| Symptoms: | ||||
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | ||
| IBS | Crohn's Disease | Ulcerative Colitis | (GERD) | |
| alternating constipation /diarrhea | √ | √ | ||
| abdominal pain | √ | √ | √ |
√
painful or burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest |
| bloating / distention | √ | √ | ||
| mucus present | √ | √ | ||
| persistent diarrhea | √ | √ | √ | |
| loss of appetite | √ | √ | √ | |
| rectal bleeding | √ | √ | ||
| fistulas / strictures | √ | |||
| anemia | √ | √ | ||
| delayed growth | √ | √ | ||
| fever | √ | √ | ||
| malabsorption |
√
B12, Calcium, Iron |
|||
| weight loss | √ | |||
| fatigue | √ | |||
| other symptoms | eye and skin irritations, arthritis | acid reflux | ||
| IBS is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort
accompanied by alterations in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or
a combination of both, typically over months or years. A diagnosis of
IBS has been reported by 10 to 20% of adults in the United States, and
symptoms of IBS are responsible for over 3 million yearly visits to
physicians. Research suggests that IBS is one of the most common
functional GI disorders. IBS exhibits a predominance in women, with
females representing over 70% of IBS sufferers. A combination of treatments may help a sufferer cope with the symptoms These include stress, dietary, lifestyle changes and perhaps the introduction of medications. |
Crohn's disease is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by affecting the entire wall of the involved bowel or intestines. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye. Treatment include medications to reduce inflammation or to suppress the immune response. Some patients may require surgery. |
Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis, a disease of the intestine, specifically the large intestine or colon, that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon. The main symptom of active disease is usually diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset.
Ulcerative Colitis is treated by medications with the aim to maintain remission. Some patients may require surgery. |
Gastroesophageal Reflux is a condition
where the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the lower
end of the esophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the stomach's
acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet
(esophagus). It can also cause heartburn. It is a common condition and one of the most
frequent causes of indigestion.
Anyone, including infants and children, can have GERD. If not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms by
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