Almost 75% of all adults in the United States have been diagnosed with a digestive condition. A percentage of these diagnoses are catch-all diagnoses or even misdiagnoses that are followed up with vague instructions to “eat a bland diet” and “avoid your trigger foods”.
People who receive an unclear diagnosis for their digestive problems almost always struggle with constant frustration related to their symptoms. This frustration stems from them not being able to understand their symptoms and not knowing how to deal with them efficiently.
So we ask you, are you always frustrated by your digestive symptoms?
If you answered yes, we want you to know that there is hope! You can come to the point of understanding your problem, knowing how to deal with your symptoms and actually feeling good again.
Catch-all diagnoses and misdiagnoses are regrettably common among people who have chronic digestive complaints because many digestive conditions have similar symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is one of the most common catch-all diagnoses used for the digestive tract. IBS’s symptoms are similar to more than a dozen other digestive conditions.
Let’s take a brief look at IBS and its symptoms, as well as 8 other conditions that are similar to it. Then we will consider why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis for your digestive symptoms and how we can help you do that.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Cause: Unclear, possibly influenced by changes in the muscles of the intestines, poor communication between the brain and nerves in the intestines, chronic inflammation, poor gut flora and hormonal imbalances, among other things.
Symptoms:
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Cramping
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Abdominal pain
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Excessive gas
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Bloating
Leaky Gut Syndrome (also called Increased Intestinal Permeability)
Cause: Cause unclear, but the mucus membrane that lines the intestines becomes too permeable and allows undigested food, microbes, and toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Bloating
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Widespread inflammation
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Brain fog
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Fatigue
Ulcerative Colitis
Cause: Unclear. Genetics, stress and abnormal immune responses may play a part in triggering the chronic inflammation that causes ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Cramping
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Abdominal pain
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Ulcers in colon
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Urgency to defecate
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Difficulty to defecate
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Rectal bleeding
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Rectal pain
Crohn’s Disease
Cause: Inflammation from an unclear origin in the small intestine and/or colon. Genetics and abnormal immune responses may be involved.
Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Cramping
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Abdominal pain
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Blood in the stool
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Rectal pain
Lactose Intolerance
Cause: The small intestine fails to produce sufficient amounts of an enzyme called lactase. As a result, lactose, a natural sugar found in milk, can not be digested efficiently.
Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Cramping
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Abdominal pain
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Bloating
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Gas
Food allergies
Cause: The immune system reacts abnormally to a specific food or foods. Food allergies range from mild to severe where they can even cause life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Abdominal pain
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Tingling in the mouth
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Swelling in the mouth and throat
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Nasal congestion
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Difficulty breathing
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Dizziness
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Hives
Diverticulitis
Cause: The intestinal walls become flaccid and form small pouches called diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed and/or infected.
Symptoms:
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Intermittent pain
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Nausea
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Vomiting
Celiac Disease
Cause: The immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and begins to attack the small intestine. Celiac disease can lead to secondary problems, such as malabsorption.
Symptoms:
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Gas
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Bloating
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Weight loss
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Abdominal pain
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Fatigue
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Cause: Lack of motility changes the chemistry in the small intestine and encourages bacteria to grow excessively.
Symptoms:
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Gas
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Bloating
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Stomach pain
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Cramping
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Indigestion
The 9 digestive conditions that we just looked at share many of the same symptoms, but it is very important that a person with one of these conditions receives an accurate diagnosis.
Why is this so important? Because each of these conditions is unique and requires a different support protocol.
Someone with IBS can’t deal with their symptoms the same way that a person with a Leaky Gut deals with their symptoms. Each person needs their own roadmap to good health that will include diet and lifestyle changes, as well as recommended herbs, vitamins and minerals.
If you have been diagnosed with a digestive condition but are always frustrated with your symptoms, contact us. We would love to get to know you and help you confirm your diagnosis. You will then be able to understand what is going on in your body and how to deal appropriately with your symptoms so that you can feel great and enjoy your life again.