Learn about the signs and symptoms of digestive disease

1. Signs & Symptoms of
Digestive Disease

2. What is Digestive Disease?
Your digestive tract is composed of the:
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine — also known as colon
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Gallbladder
Digestive disease is an umbrella term. It’s used when
any of these organs experience health issues. The most
common digestive diseases include...

3. Acid Reflux
Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD), acid reflux occurs when
fluids in your stomach move back up
into your esophagus. The most common
symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Excessive Gas
• Alternating between diarrhea and
constipation
• Mucus in bowel movements
Note: If you see blood in your stool,
see a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Gallstones
Gallstones develop from bile that contains
too much cholesterol. It creates hard,
pebble-like masses that prevent bile from
your gallbladder from moving — causing
pain. In addition to discomfort, common
symptoms include:
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pancreatitis
• Diarrhea
• Right Side Pain

5. Peptic Ulcers
Also called stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers
are lesions along the lining of the stomach
or small intestine. Symptoms of ulcers can
range from mild to severe, but typically
include:
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Blood in bowel movements
• Vomiting
• Blood in vomit

6. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a disorder of the large intestine.
It’s a chronic condition that occurs when the
muscles of the intestinal wall contract as you
digest food. It’s commonly associated with:
• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Alternating between diarrhea and constipation
• Mucus in bowel movements
Note: If you see blood in your stool,
see a doctor as soon as possible.

7. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is caused by inflammation
anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract — from
the esophagus to the rectum. This inflammation
can prevent your intestines from absorbing
nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition.
Flare-ups may cause symptoms such as:
• Abdominal cramping
• An immediate need to use the bathroom
• Frequent diarrhea
• Fever
• Blood in your stool
• Weight loss/loss of appetite

8. Diverticulitis
When a person develops pockets with
the walls of their colon, these pouches
are known as diverticula. If they become
infected, it’s known as diverticulitis. This
can happen when food particles get stuck
in the pockets. Common signs include:
• Abdominal Pain
• Tenderness
• Fever
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting

9. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder
that occurs in the small intestine. If a
person with Celiacs eats gluten, their body
responds by attacking their small intestine.
In addition to pain and discomfort,
common symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Pale stools
• Dental enamel erosion

10. CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
FOR DIGESTIVE DISEASE
Contact us today to find out if you qualify
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San Antonio Office – 210.982.0320
Austin Office – 512.384.1560
info@pinnacleresearch.com
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