Online Resource Center
Common GI Conditions — Patient Education Guide
Here are online resources specific to each disease, condition, or symptoms listed. ASk us if you have other questions!
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest discomfort, and regurgitation. Long-term untreated reflux can lead to inflammation or complications like strictures or Barrett’s esophagus.
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2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). It does not damage the intestines but can significantly affect quality of life.
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3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD: Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)
IBD involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease (can affect any part of the GI tract) and ulcerative colitis (affects only the colon). Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue.
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4. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten triggers damage to the small intestine. Symptoms may include diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, anemia, and nutrient deficiencies.
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5. Gallstones & Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones form when substances like cholesterol solidify in the gallbladder, causing pain, nausea, or infection when they block ducts. Severe cases may require gallbladder removal.
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6. Chronic Constipation
Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, or difficulty passing stool. Causes range from dehydration and diet to pelvic floor dysfunction or medications.
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7. Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis involves small pouches in the colon wall; most cause no symptoms. When these pouches become infected or inflamed, diverticulitis occurs, leading to abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
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8. Peptic Ulcer Disease (Stomach & Duodenal Ulcers)
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or duodenum most often caused by H. pylori infection or NSAID use. Symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and sometimes bleeding.
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9. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and may be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). It often causes severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; common causes include gallstones and alcohol.
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10. Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD & NASH)
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, often related to metabolic syndrome, weight, or diabetes. NASH is a more serious form that can lead to scarring or cirrhosis.
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11. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, itching, bleeding, or swelling. They often result from straining, constipation, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting.
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12. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks enough lactase enzyme to digest lactose, leading to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and discomfort after consuming dairy. Symptoms vary depending on the amount of lactose consumed.
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