Digestive Diseases Patient Education Fact Sheets

These fact sheets present causes, symptoms, prevalence, diagnosis, and complications and are generally written at a 9th- to 12th-grade reading level.

		Abdominal Adhesions Describes how abdominal adhesions form. Explains their causes and how they can lead to intestinal obstruction. PDF Version (118 KB) *
		Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract Provides a general overview of common anatomical problems of the lower GI tract. Describes how some problems develop during the fetal stage and others develop with age. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for the different conditions. PDF Version (284 KB) *
		Alagille Syndrome Describes Alagille syndrome, a rare, inherited disorder that affects the liver. Covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outlook. PDF Version (162 KB) *
		Appendicitis Describes appendicitis and the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment. PDF Version (130 KB) *
		Autoimmune Hepatitis Provides information about the triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of autoimmune hepatitis. Includes a list of additional resources. PDF Version (130 KB) *
		Bacteria and Foodborne Illness Discusses the causes, risk factors, and complications associated with foodborne illness. Reviews treatment options and prevention strategies. Provides resources for additional information PDF Version (79 KB) *
		Barrett’s Esophagus Reviews the normal function of the esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Discusses the relationship between GERD and Barrett’s esophagus and between Barrett’s esophagus and cancer. Covers diagnosis, screening, and treatment for the condition. PDF Version (212 KB) *
		Biliary Atresia Describes biliary atresia, a rare, life-threatening disease that damages the liver in newborns. Discusses symptoms and diagnosis. Describes the Kasai procedure––the most recognized surgical treatment for the disease. PDF Version (97 KB) *
		Bleeding in the Digestive Tract Includes information about the causes of bleeding in the digestive tract and how the bleeding is recognized, diagnosed, and treated. PDF Version (190 KB) *
		En Español Hemorragia en el tracto digestivo Incluye información acerca de las causas de sangrado en el aparato digestivo y la forma en que la sangre es reconocida, diagnosticada y tratada. PDF Version (164 KB) *
		Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy Describes various bowel diversion surgeries. Includes illustrations. PDF Version (186 KB) *
		Celiac Disease Contains general information about celiac disease and explains how it can disrupt the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Provides information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (162 KB) *
		Cirrhosis Provides information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of cirrhosis. Includes a list of additional resources. PDF Version (149 KB) *
		En Español Cirrosis del hígado Ofrece información sobre las causas, los síntomas, las complicaciones, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la cirrosis. Incluye una lista de recursos adicionales. PDF Version (155 KB) *
		Colonoscopy Provides general information about colonoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (127 KB) *
		En Español Colonoscopia Proporciona información general sobre la colonoscopia. Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (331 KB) *
		Constipation Defines constipation and describes its development, diagnosis, and treatment. Also highlights some misconceptions about constipation. PDF Version (125 KB) *
		Constipation in Children Explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of constipation in children. PDF Version (162 KB) *
		Crohn’s Disease Provides general information about what Crohn’s disease is and how it develops. Describes symptoms, diagnosis, potential complications, and treatment. PDF Version (204 KB) *
		Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Describes the four phases of cyclic vomiting syndrome and the current treatment options available. Outlines the complications associated with the disorder and provides additional resources. PDF Version (144 KB) *
		Diarrhea Includes general information about diarrhea and the causes. Covers diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. PDF Version (161 KB) *
		Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Defines diverticulosis and diverticulitis and provides information about symptoms, causes, complications, and treatment. PDF Version (476 KB) *
		Fecal Incontinence Provides general information about flexible sigmoidoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (526 KB) *
		Endoscopic Retrograde Chloangiopancreatography (ERCP) Provides general information about ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (658 KB) *
		Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Provides general information about flexible sigmoidoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (347 KB) *
		En Español Sigmoidoscopia flexible Proporciona información general sobre la sigmoidoscopia flexible. Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (186 KB) *
		Gallstones Provides general information about gallstones, including causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (205 KB) *
		Gas in the Digestive Tract Describes what causes gas and discusses symptoms, complications, and treatment. PDF Version (158 KB) *
		Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents Describes gastroesophageal reflux in children and adolescents, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (139 KB) *
		Gastritis Describes the various causes of gastritis and tests used to diagnose it. PDF Version (246 KB) *
		Gastropesophageal Reflux in Infants Describes gastroesophageal reflux in infants, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (136 KB) *
		Gastroparesis Defines gastroparesis and describes the symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment. PDF Version (115 KB) *
		H. pylori and Peptic Ulcers Discusses peptic ulcers and explains how H. pylori can cause them. Covers diagnosis and treatment. PDF Version (147 KB) *
		En Español H. pylori y Úlcera Pépticas Ofrece información sobre las úlceras pépticas y explica cómo el "H. pylori" las puede causar. También ofrece información sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Versión PDF (276 KB) *
		Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Defines gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment—including surgery—for GERD. PDF Version (111 KB)*
		Hemochromatosis Provides information about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and screening for hemochromatosis. Includes a list of additional resources. PDF Version (134 KB) *
		Hemorrhoids Provides information about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and screening for hemochromatosis. Includes a list of additional resources. PDF Version (317 KB) *
		Indigestion Describes indigestion, also called functional dyspepsia. Provides information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (149 KB) *
		Inguinal Hernia Describes the types of inguinal hernia, as well as causes, symptoms, surgical treatment, and potential complications. PDF Version (127 KB) *
		Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Discusses chronic and acute forms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction and briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition. PDF Version (173 KB) *
		Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Describes the causes, symptoms, tests to rule out more serious intestinal diseases, and lifestyle and medical approaches to symptom management. PDF Version (165 KB) *
		Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children Defines irritable bowel syndrome. Describes diagnostic criteria and treatment, and offers guidelines for parents. PDF Version (125 KB) *
		Lactose Intolerance Explains the cause, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and management of lactose intolerance. Lists calcium-rich foods and foods that contain hidden lactose. PDF Version (144 KB) *
		Liver Biopsy Provides general information about liver biopsy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (154 KB) *
		En Español Biopsia del hígado Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (243 KB) *
		Liver Transplantation Describes what liver transplantation is and why it might be needed. Explains the national transplant waiting list, the scoring systems used to rank transplant candidates by urgency of need, and the procedure for matching candidates with donor livers. Discusses liver transplant surgery, possible complications of the surgery, and rejection and its treatment. PDF Version (326 KB) *
		Lower GI Series Provides general information about the lower gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (152 KB) *
		En Español Tránsito gastrointestinal inferior Proporciona información general sobre las radiografías del tránsito gastrointestinal inferior. Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (113 KB) *
		Ménétrier Disease Defines Ménétrier disease and describes treatment options. PDF Version (98 KB) *
		Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. PDF Version (244 KB) *
		Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Provides information about nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, including risk factors, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing research. PDF Version (184 KB) *
		En Español Esteatohepatitis no alcohólica Ofrece información sobre la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, una enfermedad del hígado que ocurre cuando depósitos de grasa en el hígado causan inflamación. Describe las afecciones subyacentes o los factores de riesgo, así como los síntomas, las causas, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y las investigaciones en curso. PDF Version (213 KB) *
		NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers Describes the relationship between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and peptic ulcers. Covers the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outlook. PDF Version (158 KB) *
		Pancreatitis Provides information about both acute and chronic forms of the disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment. PDF Version (148 KB) *
		Porphyria Reviews the group of disorders known as the porphyrias, which affect the skin or nervous system, or both. Discusses the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of porphyria. PDF Version (106 KB) *
		Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) Explains the possible causes of primary biliary cirrhosis. Describes the symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment. PDF Version (566 KB) *
		Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) Reviews primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease that damages and blocks bile ducts and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Discusses the causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. PDF Version (179 KB) *
		Proctitis Describes the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of proctitis. PDF Version (150 KB) *
		Rapid Gastric Emptying Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of rapid gastric emptying. PDF Version (116 KB) *
		Short Bowel Syndrome Reviews short bowel syndrome, a disorder that typically occurs in people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. Discusses the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment options. PDF Version (130 KB) *
		Smoking and Your Digestive System Describes how smoking affects various parts of the digestive system. PDF Version (78 KB) *
		Ulcerative Colitis Outlines the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and risks and benefits of several drugs and types of surgery to treat this disease. PDF Version (179 KB) *
		Upper GI Endoscopy Provides general information about upper GI endoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (129 KB) *
		En Español Endoscopia esofagogastroduodenal Proporciona información sobre la endoscopia esofagogastroduodenal. Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (169 KB) *
		Upper GI Series Provides general information about upper gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (106 KB) *
		En Español Tránsito esofagogastroduodenal Proporciona información general sobre las radiografías del tránsito esofagogastroduodenal. Versión PDF (110 KB) *
		Viral Hepatitis A to E and Beyond Provides information about the symptoms, modes of transmission, at-risk populations, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis A through E. Includes a list of additional resources. PDF Version (139 KB) *
		Virtual Colonoscopy Provides general information about virtual colonoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. PDF Version (123 KB) *
		En Español Colonoscopia virtual Describe el propósito de la prueba, como los pacientes se pueden preparar para ella y que pueden esperar los pacientes durante y después del procedimiento. Versión PDF (222 KB) *
		Viral Gastroenteritis Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral gastroenteritis. PDF Version (235 KB) *
		Whipple’s Disease Describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Whipple’s disease, a rare bacterial infection primarily affecting the small intestine. PDF Version (139 KB) *
		Wilson Disease Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Wilson disease, a genetic disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper. PDF Version (101 KB) *
		Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) Describes the causes, complications, diagnosis, and treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by one or more tumors in the pancreas, duodenum, or both. PDF Version (182 KB) *
		Your Digestive System and How It Works Provides general information about the organs of the digestive system, the digestive process, and the absorption of nutrients. Includes a list of additional readings. PDF Version (178 KB) *
		En Español El aparato digestivo y su funcionamiento Ofrece información general sobre los órganos del sistema digestivo, la digestión y la absorción de nutrientes. Versión PDF (153 KB) *