Digestive Diseases - About Digestive System Diseases

There are many kinds of digestive diseases ranging from mild conditions like indigestion and lactose intolerance to severe and life-threatening, such as cirrhosis and colon cancer. A digestive disease, also called gastrointestinal disease or digestive disorder, can occur in any part of your digestive system.

The digestive system is comprised of the digestive tract, also called alimentary canal, and accessory organs. The tract is a long tube that starts from the mouth and ends in the anus. They function in either breaking down food so that it can be absorbed by the body or eliminating undigested food substances.

Accessory digestive organs, such as the liver and pancreas aid in digesting food by producing digestive juices.

Symptoms of digestive diseases vary widely depending on the specific problem. However, in general, you should see your healthcare provider if you have:

• Blood in your stool or feces (See: Bleeding in the Digestive Tract)
• Blood in your vomit
• Sudden changes in bowel habits
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained or rapid weight loss
• Heartburn that seems not to be relieved with medications

There are many diseases of the digestive system that have similar symptoms. Your doctor will perform several tests to determine your problem and to rule out other disorders, as well.

• Visit the Digestive System Disorders Topic Index for more information about digestive problems and diseases.

Source:
Digestive Diseases (March, 2010). National Library of Medicine (NLM). Available Online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/digestivediseases.html. Accessed on July 20, 2010.

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Tests for Digestive Disorders - About Digestive Disorders Tests

There are several tests that doctors use to test for digestive disorders. In some cases, more than one test may be recommended to diagnose the digestive disorder or to rule out certain conditions.

Most of these digestive tests give the doctor a view of your digestive tract and aids in better, more reliable diagnosis of your digestive problem.

If you are asked to undergo certain tests, you should ask:

• your doctor about the procedure
• why the test is necessary, and
• whether there are risks involved.

Your healthcare provider will answer your questions regarding the diagnostic procedures recommended.

Some of the common digestive disorder tests are discussed separately on this site. The following are some of the common diagnostic test done on patients with digestive disorders.

 Colonoscopy

 ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

 Liver Biopsy

 Lower GI Series

 Upper Endoscopy

 Upper GI Series

 Virtual Colonoscopy

Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011

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