American College of Gastroenterology
Advancing Gastroenterology, Improving Patient Care

Common Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms

Gastrointestinal (GI) symtoms Overview

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood both by health care providers and patients.

The ACG has created this special resource section that features the College’s wealth of scientifically-based education material and information, the latest related research from The American Journal of Gastroenterology and expert insight to help patients understand common GI symptoms and how these symptoms should be appropriately and effectively managed.

Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the Most Common GI Condition?

In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease. IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Information on Common GI Conditions

ACG Expert Podcasts on Common GI Conditions

The American Journal of Gastroenterology Author Podcast:
Food Choice as a Key Management Strategy for Functional Gut Symptoms

Professor Peter Gibson reviews the quality of the evidence on diets high or low in poorly absorbed short-chain carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides and Polyols) and their impact on functional gastrointestinal symptoms. In a discussion with Co-Editor Dr. Bill Chey, Professor Gibson provides insights on implementing dietary approaches in the office and discusses the challenges of recognizing patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Listen to the Podcast | Read the Article


Abdominal Pain – Lin Chang, MD

Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, and Gallstone Pancreatitis – William B. Silverman, MD

Nausea, Vomiting and Dyspepsia – Brian E. Lacy, MD, PhD, FACG

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ACG Clinical Guidelines

Developed by a talented group of GI experts, the College is devoted to the development of new ACG guidelines on gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our guidelines reflect the current state-of-the-art scientific work and are based on the principles of evidence-based medicine.

ACG Clinical Guidelines