Explanations of Digestive Disorders

MOST COMMON (below)

Barrett's Disease

Barrett's esophagus is a gastrointestinal disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid that leaks backward.

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related inflammation usually affects the intestines, but may occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum (anus).

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
  000249.htm

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is swelling (inflammation) of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon). The presence of the pouches themselves is called diverticulosis.

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
  000257.htm

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
  000265.htm

Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lining of the stomach.

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
  001150.htm

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder of the lower intestinal tract involving abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. Emotional stress often makes the symptoms worse.

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
  000246.htm

Additional Information: