Links

Common GI Problems

  • Ulcers

    Definition:

    An erosion (disruption of the surface lining) in the gastrointestinal tract, most common in the stomach and duodenum.

    What are the causes?

    A bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory) use such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or cancer, lymphoma, or stress.

    What are the symptoms?

    Abdominal pain, vomiting (sometimes with blood), blood in stools.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually by endoscopy which allows for visual inspection of the GI tract lining and possible treatment of active bleeding.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Cancer can masquerade as ulcers.

    What are the treatments?

    Acid reducing medications/antibiotics.

  • Acid Reflux (GERD)

    Definition:

    Reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus.

    What are the causes?

    Incompetent valve between the esophagus and stomach.

    What are the symptoms?

    Heartburn, trouble swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, vomiting.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Patient history, upper endoscopy, 24 hour pH studies.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Yes, in a small number of cases. Those with chronic heartburn should be endoscoped.

    What are the treatments?

    Lifestyle modifications including diet modifications, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol as well as acid suppression medications and in a few cases, laparoscopic surgery.

  • Hiatal Hernia

    Definition:

    Bulging of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest.

    What are the causes?

    Unknown in most cases, but weight gain and/or aging can contribute.

    What are the symptoms?

    Usually no symptoms, but chest pain, acid reflux, and frequent vomiting may be indicators.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Incidentally at endoscopy or with upper GI series.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    No.

    What are the treatments?

    For reflux, acid suppression. If very large, surgery may be required.

  • Crohn’s Disease and Ileitis

    Definition:

    Chronic inflammatory condition of the GI tract usually involving the colon, and/or small bowel.

    What are the causes?

    Unknown, however, genetic, environmental, and infectious factors may contribute.

    What are the symptoms?

    Abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, weight loss.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Colonoscopy, video capsule, x-rays, CT scans.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Sometimes with chronic disease.

    What are the treatments?

    Medical and surgical therapy.

  • Ulcerative Colitis

    Definition:

    Chronic inflammatory condition of the GI tract involving the colon.

    What are the causes?

    Unknown, however, genetic, environmental and infectious factors may contribute.

    What are the symptoms?

    Diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, weight loss.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually by clinical history and colonoscopy with biopsies.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Yes, if you have ulcerative colitis for more than 10 years, there is a higher risk of colon cancer.

    What are the treatments?

    Medications, rarely surgery.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Definition:

    Abdominal pain (cramps), diarrhea and/or constipation.

    What are the causes?

    Unknown.

    What are the symptoms?

    Abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, alterations in stool.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually based on symptoms. Tests will be given to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    No.

    What are the treatments?

    Change in diet, stress management and lifestyle changes.

  • Colon Cancer

    Definition:

    Cancer of the large intestine or rectum.

    What are the causes?

    Usually due to transformation of a colon polyp into a carcinoma.

    What are the symptoms?

    Some people have weight loss, abdominal pain, anemia, GI tract bleeding, change in bowel pattern. Some people have no symptoms.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Usually by colonoscopy.

    What are the treatments?

    Surgery, possibly chemotherapy and/or radiation, stress management and lifestyle changes.

  • Hepatitis

    Definition:

    Inflammation of the liver.

    What are the causes?

    Viruses, alcohol, drugs, infections cause most cases.

    What are the symptoms?

    Fevers, lethargy, liver failure, yellow tone to skin or eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting. Some people have no symptoms.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Possibly, depending on the cause.

    What are the treatments?

    It may resolve on its own or it may become a chronic condition. Some people may require medication.

  • Gall Bladder Disease

    Definition:

    Disorders of the gall bladder which stores the digestive juice bile.

    What are the causes?

    Genetic predisposition. More common in women; rapid weight loss may contribute. Greasy foods may trigger attacks.

    What are the symptoms?

    Usually acute or chronic abdominal pain, elevated blood tests, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellow tone to eyes and skin.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, nuclear medicine scan.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Rarely, yes.

    What are the treatments?

    Usually surgical, Bile duct stones removed by ERCP (see above).

  • Colon Polyps

    Definition:

    Pre-cancerous growths that occur in large intestine and rectum.

    What are the causes?

    Diet, genetics.

    What are the symptoms?

    Usually none, but bleeding may occur.

    How is it diagnosed?

    Colonoscopy. Usually screen at age 50 if no family history. Start 10 years earlier if a family member was diagnosed with colon cancer.

    Can this lead to cancer?

    Yes.

    What are the treatments?

    Endoscopic removal, surgery.