Constipation is a symptom pattern in which bowel movements are infrequent, difficult, or feel incomplete. It is commonly used in everyday language to describe “trouble passing stool.” In clinical gastroenterology, it is used as a structured complaint that can signal functional or organic disease.
Steatorrhea means excess fat in the stool. It is commonly described as bulky, pale, greasy, or foul-smelling stool that may be hard to flush. Steatorrhea is used as a clinical clue for problems with digestion or absorption of dietary fat. Clinicians and learners often encounter it in gastroenterology, hepatology, and pancreatic disease discussions.
Malabsorption means the intestine does not absorb nutrients normally. It is a clinical concept used when symptoms or labs suggest nutrient deficiencies or poor digestion and uptake. It is commonly discussed in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. It can involve fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, or bile acids.
Lactose Intolerance is difficulty digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and many dairy foods. It happens when the small intestine does not have enough lactase, the enzyme that splits lactose for absorption. Undigested lactose can cause gastrointestinal symptoms after dairy intake. The term is commonly used in gastroenterology clinics and primary care when evaluating post-meal bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Gluten Sensitivity describes a pattern of symptoms that some people associate with eating gluten-containing foods. In clinical practice, it is often discussed when patients report gastrointestinal or extraintestinal symptoms after wheat, barley, or rye. It is commonly used as a working term during evaluation, before specific diagnoses are confirmed or excluded.
Celiac Disease is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by dietary gluten in genetically predisposed people. It primarily affects the small intestine and can lead to inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption. Clinicians use the term in gastroenterology to describe a specific, test-supported cause of chronic GI and systemic symptoms. It is commonly discussed in outpatient GI clinics, endoscopy units, and primary care evaluation of anemia or malabsorption.
Proctitis is inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the rectum. It commonly presents with rectal bleeding, urgency, and pain or discomfort with bowel movements. The term is used in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, primary care, and infectious disease settings. It helps clinicians describe symptoms, localize disease, and plan evaluation of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Perianal Abscess is a localized collection of pus near the anus or anal canal. It usually reflects an infection of tissues around the terminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Clinically, it is discussed in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, emergency care, and primary care. It is commonly used as a working diagnosis when a patient presents with acute perianal pain and swelling.
A Fistula is an abnormal connection between two body spaces that do not normally connect. It forms a tract that allows fluid, gas, or intestinal contents to pass from one area to another. In gastroenterology, it commonly involves the bowel, anus, skin, bladder, or female reproductive tract. Clinicians describe, diagnose, and treat Fistula to control infection, reduce symptoms, and address the underlying disease.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged or symptomatic vascular cushions in the anal canal and around the anus. They are a common explanation for rectal bleeding, itching, and tissue prolapse during bowel movements. Clinicians use the term in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, and primary care when evaluating anorectal symptoms. Hemorrhoids can also be present without causing symptoms and may be found incidentally on exam.