What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of digestive orders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause inflammation in the intestines. Common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea, anemia, rectal bleeding and weight fluctuation.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common digestive disorder that causes irritability in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of IBS include constipation or diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain and discomfort.

How common is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and can affect males and females, adults and children.

What lifestyle changes can improve IBS?

Unfortunately, there is not a cure for IBS. Still, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to help manage the symptoms, including improving your diet and relieving unnecessary stress.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a serious digestive disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye. When gluten is consumed, an attack will occur on the small intestine – the organ that absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat. Common symptoms of celiac disease in children include abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, and weight fluctuation. Symptoms in adults can be more severe, including anemia, fatigue, depression, and seizures.

How is celiac diseasediagnosed?

A simple blood test can diagnose celiac disease. People with celiac diseasewho consume gluten have higher than normal levels of specific antibodies in their blood. A positive blood test will be followed by an endoscopic biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

If I have celiac disease, can I eat gluten?

No. Even if your symptoms don’t appear, the gluten consumption still damages your intestines and could lead to more serious medical conditions in the future.

What is a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in digestive health disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, and celiac disease. They must undergo extensive training and certification in internal medicine and then pursue their specialty in gastroenterology. Gastroenterologists are trained to perform procedures such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. These procedures are used to diagnose and prevent further digestive health issues.

What is a GI doctor?

A GI doctor is a gastroenterologist. When you have symptoms like abdominal pain or bloody stool, you need to see a gastroenterologist right away. They will review your symptoms to rule out any severe conditions and get you the treatment you need.