Types of Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders can involve any part of the digestive tract. The symptoms of a disorder of this type can range from annoying to very serious. The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines and rectum. It also sometimes includes the pancreas and the liver. Disorder of the digestive tract can leave you feeling very ill, and some disorders have very painful symptoms.

Ulcerative Colitis

• This is a chronic disease of the lower digestive region. It causes inflammation of the bowel, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Depending on the severity of the individual case, it can greatly affect the sufferer's life. The ability to attend school or work, or to even carry on with normal daily activities, is sometimes very difficult. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include urgent bowel movements, blood, pus or mucus in the stool, fever, anemia and rectal bleeding.

Indigestion

• Indigestion is a broad term used for many common stomach ailments. Typically, symptoms include abdominal pain or a burning feeling in the upper part of the abdomen, abdominal bloating, heartburn and nausea. Indigestion is caused by eating foods that trigger excess stomach acid. To relieve the symptoms, avoid trigger foods, quit smoking, reduce the stress level, use antacids or over the counter medications for indigestion, or try drinking milk, which is said by some to calm symptoms, although some in the medical community disagree with the benefits of milk in fighting indigestion.

Food Intolerance

• A food intolerance is the inability of the body to tolerate certain foods. Some individuals may not be able to tolerate lactose and find it necessary to avoid dairy products. Others may find that some foods, such as raw vegetables, contain certain enzymes that the body rejects; however, after cooking, which destroys the enzymes, the sufferer may be able to eat the food normally. Symptoms of food intolerance include abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anal itching and constipation.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• This disorder is also known as GERD. It happens when stomach acid and contents rise back into the esophagus and the mouth. This is usually accompanied by heartburn, chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes the symptoms of GERD can result in throat damage and stomach ulcers. To lower the risk of GERD, avoid chocolate, caffeine, spicy or acidic foods, fatty or fried foods, and any food that causes excess stomach acid. Sleeping with the head elevated can help reduce the symptoms, along with avoiding alcohol, eating smaller meals throughout the day, losing weight, and waiting two to three hours after eating to go to bed.

Viral Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting and is caused by a variety of viruses. Sometimes referred to as the "stomach flu," it actually is not caused by the influenza virus. It is not caused by bacteria, parasites or medications, but the symptoms, which include diarrhea, headache, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps, are the same. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms.