The small bowel (or small intestine) is the longest portion of the GI tract. It is called "small" because it is thin or narrow compared to the "large" bowel (also known as the colon). However, the small bowel at 14 feet on average is much longer than the large bowel. The small bowel is a vital organ involved in nutrient absorption.

Bloating and Gas: Gas is made in the stomach and intestines as your body breaks down food into energy. Bloating, which is a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, can make you uncomfortable. Common causes of gas and bloating include: swallowed air, foods and beverages, constipation, medicines or nutritional supplements, a medical condition such as bowel obstruction or Crohn’s disease, or changes in hormone levels. A consultation with your gastroenterologist can help you rule out a medical condition as the cause of bloating and gas.

Celiac Disease: The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging these villi. This damage affects the ability to absorb nutrients properly. A person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food he or she eats. The disease can develop at any point in life. People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians. Women are affected more often than men.

The symptoms of celiac disease differ by person. This complicates diagnosis. Gastrointestinal symptoms include: abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, nausea and vomiting, stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody or “fatty”, and unexplained weight loss. An upper endoscopy may be performed to biopsy from the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The biopsy may show a flattening of the villi in the parts of the intestine below the duodenum.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a condition in which the patient has frequent loose stools, often with an urgent need to move the bowels. Diarrhea is a symptom of more than 100 different diseases. A consultation with a gastroenterologist will help rule out an underlying medical condition.