About

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition limited to the colon/large intestine and is the result of an abnormal response by your body’s immune system. Over time, it can lead to life threatening complications and can debilitating on a daily basis.

FYI

Causes and Risk Factors

Unfortunately, medical professionals don’t know what causes ulcerative colitis. Many suspect, however, that it’s a combination of several factors, including the genes, immune system, and coming into contact with certain substances in the environment.

Some of the factors that increase your risk of Crohn’s Disease also increase your risk of developing Ulcerative Colitis including age, ethnicity and family history.

Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort
• Urgent bowel movement
• Blood in the stool
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Rectal bleeding

As with other chronic diseases, the symptoms may appear in periods of flare-ups and then subside for a period of time.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for ulcerative colitis. If you believe you are suffering any of the symptoms, seek out your healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and to determine the best course of action.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition?
• Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

There is no sure-fire cure, but there are treatments that may help relieve and manage your symptoms. In most cases, your provider will prescribe drugs. These may include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation
• Drugs to suppress your immune system.
• Antibiotics to help fight infections caused by the disease
• Other drugs to treat diarrhea, pain, constipation, low levels of iron in the blood, pain

If medication and lifestyle changes haven’t improved your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the damage sections of your intestines.

Resources

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Men’s Health Library

About

While IBS is certainly unpleasant, it’s not a disease. In fact, it’s actually a group of symptoms that occur together. IBD, on the other hand, is a far more serious condition. IBS is diagnosed when a person has had abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 times a month for the last 3 months and there is no evidence of other complications that would account for the pain. The pain or discomfort of IBS may occur with a change in stool frequency or consistency or be relieved by a bowel movement.

FYI

As with other functional GI disorders, the exact causes behind IBS are a mystery. One theory is that people with IBS may have an excess of natural chemicals in the body that produce contractions in the intestines and make them especially sensitive to pain.

If you’re even the slightest bit suspicious about whether you’ve got IBS, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort?
• Do I often feel bloated?
• Am I often constipated?
• Does mucus occasionally come out with my stool?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to one or more of those questions, we recommend you to speak to your healthcare provider right away.

Symptoms

No two people with IBS have exactly the same symptoms. For some, the symptoms are manageable, while for others, they are debilitating. Many of the symptoms of IBS are the same as those of other functional GI disorders. However, there are several things that set IBS apart:

• Pain and discomfort in the abdomen. It can be sharp or dull and may feel like gas or cramping. In most cases, the pain and discomfort will lessen after a bowel movement.
• Changes in bowel habits, most notably a change in the frequency or consistency of your stool. In other words, you could be constipated, have diarrhea, or go back and forth between the two.
• Feeling full after eating very little.
• Feeling that even though you just had a bowel movement, you didn’t get everything out.
• Urgency. You need to find a restroom right now.

In addition, there can be several symptoms that have nothing to do with your intestines:

• Fatigue
• Muscle and/or low-back pain
• Headaches
• Sexual dysfunction

Prevention

Constipation and other digestive problems are no fun, especially for people who suffer from them often. They can cause disruption in your daily life. Fortunately, these diseases are often manageable—and sometimes even preventative—through diet and lifestyle.

There are a number of changes you can make that may relieve your symptoms or at least make them more manageable.

• Eat a diet high in fiber. Avoid fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, dairy products, soda, and caffeine as these foods may make symptoms worse.
• Quit smoking.
• Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medication. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain), or antispasmodics (to control contractions in the colon)
• Reduce your stress levels. Less stress will mean less cramping and less pain.

IBS is a long-term condition and symptoms can change or come and go over time. For that reason, it’s helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms and when they occurred. This may help you and your healthcare provider identify certain behaviors or foods that are making your symptoms worse or causing them to flare up at all.

Diagnosis

Other bowel diseases may have similar symptoms. For that reason, your healthcare provider may order laboratory blood and stool tests, x-rays and endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy), which are usually requested to rule out other diseases. They are not used not to make the diagnosis. These tests are usually normal in patients with IBS.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

Unfortunately, without understanding what causes IBS, it’s impossible to cure, but the following may help:

• Changes in eating, diet, and nutrition
• Medications
• Probiotics
• Therapies for mental health problems
• Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medications. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain), antispasmodics (to control contractions in colon), or approved IBS agents

Resources

For more info on GI conditions visit:

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Men’s Health Library

About

When your body’s lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it should not, GERD is the result. This causes the acid produced by the stomach to rise up into the esophagus. The main symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn, though some adults with GERD do not have heartburn.

FYI

Causes and Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Abnormalities in the body such as hiatal hernias. Hiatal hernias are common among people over 50 and occur when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (a sheet of muscle that normally separates the stomach from the chest) into your chest.
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications, such as asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, and many antihistamines, pain killers, sedatives, and antidepressants
• Smoking
• Having another condition such as asthma or diabetes

Symptoms

• Frequent heartburn or acid indigestion, particularly after consuming acidic foods and drinks, caffeine, and fatty foods
• Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis (swelling and irritation of the voice box that results in losing your voice)
• Wheezing
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing
• Chronic cough
• Frequent nausea and/or vomiting
• Pain in the chest or the upper part of the abdomen
• Dental erosion and bad breath

Prevention

Good news! For many people, GERD can be preventable, depending on the individual. Consult your healthcare provider, but the following steps can help prevent the symptoms:

• Lose weight
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods, including tomatoes, onions and citrus
• Refrain from eating mint or chocolate
• Cut back on coffee or caffeinated beverages
• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Eat smaller meals
• Don’t smoke and reduce your alcohol consumption
• Avoid tight fitting clothing that constricts your waist

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose GERD from your description of symptoms. They may also suggest tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, including are esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and manometry.

If your healthcare provider tells says that you have GERD, her or she will decide how to treat it depending what’s causing your symptoms, how severe they are, and how long you’ve had them.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

Common treatments include:

• Losing weight if necessary
• Making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Avoiding foods that make your symptoms worse
  • Quitting smoking and avoiding being around smokers
  • Not laying down within 3 hours of eating (this may prevent acid from rising)
  • When lying in bed, sleep with your head raised 6 to 8 inches on a pillow
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing around the stomach area (tight clothing can increase reflux)
  • Medications including:
    • Antacids for relief or heartburn
    • Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers to help heal the esophagus
    • Antibiotics
    • Surgery (as a last resort)

It is important that if you suffer from any symptoms, or if you suspect you may have GERD, you consult with your healthcare provider. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis, which is a chronic irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid that can damage the lining and lead to bleeding or ulcers. Chronic esophagitis can lead to cancer, and can include such problems as difficulty swallowing and respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing.

Resources

For more info on GI conditions visit:

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

About

Just about everyone experiences symptoms of FGIDs at some point in his or her life. But for millions of people, those symptoms are chronic (meaning they happen frequently or have been going on for a long time). Unfortunately, many people—especially men—with chronic symptoms don’t get the help they need because they don’t know where to go, they’re afraid of what they’ll find out, or they’re just embarrassed to talk to anyone about their problem. If you experience any symptoms with frequency or they are interfering with your daily activities, see your healthcare provider right away.

The most common FGID is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

FYI

Approximately 25 million Americans have a functional GI disorder.

While healthcare experts don’t know exactly what causes FGIDs, many believe that it’s the result of a communication breakdown between the brain and the intestinal tract. For example, abnormal signaling could cause the GI tract to overreact (which would lead to diarrhea) or under react (which would lead to constipation). They also know that FGIDs can be caused — or made worse — by a number of other factors including:

• Regularly consuming a diet low in fiber
• Not drinking enough water or other fluids every day
• Lack of exercise
• Travel or another change in routine
• Eating large amounts of dairy products
• Stress
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
• Pain from hemorrhoids that is bad enough that it makes you resist bowel movements
• Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which can weaken the bowel muscles
• Antacids that contain calcium or aluminum
• Medication, including antidepressants and iron supplements, and many narcotics and other powerful drugs for pain.
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain (in or around the stomach, either chronic or sudden)
• Anal or rectal pain (chronic or sudden)
• Belching (frequent, repetitive)
• Bloating (in the abdomen)
• Chest pain
• Constipation (straining to defecate and/or hard or lumpy stool)
• Cramping (below your belly button)
• Diarrhea
• Gas (sometimes called flatulence)
• Heartburn
• Indigestion (sometimes called dyspepsia)
• Nausea
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting (frequently)

Prevention

There is no known prevention for FGID. However, depending on your symptoms, your healthcare professional may be able to make suggestions to lessen the symptoms. These can include:

• Eat a diet high in fiber. Avoid fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, dairy products, soda and caffeine as these foods may make symptoms worse.
• Quit smoking.
• Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medication. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain) or antispasmodics (to control contractions in the colon).
• Reduce your stress levels. Less stress will mean less cramping and less pain.

Diagnosis

Even though FGID produce symptoms, examinations and tests will not be able to identify the cause. Your entire GI tract may look fine, but there’s clearly something wrong. That means your healthcare provider will rely on your description of the symptoms. That’s why it’s important that you keep track of what your symptoms are, when each one started, how frequently you have them, how long they last, how severe they are, etc.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

There are no cures for the FGIDs. Treatment focuses on management over a long-term span and will be determined for each individual based on their needs. It varies based on the severity and symptoms, and the degree of impairment of a person’s daily life.

Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate medications. This may include laxatives, antidepressants (which may reduce abdominal discomfort or pain), antispasmodics (to control contractions in colon), or approved IBS agents.

Resources

For more info on GI conditions visit:

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Men’s Health Library

About

Constipation covers a wide range of symptoms. For some people, it simply means infrequent bowel movements.  However, for others it can mean hard or difficult to pass stools, or the nagging feeling that they bowels have not been emptied after a bowel movement.

Constipation can be caused by medications, poor bowel habits, low  fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders and other diseases that also affect the colon.

FYI

Occasional vs Chronic Constipation

Causes and Risk Factors

• Not eating enough fiber
• Eating too much dairy
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Not drinking enough water or liquids
• Lack of physical activity
• Medications (especially those for pain) and antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
• Life changes or daily routine changes
• Eating disorders
• Overuse of laxatives and/or stool softeners

Symptoms

• Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements
• Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain
• Strained during bowel movements

Prevention

If you suffer from constipation or other digestive disorders, you know how disruptive they can be to daily life. Fortunately, these diseases are often manageable — and sometimes even preventative — through diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips that will help your intestines and digestive system healthy.

• Get regular on your bowel movements
• Listen to your body, and don’t ignore the urge to go
• Relax, and don’t stress
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet

Diagnosis

If you suffer from chronic constipation your healthcare provider will decide how to treat it depending on what’s causing your symptoms, how severe they are and how long you’ve had them.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

Treatment typically includes one or more of the following:

• Changing your diet—specifically, eat more fiber, less dairy, and drink more water.
• Getting more exercise and/or make other lifestyle changes.
• Taking prescribed medication, possibly including laxatives, enemas, and/or stool softeners, and/or approved IBS agents.
• Surgery. This will be used as a last resort by your healthcare provider.

Resources

For more info on GI conditions visit:

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Men’s Health Library

About

Unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Disease causes the intestines to become inflamed and may lead to ulcers (small, open sores) or other damage.

Crohn’s disease affects the intestines. It’s effects show up in many other parts of the body as well. For example, Crohn’s may be associated with arthritis, blood clots, depression, eye disease (and vision loss), headaches, kidney stones, liver disease, mouth sores, osteoporosis , seizures, skin disorders, and strokes.

FYI

Causes and Risk Factors

Crohn’s disease can affect anyone at any time. However, there are a few things that may affect your risk.

• Age. Most people develop Crohn’s disease before they turn 30
• Smoking. Smoking may not cause Crohn’s, but it can make many of the symptoms a lot worse.
• Ethnicity. Anyone can get Crohn’s, but Caucasians suffer at higher rates
• Family history. If anyone else in your immediate family has Crohn’s, your risk of developing it are higher than for those without a family history of the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease can be mild or severe and may include any or all of the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
• Slight fever
• Weight loss
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Occasional rectal bleeding
• Weight loss

Prevention

Constipation and other digestive problems can make life miserable, especially for people who suffer from them often. They can disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, these diseases are often manageable, sometimes even preventable, through diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips that will help keep your intestines and digestive system healthy.

Your provider may recommend that you make some lifestyle changes, such as:

• Limiting dairy products (milk, cheese)
• Limiting fiber—if they make your symptoms worse
• Eliminating other foods that you believe trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
• Making other diet changes, such as reducing fatty foods, alcohol, or spices
• Taking nutritional supplements to counteract the loss of nutrients caused by Crohn’s.
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing your stress

Diagnosis

Because there are so many possible symptoms, and because those symptoms can be mild to severe and may even disappear for a short while, it’s often very difficult to diagnose Crohn’s disease. If your healthcare provider suspects that you have Crohn’s, he or she may order one or more tests including a endoscopy and/or colonoscopy (inserting a small camera through the patient’s rectum to view the intestines), specialized x-rays and other scans, stool samples and blood tests.

If you experience frequent abdominal pain, blood in your stool, unexplained fever that lasts more than a few days and/or frequent diarrhea, consult your healthcare provider.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

…about Your GI Condition

• What is the name of my condition?
• How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
• Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications might I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

…about Diagnosing Your Conditions

• What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
• Which of them do you recommend and why?
• What does the test involve?
• What are the side effects of each test?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
• If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?

…about Your Treatment

• Is there a cure for my condition?
• What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
• What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
• What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
• Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
• How long should it take for the treatment to work?
• Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
• What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
• Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?

Treatments

There is no sure-fire cure for Crohn’s Disease. However, there are treatments that may help relieve and manage your symptoms. In most cases, your provider will prescribe drugs. These may include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation
• Drugs to suppress your immune system. These are important because Crohn’s causes your immune system overreact and attack the rest of your body.
• Anitbiotics to help fight infections caused by the disease
• Other drugs to treat diarrhea, pain, constipation, low levels of iron in the blood, pain

If medication and lifestyle changes haven’t improved your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the damaged sections of your intestines.

Resources

For more info on GI conditions visit:

American Gastroenterological Association
Centers for Disease Control
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Men’s Health Library