Digestive System

Regions such as your stomach, esophagus, large and small intestines, anus, and mouth.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Chronic acid reflux, where stomach acid flows into the esophagus

Symptoms

Treatments

• Burning chest sensation
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing
• Symptoms that worsen
during pregnancy
• Lifestyle changes
• Acid-reducing medications
• Weight management
• Surgery in severe cases

How Dangerous Is It?

Usually not life-threatening, but it can lead to esophageal damage or cancer if untreated.

GASTRITIS

Inflammation of the stomach lining

Symptoms

Treatments

• Upper abdominal pain          
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating

• Acid-reducing medications
• Antibiotics if caused by H. pylori
• Avoid NSAIDs and alcohol

How Dangerous Is It?

Can lead to ulcers or bleeding if severe.

PEPTIC ULCER

Open sore in the stomach or small intestine

Symptoms

Treatments

• Burning stomach pain
• Nausea
• Black stools if bleeding
• Antibiotics
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Surgery if severe

How Dangerous Is It?

 Can cause life-threatening bleeding.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Chronic disorder affecting bowel function. More common in women.

Symptoms

Treatments

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or

constipation
• Symptoms worsen

around menstruation
• Diet changes
• Stress management
• Medications

How Dangerous Is It?

Not life-threatening, but it affects quality of life.

CROHN’S DISEASE

Autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms

Treatments

 • Chronic diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods during flares
 • Immunosuppressive medications
• Biologics
• Surgery

How Dangerous Is It?

 Can cause severe malnutrition and complications.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Chronic inflammation of the colon

Symptoms

Treatments

 • Bloody diarrhea                   
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
 • Anti-inflammatory medications
• Biologics
• Surgery

How Dangerous Is It?

 Increases colon cancer risk over time.

GALLSTONES

Hardened deposits in the gallbladder. More common in women due to estrogen.

Symptoms

Treatments

 • Right upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Pain after fatty meals
 • Gallbladder removal  surgery    

How Dangerous Is It?

Can cause infection or pancreatitis.

PANCREATITIS

Inflammation of the pancreas

Symptoms

Treatments

 • Severe upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
 • Hospital care
• IV fluids
• Treat underlying cause

How Dangerous Is It?

Can be life-threatening.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Cancer of the colon or rectum

Symptoms

Treatments

 • Rectal bleeding
• Change in bowel habits
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
 • Surgery              
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

How Dangerous Is It?

Can be fatal if diagnosed late.