Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

What is GERD?

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining.

What are common symptoms of GERD?

• Heartburn

• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

• Chest pain

• Difficulty swallowing

• Sensation of a lump in the throat

What is GERD caused by?

The primary causes include abnormalities in the lower esophageal sphincter and the presence of a hiatal hernia.

How can GERD be treated?

Treatment options range from lifestyle changes, medications to reduce or block acid production, antacids, and in severe cases, surgery.

Functional Dyspepsia (FD)

What is Functional Dyspepsia?

This disorder is characterized by persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen.

What are common symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia?

• Feeling full too soon while eating

• Feeling uncomfortably full after eating

• Pain or burning in the upper abdomen

• Bloating in the upper abdomen

• Nausea

What is Functional Dyspepsia caused by?

The exact cause remains unknown, but factors may include abnormal motility, hypersensitivity to stomach acid, and stress.

How can Functional Dyspepsia be treated?

Treatment approaches include dietary changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, prokinetics, and antidepressants.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

What is Chronic Idiopathic Constipation?

This refers to chronic constipation that doesn't have a known cause.

What are common symptoms of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation?

• Passing fewer than three stools a week

• Lumpy or hard stools

• Straining to have bowel movements

• Feeling as though there's a blockage in the rectum

• Feeling as though not all stool has passed

What is Chronic Idiopathic Constipation caused by?

The exact cause is unknown.

How can Chronic Idiopathic Constipation be treated?

Treatment strategies include dietary and lifestyle changes, fiber supplements, stool softeners, over-the-counter and prescription laxatives, and medications that draw water into the intestines.

IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

What is IBS-D?

A subtype of IBS where the predominant symptom is frequent loose or watery stools.

What are common symptoms of IBS-D?

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Urgency to have a bowel movement

• Bloating and gas

• Mucus in the stool

What is IBS-D caused by?

The exact cause is unknown, but factors may include gut-brain interaction, infections, changes in gut flora, and food intolerances.

How can IBS-D be treated?

Treatment options include dietary modifications (like the low FODMAP diet), medications to reduce diarrhea (e.g., loperamide), antispasmodic agents, probiotics, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C)

What is IBS-C?

A subtype of IBS where the predominant symptom is infrequent bowel movements with hard or lumpy stools.

What are common symptoms of IBS-C?

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Bloating and gas

• Straining during bowel movements

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

What is IBS-C caused by?

The exact cause is unknown, but factors may include gut-brain interaction, changes in gut flora, and food intolerances.

How can IBS-C be treated?

Treatment strategies include dietary modifications (like increasing fiber intake), laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol), medications to increase fluid in the intestines (e.g., lubiprostone), probiotics, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Mixed IBS (IBS-M) or IBS with Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea

What is IBS-M?

A subtype of IBS where patients experience both constipation and diarrhea.

What are common symptoms of IBS-M?

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Bloating and gas

• Mucus in the stool

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

What is IBS-M caused by?

The exact cause is unknown, but factors may include gut-brain interaction, changes in gut flora, and food intolerances.

How can IBS-M be treated?

Treatment options include dietary modifications tailored to the predominant symptom at the time, medications targeting the predominant symptom, probiotics, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U)

What is IBS-U?

A subtype of IBS where patients don't fit into the other categories and don't have a consistent pattern of constipation or diarrhea.

What are common symptoms of IBS-U?

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Bloating and gas

• Variable bowel habits

What is IBS-U caused by?

The exact cause is unknown, but factors may include gut-brain interaction, changes in gut flora, and food intolerances.

How can IBS-U be treated?

Treatment strategies include dietary modifications, medications tailored to the specific symptoms experienced, probiotics, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Lactose Intolerance

What is Lactose Intolerance?

A condition where the body can't easily digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

What are common symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

• Diarrhea

• Nausea, and sometimes vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

• Bloating

• Gas

What is Lactose Intolerance caused by?

Deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine.

How can Lactose Intolerance be treated?

Avoiding or reducing the amount of dairy products in the diet, lactase supplements, and consuming lactose-free products.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

What is SIBO?

A condition where there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine.

What are common symptoms of SIBO?

• Abdominal pain or cramps

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Gas

• Weight loss

What is SIBO caused by?

Physical abnormalities of the small intestine, a decrease in the movement of the small intestine, and certain medications.

How can SIBO be treated?

Antibiotics, dietary changes, and treating underlying conditions.

Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

What are common symptoms of Celiac Disease?

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Bloating and gas

• Abdominal pain

What is Celiac Disease caused by?

Immune response to ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.

How can Celiac Disease be treated?

Strict gluten-free diet.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

A condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease after consuming gluten-containing foods but don't test positive for celiac disease or a wheat allergy.

What are common symptoms of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

• Abdominal pain

• Bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Headaches

• Fatigue

What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity caused by?

Unknown, but it's not an autoimmune response like celiac disease.

How can Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity be treated?

Gluten-free diet.

Gallstones

What is Gallstones?

Hardened deposits in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver.

What are common symptoms of Gallstones?

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone

• Back pain between the shoulder blades

• Pain in the right shoulder

• Nausea or vomiting

What are Gallstones caused by?

Imbalance in the substances that make up bile.

How can Gallstones be treated?

Surgery to remove the gallbladder, medications to dissolve gallstones.

Diverticulitis

What is Diverticulitis?

Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon.

What are common symptoms of Diverticulitis?

• Abdominal pain (usually on the left side)

• Fever and chills

• Bloating and gas

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Nausea and sometimes vomiting

What is Diverticulitis caused by?

Formation of diverticula that become inflamed or infected.

How can Diverticulitis be treated?

Antibiotics, pain relievers, dietary changes, surgery in severe cases.

Peptic Ulcers

What is Peptic Ulcers?

Sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or lower esophagus.

What are common symptoms of Peptic Ulcers?

• Burning stomach pain

• Feeling of fullness or bloating

• Fatty food intolerance

• Heartburn

• Nausea

What are Peptic Ulcers caused by?

H. pylori bacteria and long-term use of NSAIDs.

How can Peptic Ulcers be treated?

Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, antacids, and lifestyle changes.

Gastritis

What is Gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

What are common symptoms of Gastritis?

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating

• Loss of appetite

• Indigestion

What is Gastritis caused by?

H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAIDs, and excessive alcohol consumption.

How can Gastritis be treated?

Proton pump inhibitors, antacids, antibiotics, and avoiding irritants.

Appendicitis

What is Appendicitis?

Inflammation of the appendix.

What are common symptoms of Appendicitis?

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen

• Sudden pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the right side of the lower abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

What is Appendicitis caused by?

Blockage inside of the appendix.

How can Appendicitis be treated?

Surgical removal of the appendix.

Gastroparesis

What is Gastroparesis?

A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying.

What are common symptoms of Gastroparesis?

• Nausea

• Vomiting undigested food

• Early fullness during a meal

• 
  

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

What is SIBO?

A condition where there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine.

What are common symptoms of SIBO?

• Abdominal pain or cramps

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Gas

• Weight loss

What is SIBO caused by?

Physical abnormalities of the small intestine, a decrease in the movement of the small intestine, and certain medications.

How can SIBO be treated?

Antibiotics, dietary changes, and treating underlying conditions.

Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

What are common symptoms of Celiac Disease?

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Bloating and gas

• Abdominal pain

What is Celiac Disease caused by?

Immune response to ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.

How can Celiac Disease be treated?

Strict gluten-free diet.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

A condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease after consuming gluten-containing foods but don't test positive for celiac disease or a wheat allergy.

What are common symptoms of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

• Abdominal pain

• Bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Headaches

• Fatigue

What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity caused by?

Unknown, but it's not an autoimmune response like celiac disease.

How can Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity be treated?

Gluten-free diet.

Gallstones

What is Gallstones?

Hardened deposits in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver.

What are common symptoms of Gallstones?

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone

• Back pain between the shoulder blades

• Pain in the right shoulder

• Nausea or vomiting

What are Gallstones caused by?

Imbalance in the substances that make up bile.

How can Gallstones be treated?

Surgery to remove the gallbladder, medications to dissolve gallstones.

Diverticulitis

What is Diverticulitis?

Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon.

What are common symptoms of Diverticulitis?

• Abdominal pain (usually on the left side)

• Fever and chills

• Bloating and gas

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Nausea and sometimes vomiting

What is Diverticulitis caused by?

Formation of diverticula that become inflamed or infected.

How can Diverticulitis be treated?

Antibiotics, pain relievers, dietary changes, surgery in severe cases.

Peptic Ulcers

What are Peptic Ulcers?

Sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or lower esophagus.

What are common symptoms of Peptic Ulcers?

• Burning stomach pain

• Feeling of fullness or bloating

• Fatty food intolerance

• Heartburn

• Nausea

What are Peptic Ulcers caused by?

H. pylori bacteria and long-term use of NSAIDs.

How can Peptic Ulcers be treated?

Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, antacids, and lifestyle changes.

Gastritis

What is Gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

What are common symptoms of Gastritis?

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating

• Loss of appetite

• Indigestion

What is Gastritis caused by?

H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAIDs, and excessive alcohol consumption.

How can Gastritis be treated?

Proton pump inhibitors, antacids, antibiotics, and avoiding irritants.

Appendicitis

What is Appendicitis?

Inflammation of the appendix.

What are common symptoms of Appendicitis?

• Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen

• Sudden pain that begins around the navel and shifts to the right side of the lower abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Low-grade fever

What is Appendicitis caused by?

Blockage inside of the appendix.

How can Appendicitis be treated?

Surgical removal of the appendix.

Gastroparesis

What is Gastroparesis?

A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying.

What are common symptoms of Gastroparesis?

• Nausea

• Vomiting undigested food

• Early fullness during a meal

• Weight loss

• Abdominal bloating

What is Gastroparesis caused by?

Vagus nerve damage, diabetes, and certain medications.

How can Gastroparesis be treated?

Dietary changes, medications, and devices like a gastric pacemaker.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

What is IBD?

An umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

What are common symptoms of IBD?

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Blood in the stool

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

What is IBD caused by?

Immune system malfunction.

How can IBD be treated?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and in some cases, surgery.

Food Allergies

What are Food Allergies?

An immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food.

What are common symptoms of Food Allergies?

• Hives, itching, or eczema

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat

• Wheezing or nasal congestion

• Abdominal pain or diarrhea

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

What are Food Allergies caused by?

Immune system reaction to certain proteins in food.

How can Food Allergies be treated?

Avoiding allergenic foods, antihistamines, and epinephrine for severe reactions.

Intestinal Parasites

What is Intestinal Parasites?

Organisms that live in the intestines and consume nutrients from their hosts.

What are common symptoms of Intestinal Parasites?

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Nausea or vomiting

• Gas or bloating

• Fatigue

What are Intestinal Parasites caused by?

Consuming contaminated food or water and poor sanitation.

How can Intestinal Parasites be treated?

Antiparasitic medications.

Pancreatitis

What is Pancreatitis?

Inflammation of the pancreas.

What are common symptoms of Pancreatitis?

• Upper abdominal pain

• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Rapid pulse

What is Pancreatitis caused by?

Alcoholism, gallstones, and certain medications.

How can Pancreatitis be treated?

Hospitalization, fasting, pain management, and intravenous (IV) fluids.

Colon Cancer

What is Colon Cancer?

A type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon).

What are common symptoms of Colon Cancer?

• Changes in bowel habits

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

• Persistent abdominal discomfort

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

What is Colon Cancer caused by?

Mutations in DNA of colon cells.

How can Colon Cancer be treated?

Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Stomach Cancer

What is Stomach Cancer?

A cancer that begins in the cells of the stomach.

What are common symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

• Fatigue

• Feeling bloated after eating

• Severe heartburn or indigestion

• Stomach pain

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

What is Stomach Cancer caused by?

Mutation in the DNA of stomach cells.

How can Stomach Cancer be treated?

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy.