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.

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 an inflammation of your appendix. Appendicitis can be severely painful. Without proper treatment, it can lead to a life-threatening infection.

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."

Watch this video to see how a hernia is repaired in adults.

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.

A hernia can happen when there is a weakness or defect in the wall of the abdomen or groin. Intestines or nearby tissues may move from their usual location and push through the weakness in the wall, causing a bulge.

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.

Crohn's disease is inflammation of the intestinal tract that comes and goes in flare-ups. Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestines. It is not a disease, but a group of symptoms caused by changes in the way the intestines work.

Learn the facts behind some common concerns about gallbladder surgery.

This video will help you to understand how and why surgeons remove a gallbladder.

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.

Biliary colic is spasm of the gallbladder. This can be caused by gallstones blocking the passage of bile out of the gallbladder. Here's how to care for the condition at home.

Cholecystitis is inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. This can be caused by a gallstone blocking bile from passing out of the gallbladder. Read on to learn how to care for yourself at home.

The gallbladder can become irritated and spasm because of gallstones. This is called biliary colic. It causes abdominal pain.

Gastric polyps are abnormal growths on the inner lining of your stomach. Most are harmless and don't cause symptoms. But some of them turn into cancer.

Diverticuli are herniations in the muscular layer of the colon that make small, saclike swellings. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticuli become inflamed and infected. This video looks at the possible causes of this condition, typical symptoms, and available treatments.

Diverticulosis occurs when part of the colon bulges through a muscular layer into the abdomen, called diverticula. Learn about this condition, possible complications, and what you should do if you have diverticulosis.

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 25 minute video stresses management and its importance on QOL, predicting bowel movements, avoiding bowel accidents, Bowel care procedures, Anatomical model demonstrations. Impact of nutrition, water, and medications on bowel management, and colostomy management.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Signs of an internal injury may take time to appear after a blow to the abdomen, even if the condition does not seem serious at first. Watch out for new symptoms.

Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause of abdominal pain. But, it's important to know how to care for yourself and what to watch for.

The gastrointestinal form of anthrax occurs after eating food that has been contaminated with anthrax spores or meat from an animal infected with anthrax. Not everyone who ingests anthrax will get sick. Read on to learn how to care for yourself at home.

Ascites is fluid collecting in the belly. Symptoms include belly swelling and a feeling of pressure. Read on to learn how to care for yourself at home.

Gastroenteritis is an infection in the intestinal tract. It is often caused by bacteria. This infection may cause fever, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. Here's how to care for yourself at home.

Constipation can be an uncomfortable and frustrating condition. Learn how to care for yourself at home and when to call the doctor.

The biggest concern with diarrhea is fluid loss(dehydration). This sheet can help you take care of yourself while you are ill.

The main concern with bacterial diarrhea is becoming dehydrated. This sheet can help you care for yourself at home.

This sheet can help you take care of yourself when you have diarrhea.

Here's what to eat and drink for the first few days after you've had vomiting or diarrhea.

Certain foods produce gas when digested. In some people, these foods make an excessive amount of gas. Read on to find out which foods to avoid, and what other things may be causing gas.

Some people get pouches along the wall of the colon as they get older. These pouches are called diverticuli. They often cause no symptoms. If the pouches become blocked, you can get an infection. This infection is called diverticulitis.

When the muscles of the esophagus tighten or contract abnormally, it is known as spasm. Esophageal spasm is more common in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The esophagus can become blocked after swallowing a large piece of food, taking a large pill, or swallowing foreign objects. Recurring blockage can be a sign of disease in the esophagus.

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. This can occur from acid reflux or an infection. The most common cause of infection is a fungus called candida.

If you've recently been treated for fecal impaction, this sheet can help you prevent future problems.

It can be hard to tell the difference between food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis. Home care is similar in either case. This sheet can help you take care of yourelf while you are ill.

Gastritis is inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. It can be present for a short time or it can be long lasting.

Gastroenteritis can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Here's how to take care of yourself at home and when to call your healthcare provider.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins inside the rectum and near the anus.

Learn how to care for yourself and manage your diet when you have lactose intolerance.

Accidentally taking too much of a medicine or swallowing a chemical product may be harmful. Follow these instructions if there is no sign of toxic effects.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Read on to learn details about care for this condition.

Pinworms are parasitic worms. During a pinworm infection, they live in the rectum and cause intense itching around the anus.

Pyloric stenosis is narrowing of the pylorus. This can block the passage of food out of the stomach. The problem is often first seen in young infants.

When certain fish are not refrigerated correctly, bacteria can grow inside them. The bacteria cause the release of histamine from the fish. Eating spoiled fish containing histamine can cause allergy-like symptoms.

Indigestible objects are sometimes swallowed by adults. Some objects may move through the digestive tract and pass out of the body with no problems and no need for treatment.

Tapeworm is a parasite that grows in the intestines (gut). They can live in your body for many years, or they can leave the body during a bowel movement. Tapeworms can cause an infection.

Traveler's diarrhea is an infection in the intestinal tract caused by bacteria called E coli. This bacteria is commonly found in water supplies of developing countries.

The appearance of blood in the stool depends on where in the gastrointestinal tract the bleeding is coming from. Blood from the upper part of the GI tract is usually black or dark. Blood may also appear in the vomit. This looks like coffee grounds.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. It may also occur in the duodenum. Learn how to care for yourself when you have this condition.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the rectum and colon. It's a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Learn about symptoms, home care, and follow-up care.

Gastritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. An ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. The causes and symptoms of gastritis and ulcers are very similar.

Gastroenteritis is also called the stomach flu. The main treatment for this illness is to be sure to stay hydrated.

The cause of epigastric pain is not always obvious. It may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on what is causing it.

A hiccup is a spasm of the diaphragm muscle. In most cases, hiccups are not serious. They last just a few minutes, and often go away without any treatment.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. In many cases, bacteria called H. pylori are thought to be involved in the development of a peptic ulcer.

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.