ConditionDigestive system
Gastrointestinal Problems: Common Digestive Conditions
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are conditions affecting the digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. The most common are acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, gastroenteritis and food intolerances, which are uncomfortable but usually manageable. Others, such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones and colon cancer, need specific treatment. Warning signs that need prompt attention include blood in the stool, black stools, unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing and persistent vomiting.
Also called: Digestive problems, digestive disorders, GI problems, stomach and bowel problems, gut problems
At a glance
- What they are
- Disorders of the digestive tract and organs that aid digestion.
- Most common
- Reflux, IBS, constipation, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, food intolerances.
- Serious conditions
- GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, digestive cancers.
- Red flags
- Blood in stool or vomit, black stools, weight loss, trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting, anemia, onset after 50.
- Diagnosis
- History, exam, blood and stool tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy and imaging.
When to get help
Call 911 or go to the ER
- Vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools, especially with dizziness or fainting
- Severe, sudden abdominal pain, a rigid belly, or pain with fever and vomiting
- Repeated vomiting with a swollen belly and no passing of gas or stool
- Chest pain that could be the heart, even if it feels like indigestion
See a doctor within a day or two
- Bright red blood in the stool with dizziness, or more than a small amount
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine and pale stools
- Diarrhea with high fever, blood, or signs of dehydration
- Food sticking in the throat or chest, or being unable to swallow liquids
Book a routine appointment
- Unexplained weight loss, anemia or loss of appetite
- A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, especially after age 45
- Heartburn more than twice a week, or needing antacids most days
- Ongoing bloating, pain or diarrhea after certain foods
Usually safe to manage at home
- Occasional indigestion, gas or a brief stomach bug that settles within a few days
Upper GI problems
| Condition | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | Heartburn, sour taste, regurgitation, worse lying down |
| Functional dyspepsia | Upper belly discomfort, early fullness, bloating, without an ulcer |
| Peptic ulcer | Burning upper belly pain, often related to meals; caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs |
| Gastritis | Upper belly pain, nausea |
| Gastroparesis | Early fullness, nausea, vomiting undigested food; common with diabetes |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis | Food sticking, especially in young adults with allergies |
Lower GI problems
| Condition | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Recurrent pain linked to bowel movements, with diarrhea, constipation or both, and bloating |
| Constipation | Infrequent, hard or difficult stools |
| Gastroenteritis | Sudden diarrhea and vomiting from infection |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | Ongoing diarrhea, blood, pain, weight loss (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) |
| Celiac disease | Diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, anemia, triggered by gluten |
| Lactose and fructose malabsorption | Bloating, gas, diarrhea after dairy or certain fruits |
| Diverticular disease | Left lower belly pain, fever with diverticulitis |
| Hemorrhoids and anal fissures | Bright red blood on paper, itching, pain |
| Colorectal cancer | Change in bowel habit, blood, anemia, weight loss; often silent early |
Liver, gallbladder and pancreas
- Gallstones: pain under the right ribs after fatty meals; infection causes fever.
- Pancreatitis: severe upper belly pain through to the back, with vomiting.
- Fatty liver disease and hepatitis: often no symptoms; later fatigue, jaundice.
Common symptoms and what they suggest
- Heartburn: reflux.
- Bloating and gas: IBS, food intolerances, constipation, small bowel bacterial overgrowth.
- Diarrhea: infections, IBS, IBD, celiac disease, medicines.
- Constipation: low fiber and fluids, inactivity, medicines, IBS, thyroid problems.
- Nausea and vomiting: infections, gastroparesis, pregnancy, medicines, obstruction.
- Black stools: bleeding from the stomach or upper intestine (or iron and bismuth tablets).
How GI problems are diagnosed
- History and exam: including diet, medicines (NSAIDs, opioids), alcohol and family history.
- Blood tests: blood count for anemia, liver tests, celiac antibodies, inflammatory markers.
- Stool tests: infection, fecal calprotectin for inflammation, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for hidden blood.
- H. pylori testing: breath, stool or biopsy test.
- Upper endoscopy: a camera examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
- Colonoscopy: examines the colon, takes biopsies and removes polyps.
- Imaging: ultrasound, CT or MRI.
- Breath tests: for lactose or fructose malabsorption and bacterial overgrowth.
General treatment and gut health
Treatment depends on the cause, but many people benefit from:
- regular meals, smaller portions, and not eating within 3 hours of bed for reflux
- fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, increased gradually, with enough fluid
- regular physical activity
- limiting alcohol and stopping smoking
- reviewing medicines that irritate the gut, such as NSAIDs
- identifying trigger foods with a dietitian rather than restricting broadly
- managing stress, which strongly affects gut symptoms through the gut-brain connection
Colorectal cancer screening
Screening is recommended for average-risk adults from age 45 to 75, using colonoscopy, stool tests or other approved methods. Earlier screening is advised with a family history or other risk factors.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common gastrointestinal problems?
The most common are acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, and food intolerances such as lactose intolerance. Gallstones, peptic ulcers and diverticular disease are also common.
When should I see a doctor for digestive problems?
See a doctor for blood in the stool or vomit, black stools, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, anemia, or a change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, especially if you are over 45.
Can stress cause digestive problems?
Yes. Stress affects gut movement, sensitivity and secretions through the gut-brain axis, and can trigger or worsen IBS, reflux and indigestion. It does not cause bleeding or weight loss, which always need investigation.
How are gastrointestinal problems diagnosed?
Doctors use your symptoms and examination, blood and stool tests, breath tests, and procedures such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT helps assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bowel.
Sources
This guide was written from current patient and clinical guidance, including:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Digestive Diseases
- American College of Gastroenterology: Patient education and GI health topics
- American Gastroenterological Association: Patient information
- MedlinePlus: Digestive Diseases
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Colorectal Cancer Screening (2021)