Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions— conditions that affect the components of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and rectum—are some of the most common health conditions that affect millions of Americans year after year. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), GI conditions account for 48.3 million outpatient visits in 2010 alone. If you think you are a statistic ... [Read More]
Gastrointestinal Tract Problems
Is it IBS or appendicitis?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and appendicitis both share similar symptoms, which can often confuse people. However, it’s important that you know how to identify symptoms of each condition, especially because appendicitis is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. IBS Symptoms Approximately 15 percent of adults in the United States have IBS. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. It is a gastrointestinal disease that researchers ... [Read More]
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder affecting the large intestine. It is a condition characterized by abdominal distress linked with modified bowel movements. Although not considered a life-threatening condition, it is a chronic disorder that needs long-term management. IBS usually comes and goes throughout life, which may bring frustration and discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome is different from inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It doesn't cause damage in your bowel ... [Read More]
Diverticulitis Treatments
When it comes to gastroenterological issues, most people know about irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. However, not many people know about diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can develop in your intestines. The pouches are called diverticula – if you have them, the condition is called diverticulosis. Diverticula can develop anywhere along the GI tract but are most common in the lower parts. They are vulnerable to ... [Read More]
Common GI Problems
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has not experienced a gastrointestinal issue at some point in their life. While GI problems are extremely common, they are not normal. If you are experiencing digestive issues, seek the help of a qualified gastroenterologist who can examine you and order the appropriate tests to make sure that your GI symptoms are not due to life-threatening conditions. Here are the most common GI problems and how to treat them. Constipation If you are ... [Read More]
The Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
An estimated 500,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, but primarily affects the small intestine. The start of the large intestine is also affected, though the disease can really affect any and all parts of the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, the rectum and anus; and are responsible for processing food as it passes through the body. The ... [Read More]
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a form of irritable bowel disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the digestive system. The digestive system includes every organ between the mouth and anus that processes food: the esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and anus. For the more than half a million Americans who suffer from Crohn’s Disease, any day can present a bout with diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite, weight loss and more. More definitively, Crohn’s disease can attack any part of ... [Read More]
How Probiotics Help Your Gut Health
The ancient saying “food is medicine” is increasingly becoming a mantra in modern culture. More people understand that good health is best managed through conscious healthy food consumption. Many diseases are triggered or aggravated by unhealthy food habits, so maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial. It can be an active weapon against disease – or a direct contributor. It helps in reducing inflammation and risks for diseases, both trivial and serious. Gut health also helps in burning ... [Read More]
What to Do if You Notice Rectal Bleeding
If you notice blood in your stool, it may have originated from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in the colon, rectum, or anus. The color of the blood may indicate the possible origin of the bleeding. Lesions close to the anus leak bright blood. The upper parts of the large intestine cause dark red or maroon blood. Bleeding from the stomach produces black and tarry stools called melena. If blood loss is severe, it may occur with the additional symptoms of weakness, dizziness, ... [Read More]
Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders are among some of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions, yet some people hesitate to discuss them with a doctor, especially those ones that affect bathroom habits. However, GI conditions aren’t limited to the bowel. They comprise a variety of issues, from heartburn to hepatitis C. These disorders can range in severity from acute, mildly annoying, to chronic, debilitating and potentially life-threatening. In other words, they’re well worth talking with your ... [Read More]
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