These similarities can make your condition harder to diagnose.
It’s important to put any signs or symptoms in perspective.
Change in Stool Color
The color of a bowel movement is often influenced by diet.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
When color change is due to a food or a supplement, there’s usually no cause for worry.
For constipation, eating fiber, drinking water, or getting some exercise may do the trick.
If you also experience symptoms of fever, bleeding, or severe abdominal pain, see your healthcare provider.
They may prescribe medication or recommendover-the-counter drugs.
An estimated 3.1 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with IBD.
This may include medication, diet and lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Can a CT Scan Detect Digestive Issues?
Computed tomography (CT) scans are used when diagnosing GI conditions.
It is one of many tests healthcare providers use to check your digestive system.
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical and family history, and do a physical exam.
Treatment focuses on your specific symptoms and may take some trial and error to find what works.
It is estimated that 20% of American adults have GERD.
The LES is supposed to stop stomach acid from coming out of thestomachand into the esophagus.
Instead they will review your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis.
Occasional heartburn isn’t typically a cause for concern.
Most peptic ulcers are caused byHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) bacterial infections.
Peptic ulcer symptoms can vary and some people don’t have any symptoms at all.
In the case of ulcers caused byH.
Gastritis
The termgastritismeans that the lining of the stomach is inflamed.
There are two main types of gastritis: erosive and non-erosive.
Over time, erosive gastritis can cause the lining of the stomach to become damaged and ulcers can form.
pylori, the use of NSAIDs, and drinking alcohol.
People with Crohn’s disease that affects the stomach may also develop gastritis.
Other tests may include blood, stool, and breath tests.
When the cause isn’t known, treatments will focus on relieving symptoms and treating complications.
Gallstones can form when bile doesn’t have the right concentration of bile salts, cholesterol, and bilirubin.
Treatment for gallstones that are causing symptoms is typically acholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticular diseaseincludes both diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
The former is when small outpouchings occur in the inner wall of thecolon (large intestine).
When these get infected or inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.
Treatment for diverticular disease will vary depending on symptoms.
Seeing a gastroenterologist for regular treatment and monitoring will help.
Talk with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian if you’re unsure how much fiber is right for you.
It leads to problems digesting food and causes a host of symptoms outside the digestive tract.
Celiac disease can cause digestive symptoms as well as symptoms in other parts of the body.
Treatment for celiac involves avoiding gluten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a colonoscopy is almost always used to help diagnose Crohn’s disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been linked to hair loss.
It’s quite common for people with GI disorders to experience weight loss instead.
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