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Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when the innermost layer of the digestive tract pushes through weak spots in the outermost layer of the digestive tract – resulting in small “pouches” or “pockets.” Diverticula generally form in the lower part of the large intestine (i.e., colon). Some people who have diverticulosis only have several pouches on the left side of their colon, while others may have multiple pouches throughout their colon.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes simply called “reflux,” is a condition where acidic stomach contents flow back from the stomach into the food pipe (esophagus). This can happen when the muscular valve between the stomach and the esophagus does not close properly. Occasional reflux is normal, but if this happens often or for a long time, it can cause troublesome symptoms and injury to the esophagus.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting 7–21% of the general population. It is associated with abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and changing stool frequency and/or form. IBS-D is a type of IBS in which abdominal pain or bloating symptoms happen along with stools that are often loose or more frequent than usual.

Minor rectal bleeding (MRB) is when a few drops of bright red or fresh blood pass from the rectum into stools, toilet paper and/ or a toilet bowl. Most of the causes of MRB are benign, not life threatening and easily treatable. There are, however, instances where rectal bleeding is a symptom of colon cancer — which can be cured if it is detected early enough. The key takeaway is that patients who experience MRB should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist.

Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter. They look like bumps growing from the inside lining of the bowel protruding out. They sometimes grow on a “stalk” and look like mushrooms. Some polyps can be flat. People can have several polyps scattered in different parts of the colon. Some polyps can contain cancer, although the vast majority of polyps do not. Larger polyps are more likely to become cancerous than smaller ones.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. Crohn’s disease is another form of IBD that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract or gut, extending from the esophagus to the anus.