Most digestive problems are temporary and will clear up on their own, but others are chronic.
Some can even be serious and life-threatening.
Understanding what different symptoms might mean can help you manage the problem and find a long-term solution.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
It explains the symptoms of common ailments and signs that you should see a healthcare provider.
The GI tract itself is made up of several parts.
This is commonly called “reflux.”
Symptoms can include pain, bleeding, and blockages in the digestive system.
Gastritis
Gastritisis an inflammation of the stomach lining that causes symptoms similar to heartburn.
It’s usually treated withmedicationto reduce stomach acid.
It is usually because of damage to the stomach nerves.
Gallstones
Gallstones can form in the gallbladder whenbilehardens.
If gallstones block the ducts of the gallbladder, they can cause severe pain.
Some gallstones never cause symptoms while others need to be surgically removed.
Celiac disease is often mistaken for othergastrointestinal disordersbefore it’s correctlydiagnosed.
Symptoms of Lower Abdominal Disorders
The lower GI tract begins after the duodenum.
It runs from thesmall intestinesto thelarge intestines, or colon, to the anus.
Symptoms includesharp painsin the lower left abdomen, usually accompanied by a fever.
If left untreated, diverticulitis can cause life-threatening complications.
Both are chronic conditions that require lifelong monitoring and treatment.
Treating GI issues doesn’t just help relieve the immediate stomach or lower abdominal distress.
Talk to your primary healthcare provider first.
Summary
Upper GI issues often cause heartburn and pain or discomfort in the stomach or chest.
Problems with the lower GI tract can cause cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.
Disorders of the urinary tract and female reproductive system can also cause symptoms that mimic GI conditions.
Stomach cancer may cause symptoms similar to GI disorders.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Upper GI disorders.
2016;7(1):e139.
doi:10.1038/ctg.2015.48
Lebwohl B, Rubio-Tapia A.Epidemiology, presentation, and diagnosis of celiac disease.Gastroenterology.
2022;56(3):419-435. doi:10.1111/apt.17064
Banerjee A.Gastrointestinal emergencies.Emerg Clin Diagn.
2016;113(5):72-82. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0072
Camilleri M.Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A review.JAMA.
2021;325(9):865-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.22532
World Cancer Research Fund.Stomach cancer statistics.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stomach (gastric) cancer.
Kaur R, Kaur R.Symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections.Postgrad Med J.
2021;97(1154):803-812. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139090
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Endometriosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
