Digestive Diseases & Disorders

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease Celiac disease: an ___________ ___________ to eating gluten, a protein found in ______, _______ and _____. If you have celiac disease, eating _______ triggers an immune response in your small intestine, producing ____________ that damages the small intestine's lining and prevents ____________________________. The intestinal damage can cause weight loss, __________ and sometimes ____________. Eventually, your ______, nervous system, _______, liver and other organs can be deprived of vital nourishment.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance, is the __________ to digest _________, a sugar found in milk and milk-derived dairy products. Lactose intolerant individuals have insufficient levels of an ________ in their digestive system. In most cases this causes symptoms which may include abdominal bloating and ________, flatulence, diarrhea, _________, or vomiting after consuming significant amounts of lactose.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when _______________ or, occasionally, bile flows back into your food pipe (___________). Signs of GERD include acid reflux and ___________. When these signs and symptoms occur at least twice each week or interfere with your daily life, doctors call this GERD. People with GERD may need stronger medications, or even ___________, to reduce symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects your _______________ (colon). Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes ___________, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and ________________. Most people with IBS find that symptoms improve as they learn to __________ their condition. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn't cause _______________ damage to your colon.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic Ulcer Peptic ulcers are ______________ that develop on the inside lining of your esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is ______________ pain. It's a myth that spicy foods or a stressful job can cause peptic ulcers. Doctors now know that a __________________or some medications — not stress or diet — cause most peptic ulcers.

Gallstones

Gallstones Gallstones are hardened deposits of ____________ ______________ that can form in your gallbladder. Gallstones range in size from as small as a ________________ to as large as a ___________. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop __________ gallstones at the same time. People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require gallbladder removal _______________.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation and ___________, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of _____ and _____. It tends to run in families. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen and _______ or _______ in diarrhea. In severe cases, doctors must remove the ________.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular Disease Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous tiny _________, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. The pockets can range from __________ to much larger, are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of the intestinal ___________. Diverticula can form while straining during a bowel movement, such as with __________________. Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and _________________ in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when the pockets become blocked with __________, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection. Symptoms include alternating diarrhea with constipation, painful ___________ or tenderness in the lower abdomen, chills or _______________.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common condition and usually describes a ____________ of symptoms. Symptoms can include _______ pain or discomfort, bloating, feeling uncomfortably full after eating, nausea, loss of appetite, _____________ or burping up food or liquid (________________). Chocolate, mint, and __________ can make dyspepsia worse, as can ___________ foods, foods that have a lot of acid (like tomatoes and oranges), and ___________. Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. If no specific cause is found, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with ___________ such as ____________ or prescription drugs.