How the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas work, the digestive diseases that affect them, and the tests that find them.
152 HealthJournals
Some hepatitis types are mostly only in far-flung countries, while others are waiting in your next unprotected bedroom encounter. Read more about why protecting yourself and getting vaccinated is critical.
GERD is a common issue that is quite treatable, even with tougher cases. You might not have free rein to pig out on the spiciest and greasiest food anymore, but your symptoms can be controlled — read more.
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are serious challenges. Most cases are diagnosed late, leading to poor survival rates. However, emerging technologies are offering hope for more effective treatments — read more.
Fermented beverages are gaining favor in health circles for good reason, and kefir is a cheap and reliable way to boost your gut, brain, and bones. Read up on how this tangy drink is being linked to fighting off viruses and boosting memory.
The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), liver, pancreas, and gallbladder and helps the body digest food. Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which your body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Learn more about how the digestive system works.
Digestive diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the esophagus to the colon, and the organs that help it digest food. They range from constipation, lactose intolerance and celiac disease to GI bleeding and cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver and pancreas. Some affect infants, such as reflux and colic, or come with pregnancy.
Digestive Diseases 
Gas in the Digestive Tract 
Constipation 
Diarrhea 
Lactose Intolerance 
Celiac Disease 
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome 
Gastrointestinal Bleeding 
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome 
Gastroenteritis 
Hernia 
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction 
Intestinal Malrotation 
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis 
Abdominal Pain 
Alcohol and Cancer Risk 
Indigestion 
Foodborne Illness 
Dumping Syndrome 
Esophageal Cancer 
Childhood Esophageal Cancer 
Tylosis with Esophageal Cancer 
Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment 
Barrett's Esophagus 
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome 
Stomach Cancer 
Childhood Stomach Cancer 
Rectal Cancer 
Diffuse Gastric Cancer 
Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Proximal Polyposis of the Stomach 
Constipation and Cancer Treatment 
Bile Duct Cancer 
Pancreatic Cancer 
Gallbladder Cancer 
Appendiceal Cancer 
Anal Cancer 
Colorectal Cancer 
Intestinal Cancer 
Liver Cancer 
Liver Cancer in Children 
Childhood Hepatocellular Carcinoma 
Klatskin Tumor 
Carcinoid Tumor 
Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Infants 
Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Children 
Colic in Infants 
Morning Sickness 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women 
Childhood Colorectal Cancer 
Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy 
Newborn Jaundice 
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy 
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia 
Travelers' Diarrhea 
Chronic Diarrhea in Children Digestive system tests look inside the GI tract and its organs to screen for disease or explain symptoms. They include colonoscopy, endoscopy, ERCP and liver biopsy, along with screening for colorectal and liver cancer and the tests that diagnose celiac disease.
The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine. Common problems include hemorrhoids, abscesses, incontinence and cancer. The anus is the opening of the rectum through which stool passes out of your body. Anal disorders include hemorrhoids, fistulas, and abscesses.
The colon, or large intestine, functions to extract water, salts, and nutrients from partially digested food and to propel the remaining contents to the rectum for expulsion as feces. The appendix is a small, tube-like organ attached to the first part of the large intestine. Learn about conditions like colonic polyps and appendicitis.
Abdominal Adhesions 
Appendicitis Appendiceal Cancer 
Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
Bowel Obstruction 
Bowel Incontinence Colorectal Cancer 
Colonic Polyps 
C. diff Infections 
Colonic Diseases 
Lynch Syndrome 
Intussusception 
Collagenous Colitis 
Ostomy Colonic Atresia and Stenosis 
Colonic Volvulus 
Crohn's Disease 
Ulcerative Colitis 
Microscopic Colitis 
Diverticular Disease Fecal Impaction The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. The most common esophagus problem is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
The gallbladder is a muscular sac nested in a shallow area under the liver. It stores, concentrates, and, when stimulated, propels the bile into the duodenum via the common bile duct. Infections, gallstones, and cancer can result in bile duct problems.
Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cancer, and cirrhosis. Know your risk and what you can do to prevent liver problems.
The pancreas is a long slender organ that lies behind your stomach and is surrounded by the intestines, liver, and gallbladder. The pancreas produces a variety of enzymes to help break down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your diet. Pancreatic diseases include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis.
Your small intestine is the longest part of your digestive system - about twenty feet long! It connects your stomach to your large intestine and folds many times to fit inside your abdomen. Problems with the small intestine can include bleeding, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more.
The stomach, which receives food from the esophagus, is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. Conditions that can affect the stomach include gastroenteritis, stomach cancer, and peptic ulcers. Read more.
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