Stomach diseases

A gastrointestinal disease is one that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the passage that runs
from the mouth to the anus. Common GI disorders include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid
reflux, indigestion, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids.

As many as 11% of Americans have gastrointestinal diseases. They can develop because of
functional or structural problems within the GI tract.

The GI tract is responsible for digestion—breaking down food so the body can absorb and direct
nutrients to keep you healthy. Many GI diseases disrupt the healthy digestion of the food you
consume.

Many different diseases affect the digestive tract. Some conditions are acute (coming on
suddenly and lasting only a short time), while others are chronic (lasting a long time). Symptoms
may vary from day to day or come and go.

Being aware of your symptoms, when they occur, for how long, and if they are more severe after
eating certain foods or performing certain activities can help in identifying the correct cause of
your digestive issues.

Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu, is not influenza but an infection of your
gastrointestinal tract caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or chemicals. Gastroenteritis caused
by a virus is called viral gastroenteritis.

Many viruses can be spread from person to person and cause infections. Some common viruses
that can cause gastroenteritis include norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus.
Viral gastroenteritis tends to be acute, usually lasting less than a week. Most people get better on
their own without medical treatment. However, more serious cases can lead to dehydration and
may require medical treatment.

Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small
intestine. In this condition, the immune system reacts to gluten consumed in foods or beverages.
Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. It is commonly found in foods such
as bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes but can also be found in other foods, beverages, and products.
The main treatment for celiac disease is following a gluten free diet. Learning to read ingredient
lists, as well as knowing the different grains and food products that contain gluten, is important
to help in staying gluten-free and preventing damage to the small intestine.

Research suggests that celiac disease occurs in people who have certain genes. A person is more
likely to develop celiac disease if a family member also has the condition. In the United States,
celiac disease is more commonly diagnosed among White people compared to other racial or
ethnic groups. Celiac disease is more common in females than in males.4

(Note that when research or health authorities are cited, the terms for sex or gender from the
source are used.)

Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are common GI issues. Both are often symptoms of other digestive
system problems and can greatly impact quality of life.

Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are reduced, and you have fewer than
three a week. Other symptoms include hard, dry, or lumpy stools that are difficult or painful to
pass or a feeling that all the stool has passed.

Causes of constipation include certain medical conditions (especially those that affect the
digestive system), changes in physical activity or diet, pregnancy, side effects of medications,
and more.

Colitis
colitis inflammation of the colon. Sometimes the cause is unknown, or it may be caused by viral
and bacterial infections, medications, Crohn's disease, UC, lack of blood flow,
pseudomembranous colitis (bacteria causing inflammation of the colon), or necrotizing
enterocolitis (serious intestinal disease) in newborns.

There are different types of colitis, including Inflammatory (such as in IBD), microscopic
(causes chronic watery diarrhea), pseudomembranous (colon inflammation caused by bacterial
overgrowth), ischemic (blood flow is restricted or reduced), and allergic collitis(which usually
occurs in infants).

Symptoms of colitis include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Dark stools, or blood in the stool
• Continual feeling of needing to have a bowel movement (tenesmus)
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Fever