Digestive Conditions & Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the digestive area or system
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
ModerateChronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chest pain
Peptic Ulcer Disease
VariableOpen sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus.
- Burning stomach pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
Gastritis
MildInflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infection, irritants, or autoimmune processes.
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Duodenal Ulcer
VariableA type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- Burning pain between the breastbone and belly button
- Bloating
- Heartburn
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
MildFunctional gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without an identifiable cause.
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation (or alternating)
- Bloating
Crohn's Disease
SevereChronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the ileum and colon.
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Weight loss
Ulcerative Colitis
SevereChronic inflammation and ulceration of the colon's inner lining, leading to bloody diarrhea.
- Frequent bloody stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Urgent need to defecate
Celiac Disease
VariableAutoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten triggers damage to the small intestine.
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Weight loss
Lactose Intolerance
MildInability to digest lactose due to low levels of the enzyme lactase.
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gas
Gallstones
VariableSolid particles that form in the gallbladder, often causing pain when they block bile flow.
- Sudden upper right abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Acute Cholecystitis
SevereInflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones blocking the cystic duct.
- Severe upper right abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
Pancreatitis
SevereInflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic, often related to gallstones or alcohol use.
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Hepatitis A
MildAcute viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus, usually transmitted via contaminated food or water.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Hepatitis B
VariableViral infection of the liver that can become chronic; spread through blood and bodily fluids.
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice
Hepatitis C
VariableChronic viral liver disease transmitted primarily through blood exposure.
- Often asymptomatic early
- Fatigue
- Mild abdominal pain
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
MildAccumulation of fat in liver cells not caused by alcohol, linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- Often asymptomatic
- Fatigue
- Upper right abdominal discomfort
Alcoholic Liver Disease
SevereLiver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from fatty liver to cirrhosis.
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Fatigue
Appendicitis
SevereInflammation of the appendix, typically requiring surgical removal.
- Sudden pain near the belly button moving to lower right abdomen
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Diverticulitis
ModerateInflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the colon.
- Lower left abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
Hemorrhoids
MildSwollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can cause bleeding and discomfort.
- Painful lumps near the anus
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Itching
Constipation
MildInfrequent or difficult passage of stools, often due to diet, lifestyle, or medical conditions.
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea
MildFrequent loose or watery stools, which can be acute or chronic.
- Loose watery stools
- Abdominal cramping
- Urgent need to defecate
Acute Gastroenteritis
MildInflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
Barrett's Esophagus
VariableCondition where the esophageal lining changes due to chronic acid exposure, increasing cancer risk.
- Often asymptomatic
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
Esophageal Cancer
SevereMalignant tumor arising from the esophagus, often linked to smoking, alcohol, and Barrett's esophagus.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
SevereCancer that forms in the lining of the stomach, associated with H. pylori infection and diet.
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
Colon Cancer
SevereMalignant growth in the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps over many years.
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain
Pancreatic Cancer
SevereAggressive cancer that originates in the pancreas, frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Jaundice
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Weight loss
Gallbladder Cancer
SevereRare malignancy of the gallbladder, often presenting late with nonspecific symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
Anal Fissure
MildA small tear in the lining of the anal canal, causing pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Sharp pain during defecation
- Bright red blood on stool or toilet paper
- Itching
When to Seek Medical Help
For digestive conditions, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)
- Unexplained changes or new symptoms
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.