Conditions

This is a burning sensation in your chest. It is related to your digestive system. Most people experience heartburn occasionally, and have only mild discomfort. But for some, it can be a chronic and painful problem.

This is a throat irritation that happens when stomach acid travels up into your throat. Normally, this acid is kept in your stomach by a muscle called the "lower esophageal sphincter." But, if this muscle doesn't work properly, it lets acid escape and go up your esophagus to your throat. We call this "reflux."

If you often have a painful burning feeling in your chest after you eat, you may have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

In some cases, acid reflux can cause throat symptoms. These include having trouble swallowing and feeling like you have a lump in your throat. Read on to learn more.

GERD can irritate the esophagus. It can cause problems with swallowing or breathing. In severe cases, GERD can cause recurrent pneumonia or other serious problems.

This is a surgery for appendicitis. That's a painful swelling of your appendix, a small organ connected to your large intestine.

Your side may hurt so much that you called your healthcare provider. Or maybe you went straight to the hospital emergency room. If the symptoms came on quickly, you may have appendicitis. This is an infection of the appendix. Surgery can remove the infection and relieve your symptoms. Read on to learn more.

This surgery repairs a weak spot in your abdominal wall. It prevents organs and tissues from bulging out uncomfortably. That's a condition we call a "hernia."

A hernia is when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the belly (abdominal) wall. Read on to learn about types of hernias, how they are diagnosed, and treatment.

This common problem occurs when part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias aren't like hernias in your groin. Most hiatal hernias cause no symptoms and need no treatment. If you notice symptoms, usually you can control them easily.

Although a hernia bulge may appear suddenly, hernias often take years to develop. They grow larger as pressure inside the body presses the intestines or other tissues out through a weak area in the abdominal wall, often at the belly button, or a site of previous surgery. With time, these tissues can bulge out beneath the skin.

This is a label given to certain conditions that cause problems with your gastrointestinal tract. With IBD, your intestines become irritated and inflamed. This gets worse over time. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the most common forms of IBD.

This chronic condition affects your large intestine. With it, your bowels are hypersensitive. You may need to use the restroom frequently and urgently. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can interfere with your daily life.

If you have IBS, you know how frustrating it can be. It's uncomfortable and inconvenient, and it can be embarrassing. The good news is you can take steps to manage your symptoms. These tips will help.

This is a chronic disease that affects your large intestine. With it, your intestine becomes inflamed. And sores we call "ulcers" form on your intestine's inner walls.

This chronic disease of your digestive tract makes it hard for you to digest food properly. Most often, Crohn's disease affects the lower part of your small intestine (called the "ileum") and the upper part of the colon. But the inflammation can happen anywhere along your digestive tract.

Crohn's disease causes swelling, inflammation, and irritation in the digestive tract. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Read on to learn more.

People who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have digestive tracts that react abnormally to certain substances or to stress. This leads to symptoms like cramps, gas, bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the inner lining of the rectum and colon. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Read on to learn about how this condition is diagnosed and treated.

Colitis is when a part of your colon becomes inflamed or swollen. Colitis can be caused by infections, certain medicines, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection of your gastrointestinal tract. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. In most otherwise healthy adults, it usually runs its course in a few days. The biggest risk is dehydration.

Learn the facts behind some common concerns about gallbladder surgery.

This is a surgery to remove a small organ under your liver. It's called the "gallbladder," and it stores bile (that's a fluid used for digestion). You may need this surgery if gallstones have collected in your gallbladder, or if the gallbladder is causing other problems. You'll be able to live a normal life without this organ.

Gallstones form when certain substances in the bile crystallize and become solid. Read on for details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Peptic ulcers are erosions in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers if in the duodenum. This video explains the possible causes of this disease, including the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Chronic pancreatitis is a persistent inflammation of the pancreas, the gland that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of this condition. This video discusses how this condition develops and what treatment your doctor may recommend.

Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by excessive and chronic alcohol use and can progress to fatty liver and cirrhosis if the alcohol abuse continues. This video explores who is at risk for this disease and how your health care provider makes the diagnosis.

Lactose is the main sugar in cow's milk. People who have difficulty digesting milk have lactose intolerance. The condition is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose into a form that can be used by the body. This video explains how you can cope with this condition.

Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammatory disorder of the colon associated with antibiotic use. Bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, which are usually present in the colon, can flourish when antibiotics are taken. This video explains how this disorder develops and what treatment is recommended.

This common illness affects your digestive system. It's not really a flu. It's an inflammation of the lining of your intestines. Doctors often call it "gastroenteritis." Most people recover from it with no treatment.

The digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (or GI) tract, is the pathway through which food passes through the body. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Organs within the digestive tract break down food, extract the nutrients and expel the remaining waste.

This is an immune system disease. With it, your immune system reacts to foods that contain gluten. That's a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When you eat gluten, your immune system attacks and harms your small intestine. This makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients.

When you eat some foods, you feel bad. The doctor says you have "celiac disease." But what does this mean, exactly? Let's learn all about it.

Your liver is an organ that helps filter your blood. It helps process and store nutrients from the foods you eat. And it does other important jobs. When scar tissue builds up in your liver over time, this is called "cirrhosis."

You've been diagnosed with cirrhosis, and you have some questions and concerns. How will it affect you? What does it mean for your future? Well, it means you'll need to make some changes in your life. Use these simple strategies to manage your cirrhosis and to keep your liver as healthy as possible.

This is a digestive disorder. With it, your body can't fully digest lactose. That's a sugar found in dairy milk and milk products. To break down lactose, your small intestine makes an enzyme called "lactase." But if you are lactose intolerant, you don't make enough lactase. Consuming milk and dairy can cause unpleasant problems.

This is a sore that forms in the lining of your digestive tract. It develops when stomach acid eats through the mucus layer that protects the walls of your digestive tract. A peptic ulcer can form in your stomach. It can also form in your esophagus, or in the upper part of your small intestine.

We've all felt pain in our stomach area at some time. Usually, it isn't cause for alarm. But abdominal pain can be a sign of a medical emergency.

This condition is an inflammation and swelling of the veins of the anus or rectum. Hemorrhoids may occur inside or outside the anus.

With this problem, you have trouble controlling your bowels. You may have leaks. You may soil your clothing before you can get to a toilet. This keeps you from being as active as you like.

We've all had hiccups. They can be funny, and aren't usually a sign of anything serious. But what causes them? Why do we get hiccups, and how can we get rid of them?

If you have a problem with digestion, you may have heard about enzyme supplements. They support digestive health. Some are prescribed by doctors. Others are sold in health food stores and drug stores without a prescription. But should you take them? And, are they safe to use?

This is an inflammation of one or more small, bulging pouches called "diverticula." They form in weak spots in the wall of your intestines. Most often they're found in your large intestine. When you have these pouches, we say you have "diverticulosis." When they become irritated or infected, you have "diverticulitis."

This happens when small pouches called "diverticula" bulge through weak spots in the wall of your intestines. Most often, they're found in your large intestine.

This is an inflammation of your stomach lining. It happens when stomach acid irritates the inside of your stomach. This can happen suddenly and heal quickly. Or, it can develop slowly and last for a long time.

This is a problem with the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It's your "esophagus." With Barrett's esophagus, the lining of this tube becomes red and thick. This makes it hard for you to swallow food. It also raises your risk for cancer of the esophagus.

This is when you have too much gas in your digestive tract. Having some gas is normal for everyone. We release it by burping and farting. But if you do this more than 20 times each day, we say you have "excess" gas. Excess gas can be embarrassing. And if it builds up inside you and you can't get rid of it, it can be very painful.

Your appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to your large intestine. It's on the lower right side of your abdomen. But what does it do, exactly? Let's take a moment to learn about this mysterious structure.

Blood in your vomit or stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. GI bleeding can be scary. But the cause may not be serious. Here's a look at the possible causes of GI bleeding, and the types of tests you can expect.

Abdominal pain is pain in the stomach or belly area. Everyone has this pain from time to time. In many cases it goes away on its own. But abdominal pain can sometimes be due to a serious problem, such as appendicitis. So it's important to know when to get help.

Ileus occurs when there is a problem with the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This is not caused by a physical blockage.

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or in the first part of your small intestine. It can cause belly pain and other symptoms. In some cases, a peptic ulcer may get worse and lead to serious problems. But with treatment, most people fully recover.

A small bowel obstruction is when part or all of your small intestine (bowel) is blocked. Then digestive contents can't move through the bowel properly and out of your body. Treatment is needed right away to remove the blockage. Read on for information about symptoms and treatment.

A large bowel obstruction occurs when part or all of your large intestine is blocked. As a result, waste can't move through your bowel properly and out of the body. You must be treated right away to manage the blockage.

Do you often have burning pain in your chest? You may have esophagitis. This is when the lining of the esophagus becomes red and swollen (inflamed).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. You can manage the disease by removing gluten from your diet. This relieves your symptoms.

Esophageal varices are enlarged veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Varices most often occur because of problems with blood flow in the liver caused by chronic liver disease. Read on for a look at how they're diagnosed and treated.

Gastroparesis (also called delayed gastric emptying) happens when the stomach takes longer than normal to empty of food. For many people, gastroparesis is a lifelong condition. Read on to learn more about gastroparesis and how it can be managed.

The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It's just past the stomach. Duodenitis is inflammation of the lining of the duodenum. This sheet tells you more about this health problem.

An esophageal ulcer is an open sore in the lining of your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Here's what you need to know about this condition.

Ischemic colitis happens when blood flow to the colon is reduced or blocked. It should be treated right away.

A Schatzki ring is a thin ring of extra tissue inside the lower end of the esophagus.

MSA is surgery to treat GERD. It prevents stomach contents from coming back into the esophagus.

Pouchitis is a health problem you can get after having J-pouch surgery. It's when a pouch made during the surgery becomes red and swollen.

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are 2 problems involving the colon (large intestine). These conditions can be painful. But they can be managed. Read on to learn how.

Traditionally ulcers were thought to be caused by too much spicy food, stress, or an anxious personality. We now know that most ulcers are likely due to infection with bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

You have Barrett esophagus. This means that there have been changes to the lining of the esophagus near the stomach. The changes may have been caused by the acid reflux that happens with GERD. The changed lining isn't cancer. But it may raise your risk of having cancer later on.

If you have a problem swallowing foods or liquids, you may have dysphagia.

Gastritis is a painful inflammation of the stomach lining. Work with your healthcare provider to find ways to treat your symptoms.

If your pancreas suddenly becomes irritated or inflamed, you have acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is often very painful. Emergency medical treatment is usually needed.

Rectal bleeding is when blood passes through your rectum and anus. It can occur happen with or without a bowel movement. Rectal bleeding may be a sign of a serious problem in your rectum, colon, or upper GI tract. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any rectal bleeding.

Most hemorrhoids aren't something to worry about. But a thrombosed hemorrhoid is more painful. It occurs when a small blood clot develops in an external hemorrhoid. This can cause severe pain and sometimes bleeding. Read on to learn more.

The colon and rectum have a smooth lining composed of millions of cells. Changes in these cells can lead to growths in the colon called polyps. These can become cancerous and should be removed. Read on to learn more.

"Hemorrhoid tissues are ""cushions"" of blood vessels that swell slightly during bowel movements. Too much pressure on the anal canal can make these tissues stay enlarged and cause symptoms. This can happen both inside and outside the anal canal."

To diagnose hemorrhoids, your healthcare provider will rule out other problems and determine how bad your hemorrhoids are. Read on to learn more.

Violent coughing or vomiting may cause a tear in your lower esophagus. A hiatal hernia or childbirth can also lead to this kind of tear.

Neurogenic bowel is the loss of normal bowel function. It's caused by a nerve problem in the lower part of the colon.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction. It occurs in the esophagus.

A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break open and leak blood into nearby tissues. The spleen is a small organ located in the upper left part of the belly (abdomen). It can become bruised after an injury to the area.

A gastric ulcer is an open sore in the stomach lining. Ulcers can cause pain. But they may also have no symptoms for a long time.

An intestinal obstruction is when the small or large intestine is blocked at one or more spots. This prevents air, food, stool, and fluid from passing normally through the digestive system.

An ulcer can go through all the layers of the digestive tract and form a hole (perforation). This is called a perforated ulcer. This is a serious health problem that needs urgent medical attention.

A perianal abscess is an infection around your anus. The anus is the opening of your rectum. It is located between your buttocks. It's where solid waste leaves your body.

Functional dyspepsia isn't caused by a disease. The symptoms are long-term. You'll need to learn ways to manage your symptoms over time. This may include taking medicines. It may also mean making changes to your diet and managing your mental health.

Lysis of adhesions is a surgery to cut bands of tissue that form between organs. These bands are called adhesions. They are often caused by scar tissue that formed after an earlier surgery.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an uncommon health problem in adults. It's when you have sudden, recurring episodes or attacks of vomiting. The attacks may occur over a period of a few days or weeks.

A blood clot in this vein is not common. But it can happen in some people with certain health conditions or an injury.

Epiploic appendagitis is a self-resolving condition that results from lack of blood flow to a localized lobule of fat sitting on the outside of the colon.