The document summarizes 5 common digestive diseases: 1) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Prevention includes avoiding certain foods. 2) Celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and causes diarrhea, fatigue, and other symptoms. The only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. 3) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the large intestine causing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. Symptoms can often be managed by diet, lifestyle, and stress reduction or medication. 4) Ulcerative colitis is

1. The 5 most common Digestive Diseases
1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs
when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the
tube connecting your mouth and stomach
(esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate
the lining of your esophagus. Many people
experience acid reflux from time to time.
Symptoms:
•A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn),
usually after eating, which might be worse at night or
while lying down
•Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
•Upper abdominal or chest pain

2. •Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
•Sensation of a lump in your throat
Prevention
Avoid fatty and fried foods; carbonated beverages;
garlic and onions; chocolate, peppermint and
spearmint; acidic vegetables including tomatoes and
tomato sauces; and citrus fruits.

3. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley,
and rye. Over time it can wreak havoc on the small
intestine causing digestive problems and nutrient
deficiencies from a lack of proper nutrient absorption.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease include:
•Diarrhea
•Fatigue
•Weight loss
•Bloating and gas
•Abdominal pain

4. •Nausea and vomiting
•Constipation
There is no cure for Celiac Disease, but most
people can promote intestinal healing and mitigate
symptom frequency and severity by sticking to a
strict gluten-free diet.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects
the large intestine. The main cause of the disorder is
still not well understood by medical professionals.
Symptoms include:

5. •Abdominal pain and cramping
•Bloating and gas
•Diarrhea
•Constipation
•Changes in the appearance of your bowels
•Inconsistent bowel movement frequency
Most can control their symptoms by managing
diet, lifestyle and stress. Those living with more
severe symptoms can be treated with prescription
medication.

6. 4. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel
disease. With this disease, abnormal reactions of the
immune system cause chronic inflammation and painful
ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis is most likely to develop in people
between the ages of 15 and 30 but can be diagnosed at
any age.
Symptom severity varies greatly depending on the
amount of inflammation in the large intestine but often
include:
•Diarrhea, with blood or pus

7. •Abdominal pain and cramping
•Rectal pain
•Rectal bleeding
•Urgency to defecate
•Inability to defecate
•Weight loss
•Fatigue
•Fever
•Failure to grow (in children)
There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but many
people experience long periods of remission with no
active symptoms.

8. 5. Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s Disease is another form of inflammatory
bowel disease which causes inflammation of the
digestive tract.
Inflammation caused by this disease can involve
various sections of the digestive tract which often
spread into deeper layers of the bowel.
Crohn's disease can be extremely painful and
debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening
complications.
Symptoms include:

9. •Diarrhea
•Fever
•Fatigue
•Abdominal pain and cramping
•Blood in your stool
•Mouth sores
•Reduced appetite
•Weight loss
•Pain or drainage near or around the anus
•Inflammation of skin, eyes and joints

10. •Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
•Kidney stones
•Anemia
There is no cure for Crohn’s Disease,
professional medical treatment can help mitigate
symptoms that lead to long-term remission.