Hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels in the anal canal and rectum and are very common. Risk factors for forming hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation and diarrhea, and straining with bowel movements. They can be asymptomatic, or cause anal itching, bleeding, or anal soreness. Treatment options

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach abnormally extends into the chest. They are very common, and risk factors for developing a hiatal hernia include increasing age, smoking, and obesity. Its presence can increase the risk of acid reflux, with symptoms including heartburn, chest pain,

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal stools. Unlike Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, there is no inflammation of the digestive tract. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some people develop it after an infection of the

Ischemic colitis is an injury to the lining of a portion of the large intestine, typically caused by decreased blood flow to that area. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Severe cases may require surgery, but most patients can be treated conservatively with intravenous

Microscopic colitis is a mild chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon (large intestine). The most common symptom is nonbloody diarrhea. The exact cause is unknown but is sometimes associated with the use of certain medications. Microscopic colitis is diagnosed by taking tissue samples during

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease refers to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver, in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Over time this can lead to inflammation in the liver and then scarring (cirrhosis). Patients with cirrhosis can develop complications, some of which include bleeding,

Cancer may develop in the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion. Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer may include smoking, alcohol consumption, and a history of chronic pancreatitis. Early cancer may cause no symptoms, while more advanced cancers may cause abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea,

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvis do not work in a coordinated way. Symptoms can include constipation and incontinence. Risk factors for developing this include pregnancy, obesity, and aging. Doctors can use a variety of studies to check the structure and function of the

Peptic ulcer disease refers to open sores (ulcers) that can form in the stomach or first portion of the small intestine (duodenum). Most ulcers are caused by either a bacterial infection (H pylori) or by a group of anti-inflammatory medications known as NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen). Some ulcers cause no

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is excessive accumulation of bacteria in the small intestine. A number of conditions are associated with SIBO, including diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and a history of surgery of the digestive tract. Common