Gastroenterology

Common misconceptions include that it’s just IBS, only affects the colon, can be cured by diet or supplements, is mainly caused by stress, or that surgery is a cure. In reality, Crohn’s is an immune‑mediated inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, requires individualized medical therapy (with diet and stress management as adjuncts), and often recurs after surgery without maintenance treatment. There are important tests, treatment options, and warning signs that can change your next steps—see complete details below.

Common mistakes include believing diet can cure Crohn’s, that one plan (like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet) works for everyone, that all fiber or all processed foods must be avoided, and that supplements/probiotics aren’t needed. In reality, diet supports but doesn’t replace medications; tolerance is highly personal and phase-dependent (flare vs remission); quality and individual triggers matter more than blanket bans; and many people need labs and targeted supplementation. There are several factors to consider—see below for practical guidance, risks to avoid, and next steps to discuss with your gastroenterologist and dietitian.

Crohn’s disease commonly causes abdominal pain/cramping (often lower right), chronic diarrhea, urgent bowel movements, bloating/gas, blood or mucus in stool, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and low‑grade fever. It can also affect areas outside the gut—mouth sores, painful skin nodules, joint pain/swelling, eye inflammation, and liver/bile duct issues—and lead to complications like strictures, fistulas, abscesses, malnutrition, and growth delays in children. There are several factors to consider; see below for important red‑flag symptoms (severe abdominal pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or new painful swelling near the anus) and guidance on next steps.

Crohn’s disease doesn’t have a single cause; it usually arises from a mix of genetic susceptibility and a dysregulated immune reaction to the gut microbiome, shaped by environmental exposures. Key contributors include family history and genes (e.g., NOD2), loss of immune tolerance with chronic inflammation, microbiome imbalance (fewer beneficial bacteria or invasive strains), and triggers like smoking, highly processed diets, NSAIDs, stress, and certain infections. There are several factors to consider that can influence testing, risk reduction, and treatment—see below for important details that could affect your next steps.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system inflames the digestive tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus (most often the ileum and start of the colon), causing episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes bleeding. It stems from a mix of genetic risk, immune dysfunction, microbiome changes, and environmental triggers, and can lead to complications like strictures, fistulas, abscesses, and malnutrition if not controlled. There are several factors to consider for diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek urgent care—see the complete answer below to understand next steps in your healthcare journey.

Yes—soda can cause diarrhea in men, most often due to caffeine speeding colon movement, high sugar or fructose drawing water into the intestines, and sugar alcohols in diet sodas (plus acidity/carbonation) irritating the gut. Individual tolerance varies and risks rise with IBS or fructose malabsorption; for specific ingredient triggers, intake thresholds, safer drink swaps, and when to seek medical care, see the complete details below—especially if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours or comes with fever, blood, dehydration, severe pain, or weight loss.

Pain just under the ribs can be sharp or stabbing, dull and bruised, or a deep gnawing ache, often worse with deep breaths, coughing, or twisting; the area may be tender with guarding, and pain can refer to the shoulder tip if the diaphragm is irritated. Seek urgent care for dizziness/fainting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, vomiting or abdominal swelling, or severe/worsening pain, which can signal internal bleeding. There are several factors to consider—including how muscle/cartilage injuries differ from liver or spleen injury and how doctors confirm this with ultrasound/CT—see below for important details that can guide your next steps.

Left upper quadrant abdominal pain is discomfort under the left ribs that can come from the stomach/colon (gas, gastritis/ulcer), spleen, pancreas, kidney, ribs/muscles, or even lungs/heart—ranging from minor issues to emergencies like pancreatitis, splenic infarct, pneumonia, or a heart problem. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit/stool, shortness of breath, fainting, or after trauma; otherwise, evaluation typically includes an exam, labs, and imaging, with treatment tailored to the cause. There are several factors to consider—see the complete guidance below for red flags, workup steps, and targeted self-care and treatments that could affect your next decision.

There are several factors to consider: shared triggers like stress/anxiety, migraines with gastrointestinal symptoms, infections or food poisoning/intolerance, dehydration, medication irritation, or IBS can cause both at once via the gut–brain axis and inflammatory signals. Simple self-care (fluids, bland foods, acetaminophen, rest and stress management) often helps, but urgent signs—sudden “worst-ever” headache, high fever with persistent vomiting, blood in stool/vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, dehydration, or confusion—need immediate care; see the complete details below to understand more and choose the right next steps.

Eating fatty or heavy foods may cause right-sided pain under the ribs, especially if there are gallstones involved.

Left-sided rib pain can be linked to digestive issues, as gas or stomach problems might cause pressure in the abdomen, affecting nearby areas.

Yes, right rib pain can be due to gallbladder issues like gallstones, which often cause pain in the upper right part of the belly.

Left upper abdominal pain after eating could be a concern, especially if it persists or worsens over time. It may be related to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues.

Liver-related pain on the right side could be worrying if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or jaundice. Conditions like liver abscesses or hematomas can cause such pain and may need medical attention.

Omeprazole is used to reduce stomach acid, which may help with reflux symptoms, but it can sometimes cause a cough.

Sleep apnea and acid reflux, or GERD, are linked because both can make each other worse, especially at night. This happens because sleep apnea can change how the body works during sleep, leading to more acid reaching the throat.

Drinking coffee while taking stomach medicine may affect your stomach because coffee can increase stomach acid and affect the esophagus. It is important to consult with your doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.

It's not recommended to stop proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suddenly. Gradually reducing the dose may help prevent symptoms from coming back. See below to understand more.

Long-term use of omeprazole can be safe for some people, but it may come with risks. It's important to talk to a doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.

Probiotics can help prevent diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. They add good bacteria to your gut, which can help balance the effects of antibiotics. See below to understand more.