May is National Digestive Disease Awareness Month, and at Bedford Gastroenterology we believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. Millions of Americans live with digestive diseases every day, many of them without a proper diagnosis or an effective treatment plan. Some dismiss their symptoms as normal. Others feel embarrassed to talk about them. And far too many simply do not know that expert help is available close to home.
This month, we want to change that. Whether you have been dealing with chronic bloating, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, or a condition you have already been diagnosed with, this guide will help you understand the most common GI conditions, recognize warning signs that deserve attention, and learn how Bedford Gastroenterology in Bedford, NH can help.
What Is National Digestive Disease Awareness Month?
National Digestive Disease Awareness Month takes place every May and is dedicated to educating the public about the wide range of conditions that affect the digestive system, from the esophagus and stomach all the way through the intestines and liver. The goal is to reduce stigma, encourage early screening, and connect patients with the care they need before conditions become more serious.
May also includes World Digestive Health Day on May 29th, an international observance organized by the World Gastroenterology Organisation that reinforces the message that gut health is foundational to whole-body wellness. Your digestive system affects your immunity, your energy, your mood, and your ability to absorb the nutrients your body depends on.
The Most Common Digestive Diseases in the United States
Digestive diseases are far more common than many people realize. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases each year. Here is an overview of the conditions we treat most frequently at Bedford Gastroenterology in Bedford, NH.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing chronic heartburn, chest discomfort, and in some cases damage to the esophageal lining. Many people treat GERD with over-the-counter medications for years without ever addressing the root cause. Left untreated, GERD can lead to complications including Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
At Bedford Gastroenterology, we use esophageal pH monitoring in Bedford, NH to accurately measure acid reflux and determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is one of the most common GI disorders, affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults. It causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. While IBS does not cause structural damage to the gut, it can significantly impact quality of life. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and a personalized plan, most patients see real improvement.
Our IBS treatment plans in Bedford, NH are tailored to each patient’s subtype, triggers, and lifestyle, combining dietary guidance, stress management strategies, and medical therapy as needed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Unlike IBS, inflammatory bowel disease involves actual inflammation of the GI tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system and often involves the small intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum. Both conditions are chronic, meaning they require ongoing management to prevent flares and long-term complications.
Patients with IBD also have an increased lifetime risk of colorectal cancer, making regular colonoscopy surveillance an essential part of their care. Our management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in Bedford, NH includes personalized treatment plans, medication management, and regular monitoring to help patients live well with IBD.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, damaging the villi that absorb nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition, anemia, bone loss, and a wide range of symptoms including diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue.
Celiac disease is frequently misdiagnosed or confused with IBS. Our treatment for celiac disease in Bedford, NH begins with accurate diagnosis and is supported by detailed dietary counseling to help patients successfully navigate a gluten-free lifestyle.
Liver Disease and Hepatitis
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for filtering toxins, metabolizing nutrients, and supporting digestion. Conditions like hepatitis A, B, and C, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis can progress silently for years before symptoms become obvious. Early diagnosis and proactive management are essential to protecting liver function and preventing serious complications.
At Bedford Gastroenterology, our hepatitis and liver disease management in Bedford, NH provides thorough evaluation, personalized treatment, and ongoing monitoring so that liver conditions are managed before they become life-threatening.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for cancers affecting both men and women, yet it is one of the most preventable when caught early through screening. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, which can be identified and removed during a colonoscopy before they become cancerous.
The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk. At Bedford Gastroenterology, our colonoscopy services in Bedford, NH and polyp removal services are performed by Dr. Christopher Dainiak, who has specialized in colon cancer screening for over 18 years.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Many GI conditions are manageable when caught early but can become serious if left unaddressed. Contact Bedford Gastroenterology if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping that does not resolve
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few weeks
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food getting stuck
- Persistent heartburn that does not respond to over-the-counter medications
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep
- A family history of colorectal cancer, IBD, or celiac disease combined with new GI symptoms
- New onset of symptoms after age 45
These warning signs do not always mean something serious is happening, but they always deserve evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Early action leads to better outcomes.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Digestive Health
While genetics and other factors play a role in many GI conditions, diet and lifestyle have a significant impact on how your digestive system functions day to day. Some of the most evidence-backed strategies for supporting digestive health include:
- Eating a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to support regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day to aid digestion and prevent constipation
- Limiting processed foods, red meat, alcohol, and excessive caffeine, all of which can irritate the GI tract
- Managing stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness, given the strong connection between the gut and the brain
- Never smoking, as tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, and other GI conditions
- Scheduling regular screenings as recommended by your doctor, particularly for colorectal cancer
If you are unsure what dietary approach is right for your specific condition, our nutrition and dietary counseling services in Bedford, NH can provide personalized guidance tailored to your diagnosis and health goals.
Why Bedford Gastroenterology Is the Right Choice for Digestive Care in NH
Bedford Gastroenterology is an independently owned gastroenterology practice in Bedford, NH, dedicated to delivering the highest level of expert, patient-centered care to the southern New Hampshire community. Dr. Christopher Dainiak brings over 18 years of experience to every patient interaction, specializing in colon cancer screening, esophageal motility disorders, and a full range of GI conditions.
He has been recognized as a Top Doctor in New Hampshire Magazine every year from 2018 to 2024, and his commitment to independent practice means that your care is never driven by hospital protocols or corporate medicine. It is driven by what is best for you.
Whether you need a routine colonoscopy, are managing a chronic digestive condition, or are experiencing symptoms for the first time and are not sure what to do next, our team is here to listen, evaluate, and guide you toward the right path forward.
Take Action This National Digestive Disease Awareness Month
Your gut health is too important to put on the back burner. This May, let National Digestive Disease Awareness Month be the nudge you needed to schedule that appointment, ask the question you have been putting off, or finally get answers for symptoms you have been living with too long. Contact Bedford Gastroenterology today at bedfordgastro.com to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dainiak and take the first step toward better digestive health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digestive Health in Bedford, NH
1. How do I know if my digestive symptoms are serious enough to see a gastroenterologist?
If your symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are getting worse, or include any of the red flags listed in this article such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing, it is time to see a gastroenterologist. Even symptoms that seem minor but are affecting your quality of life deserve professional evaluation. Early diagnosis almost always leads to better treatment outcomes.
2. What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder that affects how the gut moves and senses pain without causing visible inflammation or damage. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves actual inflammation and tissue damage in the GI tract. Both can cause significant symptoms, but they require very different treatment approaches. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is essential to distinguish between them. Learn more about our IBS treatment plans and IBD management services in Bedford, NH.
3. At what age should I start getting colonoscopies?
For people at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or polyps, your gastroenterologist may recommend starting earlier. Visit our colonoscopy page to learn more about what to expect.
4. Can digestive diseases be prevented?
Not all digestive diseases can be fully prevented, but many can be significantly reduced in risk through lifestyle choices. A high-fiber diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and getting routine screenings all contribute to lower risk of conditions like colorectal cancer, fatty liver disease, and GERD. For conditions like IBS and IBD that involve genetic and immune factors, proactive management and early diagnosis are the most powerful tools available.
5. What digestive health services does Bedford Gastroenterology offer?
Bedford Gastroenterology in Bedford, NH offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, manometry tests, polyp removal, chronic disease management for IBD, IBS, celiac disease, and liver conditions, and personalized nutrition and dietary counseling. Visit bedfordgastro.com to explore all of our services or contact us to schedule your appointment.