Digestive Disease & Disorder Symptom Chart With the overwhelming quantity of patient information available online, through various printed sources, on television and radio, and in our public libraries, patients are now, more than ever, able to educate themselves on their ailments before ever meeting with a healthcare professional. Digestive disorders can be difficult to diagnose. [...]
Elements Gala After months of hard work and the tremendous dedication of staff and volunteers, the big night finally arrived on Saturday, November 8, 2008! We are happy to report that our inaugural fundraising Gala was a great success; we raised almost $95,000 and made many new friends! The night began at the entrance to [...]
Legal and Privacy Policies Thank you for visiting the website of the Gastrointestinal Society and the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (collectively referred to within our policies as "GI Society"). Please review all the information in this section carefully. By visiting www.badgut.org you agree to accept our policies. Medical Disclaimer We advise seeking a medical [...]
Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada1 and most cases occur among adults 50 years of age and older. We also refer to colorectal cancer (CRC) as bowel cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. It affects both men and women; 1 in 14 men will receive a diagnosis in their [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Constipation It is normal to have a bowel movement (defecate) anywhere from three times a day to three times a week, as long as the stool is soft and comfortable to pass. For those experiencing constipation, bowel movements tend to be less frequent, and they can [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Crohn's Disease Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, either in continuity or as isolated areas. The inflammation can involve the inner mucosal lining, up to the full thickness [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Diverticular Disease Diverticular disease and diverticulosis are interchangeable terms meaning the presence of diverticula in the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are small sac-like out-pouchings of the colon lining that balloon through the outer colon wall, occurring most frequently in the lower section of the colon (sigmoid), [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Pancreatitis The pancreas is a flat glandular organ located behind the stomach. It has two main functions: producing digestive enzymes and secreting hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, to regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the duodenum to help digest proteins, fats, [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consisting of fine ulcerations in the inner mucosal lining of the large intestine. Inflammation starts at the lower end of the colon, just above the anus, and extends upward in a continuous manner, to variable [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Ulcerative Proctitis Ulcerative proctitis is a mild form of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consisting of fine ulcerations in the inner mucosal lining of the large intestine that do not penetrate the bowel muscle wall. In this form of colitis, the inflammation begins [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Ulcer Disease A peptic ulcer is a sore or break in the lining of any part within the digestive tract that contains concentrated gastric juice. The main components of gastric juice are water, mucus, hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and electrolytes. Ulcers most commonly occur in the first [...]
Concealing your Appliance Question: I am worried that people can see my ostomy appliance under my clothes. Is there any way that I can “hide” my pouch better? Answer: Concealment of an ostomy appliance under clothes is a common concern. There are several options that may help you to “hide” your pouch under your attire. [...]
Gas in Pouch Question: I seem to have a lot of gas in my pouch. What is the best way to manage it? Answer: The production of gas through a stoma depends on two major factors: swallowed air and gas formed by the bacteria in the colon. Gas production is normal and amounts will vary [...]
Pre-cut Pouching Systems Question: I have had a stoma for several years, but recently I developed arthritis in my hands. It’s getting difficult to use scissors to cut my flanges. Is there anything else I can use? Answer: Preparation of pouching systems can be a cause of concern for individuals with ostomies. There can be [...]
Achalasia Achalasia is a rare disorder, with a prevalence of 10 in 100,000. It affects the esophagus and makes it difficult to swallow food or beverages. The esophagus is a narrow tube that connects the back of your throat to the top of your stomach. The bottom two thirds of the esophagus is surrounded by [...]
Appendicitis The appendix – a 3 to 6 inch tube-shaped sac of tissue attached to the large intestine, located in the lower right section of the abdomen – has no known function. Normally, the appendix is open to the intestine. Appendicitis occurs when there is a blockage where the appendix and the large intestine meet. [...]
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z [...]
IBD and Appendectomy The appendix – and its inflammation requiring appendectomy – may be related to risk of future inflammatory bowel disease. A 2003 study suggests that removal of the appendix may decrease the risk of ulcerative colitis while a study by the same authors from 2001 suggests its removal may also increase the risk [...]
Babies and Bacteria From the way we’re birthed to the way we’re raised, the bacteria within our digestive system play a large role in our health. There are a number of protective measures humans have naturally developed over time to ensure that our offspring grow strong and healthy. Read on to learn how different bacteria [...]
Foodborne Illness Foodborne illness results from eating food contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria (or their toxins), parasites, or viruses. Although most foodborne infections are undiagnosed and unreported, the Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that every year about 1 in 8 people in Canada become ill from pathogens in food. Of these, over [...]
If you didn't find what you were looking for, try a new search!
