Patient Education

Barrett's esophagus is a condition resulting from ongoing irritation of the esophagus where its lining is replaced by the type of lining that is normally found in the stomach. Patients with Barrett's esophagus lack symptoms that are noticeably different from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the underlying irritation in most cases.

A polyp in the colon can be defined as any extra tissue that protrudes into the inside (or lumen) of the large intestine (colon), but typically refers to excess of the lining (epithelium). They vary in size from microscopic to several inches in diameter.

Constipation means that a person has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. The stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. You may feel 'draggy' and full. Some people think they should have a bowel movement every day. That is not really true. There is no 'right' number of bowel movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise, and other things. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for a short time and is not serious.When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of parts of the digestive tract. Inflammation is irritation and swelling. The inflammation, mostly caused by sores called ulcers, can cause pain and diarrhea. The digestive tract is the pathway food travels through in the body. This pathway is also called the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract. It goes from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease can sometimes be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are like the symptoms of other GI diseases. Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, but it most often affects a part of the small intestine called the ileum.

Diverticular disease affects the colon. The colon is part of the large intestine that removes waste from your body. Diverticular disease is made up of two conditions: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon. These pouches bulge out like weak spots in a tire. Diverticulitis occurs if the pouches become inflamed.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a common condition involving the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects the back of the mouth to the stomach) that can occur at any age, but typically begins to appear around age 40. Many people refer to this disorder as heartburn or indigestion. GERD is caused when the muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes, allowing the contents of the stomach to backwash, or reflux, into the esophagus. These gastric contents contain strong acids and bile that are very irritating to the lining of the esophagus.

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus - internal - or under the skin around the anus - external.

IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive system; that is, it is an abnormality in the way the gut normally functions, but does not have a known specific structural or biochemical alteration. It is sometimes referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. Approximately 10-15% of Americans suffer with this disorder, and it is the most common diagnosis made by gastroenterologists. Patients experience a variety of symptoms, particularly abdominal discomfort and a modification of bowel habits. Some people experience constipation, others experience diarrhea, still others experience alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.

Reflux Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus (swallowing tube) caused by acid which spills back up from the stomach into the esophagus, irritating it. It can cause heartburn, painful swallowing and even permanent damage to the esophagus.

A clear liquid diet is made up of clear liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. A clear liquid diet does not provide all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or calories that your body needs. This diet may be used before a test or surgery to make sure your digestive tract is empty. You may also need this diet after stomach or bowel (small and large intestines) surgery, or if you have problems with eating solid food. The goal of this diet is to provide liquids and part of the calories you need until you can eat solid food. Clear liquids are easily digested and do not put a strain on your stomach or intestines.

Dysphagia refers to a difficulty in swallowing or having pain during food swallowing. Dysphagia can be caused by a variety conditions. The symptoms can range from mild pain to severe swallowing difficulties and can occur in any age group.

Use the chart below to find the fiber content of many common foods.

The gluten free diet is used in the treatment of celiac sprue and dermatitis herpetiformis. Although a gluten free diet does not cure celiac sprue and dermatitis herpetiformis, following the diet will relieve the symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity.

The high fiber-high residue diet follows the normal dietary pattern except for the inclusion of high fiber, high residue foods. Dietary fiber is defined by Robinson as the seeds, skins, and structural parts of plant foods and the connective tissue fibers of meats. Cellulose, hemi cellulose, lignin, pectin, and inulin are not hydrolyzed by the enzymes in human digestive tract. Residue is defined as the volume of material remaining after the digestive process has been completed.

In general, Americans eat too much dietary fat. Most Americans would benefit from a low fat diet. Physicians may recommend a low-fat diet for a number of reasons, i.e. high cholesterol, heart disease, weight loss, diarrhea, malabsorption.

The low fiber diet follows the normal dietary pattern except for the omission of high fiber foods. Dietary fiber is defined as skins, seeds, structural parts of plants and connective tissue fibers of meats. Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and inulin are not hydrolyzed by enzymes in the human digestive tract.

A soft diet generally eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow, and also spicy, fried, or grassy foods. A mechanical soft diet simply eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow.

A soft mechanical diet generally eliminates foods that are difficult to chew or swallow. This diet is used for people who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, but are more able to tolerate foods that are semi-solid. Foods permitted on a soft mechanical diet must be naturally soft or able to be mashed to achieve a soft consistency.

The AGA website includes information for physicians and people with UC. The "Patient Center" links to web casts, downloadable brochures, and physician-run UC blogs.

Look here for listings of local events and suggestions on how to connect with others who share your interest in Ulcerative Colitis.

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The Web site contains a comprehensive overview of UC and links to clinical trial Web sites.