Diseases & Conditions

Approximately 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, GI diseases are responsible for the hospitalization of more people in the U.S. than any other group of disorders. 
 

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding, Ulcerations, Lesions and Small Bowel Tumors

 GI bleeding is a symptom rather than a disease and can occur anywhere within the digestive system. Common causes of bleeding in the small intestine include ulcers in the duodenum (sores in the lining of the upper small intestine) and ulcerations due to inflammation from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. GI bleeding may be traced to other areas not associated with the small intestine such as hemorrhoids (enlarged veins) in the anal area or benign growths or polyps in the colon. 
   
 Symptoms depend on the location of the bleeding and its severity. Changes in bowel habits and the presence of pain may tell the doctor which part of the GI tract is affected. A thorough physical examination, blood tests and GI imaging are used to make a diagnosis.
   

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the general name for diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines. Approximately one million Americans are estimated to suffer from IBD with males and females affected equally. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are classified as IBD and may share similar symptoms.
   
 

Crohn’s Disease 

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine wall. It usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum, but can affect any part of the digestive tract. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and rectal bleeding. Roughly 50 percent of all cases of Crohn’s are diagnosed in the last part of the small intestine (the terminal ileum) and cecum. This area is also known as the ileocecal region. Other cases of Crohn’s may affect one or more of the following: the colon only, the small bowel only (duodenum, jejunum and/or ileum), the anus, stomach or esophagus. 
   
Roughly 500,000 Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease and about 20 percent have a direct relative with some form of IBD. It affects men and women equally. The cause is unknown, but the most popular theory is that the immune system is reacting to a virus or bacterium that causes inflammation. An upper GI series and colonoscopy are used to test for inflammation and intestinal abnormalities. Depending on the severity, treatment options include nutritional supplements, drugs and surgery. There is currently no cure for the disease.
   

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine, though it can occur in the small intestine. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, weight loss and rectal bleeding, are similar to Crohn’s disease. Inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but can affect the entire colon. An estimated 500,000 people in the U.S. have ulcerative colitis.
   
It typically affects people ages 15 to 40 and appears to be hereditary. Like Crohn’s disease, the cause is unknown, but the immune system is suspected of reacting to a virus or bacterium that causes inflammation in the intestinal wall. About 5 percent of people with ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer. Diagnostic methods include barium enema, colonoscopy, MRI and CAT scan. Depending on the severity, treatments include diet modification, medication and surgery. Currently, surgery to remove the diseased colon is the only cure.
   
 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, affecting about 20 percent of the Western population and accounting for 3.5 million physician visits in the U.S. annually.iv Although the symptoms of IBS may appear similar to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, it does not cause inflammation, intestinal bleeding or lead to cancer. IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel function such as diarrhea and constipation, or an alternating pattern between the two. It most often affects people in their late-teens to early 40s and may run in families. X-rays and endoscopy may be performed to check for intestinal abnormalities and rule out IBD. There is no cure, but symptoms may be controlled with diet modification, medicine and stress management. 
   
   
  
  References:
   
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (niddk.nih.gov)
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (ccfa.org)
Onhealth.com
Review Article: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, M.Camillari and M.G. Choi, Mayo Medical
  School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN July 1996
qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html Inflammatory Bowel Disease Frequently Asked Questions