Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions can cause inflammation, amongst a range of uncomfortable symptoms. While both conditions share similarities, they also exhibit distinct characteristics. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing inflammation in patches, often deep within the
August marks Gastroparesis Awareness Month, a chance to learn more about this potentially debilitating condition. Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and about 40 women have gastroparesis, making it a very rare condition that most people have no experience or familiarity with. Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying. The condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include bloating, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, making it an uncomfortable and unpleasant health issue. Because IBS is chronic, it needs to be managed over the long term. But unlike other disorders which affect the gut—for instance, Crohn’s
When someone who has celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune reaction in the small intestine. Celiac disease symptoms include bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, among others. In some cases, though, it doesn’t cause any digestive symptoms at all. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, spelt, bulgur, and barley.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a type of disorder that involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two most common forms of IBD. The symptoms associated with IBD usually include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloody stools and unintended weight loss. IBD can have very serious effects on a
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition that involves the stomach and the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter is a circle-shaped band of muscle. During normal digestion, it opens so that food can enter the stomach and closes to ensure that food and stomach acid don’t return to the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs
Most people experience digestive problems—whether it’s an upset stomach, heartburn, or diarrhea—from time to time. Often, these digestive problems aren’t serious. They either go away on their own or can be managed with over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes. The following article can help you to understand more about your digestive tract, including why symptoms arise,