Gastrointestinal (GI) symtoms Overview
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood both by health care providers and patients.
The ACG has created this special resource section that features the College’s wealth of scientifically-based education material and information, the latest related research from The American Journal of Gastroenterology and expert insight to help patients understand common GI symptoms and how these symptoms should be appropriately and effectively managed.
Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), the Most Common GI Condition?
In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease. IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.
Information on Common GI Conditions
ACG Expert Podcasts on Common GI Conditions
The American Journal of Gastroenterology Author Podcast:
Food Choice as a Key Management Strategy for Functional Gut Symptoms
Professor Peter Gibson reviews the quality of the evidence on diets high or low in poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides and Polyols) and their impact on functional gastrointestinal symptoms. In a discussion with Co-Editor Dr. Bill Chey, Professor Gibson provides insights on implementing dietary approaches in the office and discusses the challenges of recognizing patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Listen to the Podcast | Read the Article
 | Abdominal Pain – Lin Chang, MD |
| Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, and Gallstone Pancreatitis – William B. Silverman, MD |
| Nausea, Vomiting and Dyspepsia – Brian E. Lacy, MD, PhD, FACG |
FAQs
Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, gas, bloating and diarrhea are common examples. Many factors can upset your GI tract and its motility (ability to keep moving), including: Eating a diet low in fiber. Not getting enough exercise.
How do people describe GI symptoms? ›
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood both by health care providers and patients.
How to figure out stomach issues? ›
Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.
What bowel symptoms should not be ignored? ›
Consult your health care provider if you notice unusual or unexplained changes in your bowel movements, such as: Bloody, black or tarry-colored stools. Persistent diarrhea or constipation. Pain in the stomach that doesn't go away.
What are 5 common problems related to the digestive system? ›
Common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and hiatal hernia. The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea and vomiting.
What does GI discomfort feel like? ›
It typically occurs after eating or drinking. Symptoms may include early satiation, uncomfortable fullness, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, flatulence, heartburn, regurgitation and diarrhoea.
What is GI symptoms scale? ›
GSRS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale)
The GSRS is a disease-specific instrument. The 15 items combine into five symptom clusters: Reflux, Abdominal pain, Indigestion, Diarrhoea and Constipation. The reliability and validity of the GSRS are well-documented, and norm values for a general population are available.
What does GI distress feel like? ›
Gastric distress is a group of digestive disorders that are associated with lingering symptoms of constipation, bloating, reflux, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. These gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can be caused by infections, food intolerances, food allergies or autoimmune diseases.
What are four signs that your digestive system isn t working properly? ›
Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste.
What are common symptoms of a digestive condition check all that apply? ›
Sometimes, GI issues can develop that affect how well the GI tract works. These can also lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Knowing the different types of GI diseases and their symptoms can help you get the appropriate care if needed.
Knowing When You Have an Intestinal Problem
Problems keeping food down. Constipation. Bloating. Blood in the stool.
What is a leaky gut? ›
A “leaky gut” is another name for increased intestinal permeability. This is a recognized condition in which the gaps between the cells of your gut lining get bigger. The lining of a healthy gut is semipermeable. It lets through water and nutrients from what you eat and drink.
How long do GI symptoms last? ›
Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.
What is the most common GI virus? ›
What kinds of viruses cause viral gastroenteritis? norovirus. Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days.
