Abdominal Adhesions
Describes how abdominal adhesions form. Explains their causes and how they can lead to intestinal obstruction.
PDF Version (119 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) *

Appendicitis
Describes appendicitis and its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment.
PDF Version (130 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) *

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) *

Collagenous Colitis (See Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis)
Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
PDF Version (244 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 (141 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) *

Colostomy (See Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy)
Describes various bowel diversion surgeries. Includes illustrations.
PDF Version (186 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) *

Continent Ileostomy (See Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy)
Describes various bowel diversion surgeries. Includes illustrations.
PDF Version (186 KB) *

Crohn’s Disease
Provides general information about what Crohn’s disease is and how it develops. Includes information about symptoms, diagnosis, potential complications, and treatment.
PDF Version (204 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
Explains the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and emotional considerations of fecal incontinence, commonly known as bowel control problems. This fact sheet includes information about eating, diet, and nutrition and reviews fecal incontinence in children.
PDF Version (578 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) *

Foodborne Illnesses
Discusses the causes, risk factors, and complications associated with foodborne illness. Reviews treatment options and prevention strategies. Provides resources for additional information.
PDF Version (206 KB) *

Gas in the Digestive Tract
Describes what causes gas and discusses symptoms, complications, and treatment.
PDF Version (169 KB) *

Hemorrhoids
Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatments for this common disorder.
PDF Version (298 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 úlceras 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) *

Ileostomy (See Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy)
Describes various bowel diversion surgeries. Includes illustrations.
PDF Version (186 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 causes, symptoms, tests to rule out more serious intestinal diseases, and lifestyle and medical approaches to symptom management.
PDF Version (221 KB) *

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
Defines irritable bowel syndrome. Describes diagnostic criteria and treatment and offers guidelines for parents.
PDF Version (202 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) *

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) *

Lymphocytic Colitis (See Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis)
Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
PDF Version (244 KB) *

Microscopic Colitis: Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
PDF Version (244 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) *

Ostomy (See Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy)
Describes various bowel diversion surgeries. Includes illustrations.
PDF Version (186 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 (180 KB) *

Ulcerative Colitis
Outlines the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and risks and benefits of several drugs and kinds of surgery to treat this disease.
PDF Version (163 KB) *

Viral Gastroenteritis
Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral gastroenteritis.
PDF Version (235 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
Proporciona información general sobre las radiografías del 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) *

What I need to know about Celiac Disease
Defines celiac disease and explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Includes examples of gluten-free diet options.
PDF Version (815 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre la enfermedad celíaca
Define la enfermedad celíaca y explica sus síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Presenta algunos ejemplos de la dieta sin gluten.
Versión PDF (1,102 KB) *

What I Need to Know about Colon Polyps
Defines colon polyps and reviews the tests used to detect them. Provides information about treatment and prevention and includes a pronunciation guide.
PDF Version (471 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre los pólipos en el colon
Define los pólipos en el colon y repasa las pruebas usadas para detectarlos. Provee información sobre el tratamiento y la prevención.
Versión PDF (569 KB) *

What I need to know about Constipation
Defines constipation and includes steps for prevention, as well as a list of additional resources.
PDF Version (912 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre el estreñimiento
Define el estreñimiento e incluye una lista de medidas para su prevención, así como un listado de recursos adicionales.
Versión PDF (595 KB) *

What I need to know about Crohn’s Disease
Defines Crohn’s disease and describes common symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, complications, and treatment.
PDF Version (412 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre la enfermedad de Crohn
Describe la enfermedad de Crohn, los síntomas y complicaciones comunes de esta enfermedad, y las personas con más alto riesgo a desarollarla. Explica como diagnosticar la enfermedad de Crohn y los diferentes tipos de tratamiento.
Versión PDF (611 KB) *

What I need to know about Diarrhea
Discusses the causes of diarrhea and the dangers of dehydration. Provides suggestions for easing the symptoms of diarrhea in adults and children. Offers strategies for avoiding traveler’s diarrhea.
PDF Version (627 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre la diarrea
Ofrece información sobre las causas de la diarrea y los riesgos de la deshidratación. Ofrece sugerencias para aliviar los síntomas de la diarrea en adultos y en niños. Presenta sugerencias para evitar la diajera del viajero.
Versión PDF (1.32 MB) *

What I need to know about Diverticular Disease
Offers an overview of diverticular disease and explains its symptoms, causes, and treatment. Offers tips about how to reduce symptoms and complications through diet.
PDF Version (386 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre la enfermedad diverticular
Presenta información general acerca de la enfermedad diverticular y explica los síntomas, causas y tratamiento. Ofrece sugerencias en como disminuir los síntomas y las complicaciones mediante la dieta.
Versión PDF (718 KB) *

What I need to know about Gas
Provides information about preventing and treating gas in the digestive tract.
PDF Version (925 KB) *

En Español
Lo que usted debe saber sobre los gases
Ofrece información sobre cómo prevenir y tratar los gases del sistema digestivo.
Versión PDF (600 KB) *

What I need to know about Hirschsprung Disease
Defines and explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Hirschsprung disease. Includes a pronunciation guide.
PDF Version (465 KB) *

What I need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Defines irritable bowel syndrome, explains the causes and symptoms, and outlines available treatment options.
PDF Version (654 KB) *

What I need to know about Lactose Intolerance
Defines lactose intolerance and provides information about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
PDF Version (729 KB) *

What I need to know about Peptic Ulcers
Defines peptic ulcers and discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Discusses risk factors and prevention methods.
PDF Version (541 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) *

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. Incluye un listado de lecturas adicionales.
Versión PDF (153 KB) *