often painful bowel
movements, occurring less frequently than normal (generally fewer than three bowel movements a
week). Constipation is one of the most common digestive disorder symptoms, and is estimated to affect
approximately 2.5 million Americans.

While there could be in some rare cases anatomical or inflammatory conditions causing it, constipation
is typically caused by a low fiber diet, little or no physical activity, dehydration, certain meds including
sedatives and some antidepressants, or anything that disrupts your normal diet/routine.

All of this leads to a slower transit of the stools through the colon, so that they tend to sit in the rectum
becoming harder and larger. When you’re constipated, you tend to strain when passing stool,
sometimes causing hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Treatment:
In many cases, constipation can be treated by:

Increased fiber and water intake

Frequent exercise (every day of the week is ideal)

Not ignoring urges of bowel movements

If the constipation persists, you can use laxatives as a temporary relief. There are various types of
laxatives, working differently. While you can use some OTC remedies for occasional constipation, it is
highly recommended to seek medical advice if constipation is chronic. Be wary of OTC remedy use, as
excessive use of laxatives can do more harm than good.

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as having symptoms of acid reflux twice or more
times a week. Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach contents and acids spill over into your
esophagus, causing a burning sensation and chest pain. This condition is sometimes also called acid
regurgitation. Around 20 percent of Americans are affected by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease,
according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

If not treated early, frequent bouts of heartburn can damage the esophagus and lead to esophagitis,
esophageal narrowing and other serious health complications including a precancerous lesion called
Barrett’s esophagus. GERD usually manifests itself as a dry cough, discomfort in the chest area, sore
throat, swallowing difficulties, and sour taste in the back of the mouth.

Treatment:
You can treat GERD by:

Lifestyle changes: reduce obesity, avoid acid-stimulating foods (caffeine, alcohol, fried, fat foods, tomato
sauce), going to bed at least 2 hours after eating any food.

Taking over-the-counter antacids to treat heartburn

Using H2 receptor blockers (such as Famotidine and others) or proton pump inhibitors (such as
Omeprazole and others)

If lifestyle changes and medication haven’t gotten rid of the symptoms, surgery to tighten the stomach
muscles may be necessary.

7. Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a gastrointestinal condition, most commonly caused by an infection by a
microorganism called Helicobacter pylori, in which ulcers or open sores develop in the inner lining of the
stomach and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). The stomach lining is normally
protected from corrosion by digestive juices by a thick mucus layer. Peptic ulcers may occur when this
protective layer is reduced. In addition to H.pylori, several other factors can cause a reduction in the
mucus layer, including alcoholism, long-term use of certain medications and aging.

Symptoms:

PUD affects approximately 4.5 million Americans, translating to a prevalence of around 1.4 percent. Mild
symptoms of PUD include acid reflux, vomiting or nausea, bloating, and burning sensations in the upper
abdomen. In a serious case of peptic ulcer disease, you may experience heavy vomiting, occasionally
blood-tinged, severe pain in the upper abdomen, tarry-black stool (indicative of a bleeding ulcer), and
weight loss.
‍

Treatment:

In addition to a healthful diet, prescription drugs are mandatory and can help treat most peptic ulcers.
Depending on the underlying cause, you may be prescribed proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics,
probiotics or H2 receptor blockers. In rare cases, however, the doctor may recommend surgical removal
of the ulcers.

8. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory digestive disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, from
the mouth to the anus. It most commonly however involves the ileum (the lower side of the small
bowel) that becomes ulcerated and inflamed. Along with ulcerative colitis, this condition is part of a
group of gastrointestinal disorders called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

As mentioned, although the inflammation primarily affects the ileum, ulceration can also occur in any
area of the small intestine, colon, esophagus, or stomach. Crohn’s disease is most often diagnosed in
those aged between 15 and 30, although it can develop at any age. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis
Foundation, around 780,000 individuals in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms:

As with any IBD, Crohn’s disease usually manifests itself gradually; some symptoms usually get worse as
the condition progresses. In the early stages of the condition, you may experience fever, weight loss,
reduced appetite, fatigue, bloody stools, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Potentially serious symptoms
appear much later. These can include: ulcers, skin inflammation, perianal fistulas, and shortness of
breath as a result of anemia.
‍

Treatment:

Early screening and diagnosing can make a huge difference so you can start treatment. The diagnostic
process is run by gastroenterologists and involves endoscopies (intubation of the upper and of the lower
gut under anesthesia), imaging studies (X-rays, but also CT scans or Magnetic Resonance Enterography -
MRE). Treatment can include:

Medication – You may need to take medications such as antidiarrheal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs,
immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologics to block inflammation.

Change in diet – Although there aren’t generally any specific dietary restrictions necessary, a diet with
low impact on areas of the intestine that can be narrowed by the inflammation is usually recommended.
Also, other, more sophisticated changes are likely to be advised by your doctor and dietician.

Surgery – This is a last-resort treatment option if lifestyle changes and medications don’t work.
However, three-quarters of people with Crohn’s disease usually undergo elective surgery at some point.

9. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is one of the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), along Crohn’s
disease. This diagnosis refers to a group of digestive disorders that cause inflammation of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcerative colitis is caused by the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon
(large intestine), rectum or both.

Symptoms:
Ulcers or small sores start to develop, typically starting in the rectum and spreading to the large
intestine. It is estimated that about 750,000 people in the United States have ulcerative colitis, which is
frequently diagnosed in individuals aged between 15 and 35. Genetic predisposition, the presence of
other immune disorders, and environmental factors such as antigens, viruses, and bacteria may increase
your chances of developing ulcerative colitis.

The most common symptoms of the condition include diarrhea, often with bloodstains in stool, fever,
malnutrition, weight loss, stomach pain, and frequent abdominal sounds. People with UC may also
exhibit other symptoms that include inflamed eyes, mouth sores, skin issues, loss of appetite, swelling in
the joints, and joint pain.

Treatment:

Proper diagnostic steps are of course needed, likely to include a colonoscopy, and will be directed by a
gastroenterologist. The best course of treatment will be decided based on the severity of the condition
and other factors, and usually includes prescription meds such as mesalamine, sulfasalazine, balsalazide
or olsalazine, but also steroids, to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics, some probiotics and other drugs that may aid in suppressing
immune function, or biologic medications that help block inflammation. The treatment is typically long,
and it may well be lifetime. Surgery to remove all or parts of the colon and rectum can be contemplated
in difficult cases and typically is resolutive, as the condition does not extend up to the small intestine.

10. Gallstones

Gallstones are what they sound like — stone-like lumps that develop in the bile ducts or gallbladder.
They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder is a small digestive organ
located in the right upper abdomen. Its job is to produce, store and release bile, a yellowish-green fluid
that aids in the digestion of fat. This condition is fairly common in the US, affecting 10-15 percent of the
general population. Even though the exact cause is not well known, gallstones usually form when bile
has a high concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol.

Diagnosis is made by ultrasound, sometimes guided via endoscopy to better detect small stones.

Symptoms:

Gallstones may show no symptoms, although most people experience pain in the upper right abdomen,
especially when they consume fatty foods. Other symptoms of gallstones include indigestion, diarrhea,
burping, dark urine, vomiting, nausea, and clay-colored stool. People with mild or no symptoms may not
need treatment.

Treatment:

Depending on symptoms, surgery may be recommended to get rid of the gallstones. About 250,000
Americans diagnosed with gallstones undergo surgery each year. Without the gallbladder, bile is not
stored anymore in the gallbladder and thus it flows straight from the liver into the small intestine. This
won’t affect a normal digestive function, however. Endoscopy is usually chosen if the gallstones are
lodged in the bile ducts.

11. Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas - occurs in adults and in children. Occurring either in acute or
in chronic forms, it is the most common pancreatic disorder and a cause of considerable morbidity
(death). Once thought to be uncommon, the incidence of pancreatitis has been increasing for at least
the past 20 years and now thought to be similar in adults and in children, up to about 80 cases per
100,000 of the general population.

The incidence is increasing worldwide, especially due to increased rates of obesity and gallstones. The
acute form of the inflammation of the pancreas, a J-shaped organ that secretes digestive enzymes and
hormones, appears suddenly and lasts for days. Mild cases of acute pancreatitis usually regress without
any treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.

Chronic pancreatitis instead is a less common form of pancreatitis that occurs over many months or
years and is loaded with potentially severe complications, including pancreatic cancer. The main
preventable causes of pancreatitis in adults are:

Alcoholism

Smoking cigarettes

Obesity

Abdominal injury

However, other causes include gallstones, cystic fibrosis and other rare genetic disorders,
hypertriglyceridemia (very high triglycerides), and infections.

Symptoms:

Symptoms typically start suddenly and are mostly characterized by abdominal pain that can extend to
the back, sometimes like stabbing and worsened by eating, nausea and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis can
also cause serious complications, including pseudocyst (pockets of fluid in the pancreas) that can
rupture, necrotizing pancreatitis (pancreatic cells dying), diabetes, kidney failure.

‍
Treatment:

In chronic pancreatitis, involuntary weight loss (that can lead to malnutrition) and oily stools are also
possible. The diagnosis is based on blood tests to measure levels of pancreatic enzymes and is
completed by supportive imaging tests like ultrasounds and/or a CT scan. Rare genetic forms of chronic
pancreatitis (Hereditary pancreatitis) can also be diagnosed with specific genetic tests.

Treatment must be carried out in hospital, and includes fasting, infusion of IV fluids, pain medication
and additional measures depending on the cause that has been identified.

12. Liver Disease

The liver is the second largest organ and plays a varied role in digestion, including breaking down of
food, storing energy, and getting rid of waste and toxins from the bloodstream. Liver disease is a
collective term for all digestive conditions that affect the liver.

While the causes may be different, they can all damage your liver and affect its function. According to
statistics from the CDC, 1.8 percent of US adults have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease, which
translates to about 4.5 million Americans. Liver disease can be diagnosed with blood tests by a
gastroenterologist or primary care provider, or by using imaging tests like CT or MRIs.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of liver disease can vary from one person to another, depending on the cause. Some general
symptoms may include: itchy skin, persistent fatigue, vomiting, nausea, swollen abdomen, legs or
ankles, dark urine, jaundice, loss of appetite, and black or bloody stool.
‍

Treatment:

Lifestyle changes are usually recommended for liver disease. These may include reducing/avoiding
alcohol, a common cause of serious liver disease, keeping a healthy weight (obesity is often associated
with a chronic inflammation of the liver called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), drinking plenty of
water, and embracing a low-fat, “liver-friendly” diet.

Depending on the underlying cause, the doctor might prescribe medications such as antibiotics, blood
pressure drugs, steroids, antiviral drugs, and multivitamins. On rare occasions, you may need surgery to
remove diseased parts of the liver. A liver transplant may be necessary if no other treatment option is
viable.

13. Diverticulitis

The condition diverticulosis is characterized by the formation of small pockets or pouches called
diverticula in the lower part of the inner lining of the colon (the large intestine). Diverticulitis refers to
the inflammation of these pockets, that become swollen with waste and get infected. This can lead to a
range of mild to serious complications, including rectal bleeding. Diverticulitis occurs in severe or
advanced diverticulosis.

Symptoms:

Symptoms may be minimal or include fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, painful abdominal cramps,
bloody stool, and rectal bleeding.
‍

Treatment:

Diverticulitis can be treated in several ways, including:

Changes in diet – Your physician may get you on a liquid-only diet before weaning in low-fiber foods
after several days.

Medication – You could be prescribed OTC pain medication for discomfort, as well as antibiotics if you
have got an infection

Surgery – This rare option is recommended if your diverticulitis cannot be treated through medication
and dietary changes. These may include needle drainage, bowel resection with colostomy or
anastomosis.

Summary

The gastrointestinal tract is a large organ system that performs numerous tasks including the breakdown
of food, absorption of nutrients and fluids, protection from invasive bacteria or noxious substances, and
removal of waste. A gastrointestinal disorder is any condition that affects the digestive system. It is
estimated that these conditions affect 60-70 million people in the US alone, leading to a quarter of a
million deaths annually.

Whereas symptoms vary depending on the condition and underlying causes, most gastrointestinal
diseases share common symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight
loss and excess gas.

To recap, the most common digestive conditions include:

Celiac disease – This is an autoimmune digestive disorder in which the body launches an immune
reaction to gluten. While the exact cause isn’t known, genetics and a number of factors in the
environment such as viral infections may play a role in celiac disease development.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS is a condition with abdominal pain or bloating associated with either
diarrhea or constipation (or both).

Lactose intolerance – This condition occurs when someone cannot digest a specific sugar called lactose
that is found in milk and processed dairy products. This is caused by a lack of lactase, an intestinal
enzyme which normally digests lactose.

Chronic diarrhea – This is a condition in which a person passes watery or loose stools for four or more
weeks. This persistent diarrhea can be due to a number of various causes and may cause dehydration
and poor nutrition.

Constipation - This is a very common digestive problem affecting more than 2.5 million individuals in the
US. A constipated person has difficulty moving bowels because of a dry, hard stool.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – This is characterized by persistent bouts of acid reflux from
the stomach up into the esophagus which can slowly damage the esophagus. A person with GERD
experiences heartburn and acid reflux symptoms at least twice per week.

Peptic ulcer disease – Peptic ulcers form when sores develop on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Changes in appetite, vomiting, chest pain, indigestion, weight loss, and bloody stools are some of the
symptoms of PUD.

Crohn’s disease – This is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves inflammation of any part of
the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the lower small intestine and the large intestine, and has a
chronic course.

Ulcerative colitis – This is another inflammatory bowel disease. In UC, the lining of the colon is affected
by inflammation and open sores. This also runs a chronic course characterized by abdominal pain,
diarrhea, bloody stools, malnutrition and fever.

Gallstones – These are small stone-like solids that form in the bile-storing gallbladder when there is a
high concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol. While they can cause no symptoms at all, gallstones may
also cause pain in the upper abdomen, burping, dark urine, nausea, clay-like stools.

Acute and Chronic pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive juices
as well as hormones. Symptoms are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss. While acute
pancreatitis may be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, more than two-thirds of chronic
pancreatitis cases are alcohol-related.
Liver disease – this refers to all diseases, complications, and illnesses that can affect the liver, including
liver cirrhosis. Common symptoms include pale stools, dark urine, jaundice (or yellowing of eyes and
skin), appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause.

Diverticulitis – This condition occurs when one or several diverticula (small pouches or pockets that
sprout on the GI lining due to diverticulosis) get inflamed and infected. While common symptoms like
constipation, diarrhea and bloating are mild, advanced diverticulitis can lead to rectal bleeding and
other severe digestive complications.

It’s important to see a gastroenterologist for any persisting or alarming symptoms of a diagnosis and a
treatment plan.

Updated onAugust 4, 2022

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Celiac Screening: What’s Next?

Your guide post-celiac disease screening test.

BYMAIRI SUTHERLAND

CELIAC

Is Celiac Disease Testing Worth It?

What if a quick blood test could prevent lifelong health complications?

BYCOLLEEN FISHER TULLY

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imaware provides laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, informational, and educational use. Our
tests are not intended to diagnose any conditions - only your healthcare provider can make that
determination.

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