Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Understanding Celiac Disease Understanding Diverticulitis Understanding Gallstones Understanding Hepatitis Understanding Pancreatitis Understanding Constipation Understanding Diarrhea Understanding Gastritis Understanding Bowel Obstruction Understanding Colorectal Cancer Understanding Lactose Intolerance Understanding Functional Dyspepsia

Gastrointestinal Conditions

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
- Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing.
- Cause: Acid from the stomach frequently flows back into the esophagus.

2. Peptic Ulcer Disease:
- Types: Gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (small intestine).
- Symptoms: Burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting.
- Cause: Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of NSAIDs.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
- Cause: The exact cause is unknown but can be triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
- Types: Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue.
- Cause: Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract with an autoimmune component.

5. Celiac Disease:
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, fatigue.
- Cause: Autoimmune reaction to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye).

6. Diverticulitis:
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain (usually in the lower left side), fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits.
- Cause: Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon.

7. Gallstones:
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain (often in the upper right side), nausea, vomiting, jaundice.
- Cause: Solid particles that form in the gallbladder, which can block the bile ducts.

8. Hepatitis:
- Types: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
- Symptoms: Jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue.
- Cause: Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxins.

9. Pancreatitis:
- Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever.
- Cause: Inflammation of the pancreas, often due to gallstones or chronic alcohol use.

10. Constipation:
- Symptoms: Infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, difficulty passing stools.
- Causes: Low fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications.

11. Diarrhea:
- Symptoms: Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
- Causes: Infections, certain medications, food intolerances, or underlying health conditions.

12. Gastritis:
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion.
- Cause: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to infection, certain medications, or alcohol consumption.

13. Bowel Obstruction:
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, constipation.
- Cause: Blockage of the intestine due to various factors such as adhesions, tumors, or hernias.

14. Colorectal Cancer:
- Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss.
- Cause: Cancerous growths in the colon or rectum.

15. Lactose Intolerance:
- Symptoms: Bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain after consuming dairy products.
- Cause: Inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency in lactase enzyme.

16. Functional Dyspepsia:
- Symptoms: Upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, early satiety.
- Cause: Indigestion with no clear organic cause, often related to stress or diet.

These conditions can range from mild to severe and often require medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle changes, medications, and dietary adjustments can help manage many of these GI conditions effectively.