Digestive Disorders Medical Reference

If you notice your poop is black or tarry, it might be due to something as simple as a change in your diet or a new medicine you're taking. Sometimes, though, it's a sign of a medical problem that you don't want to ignore. Learn why your stool may have a different color and when you should call your doctor.

Poop comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Find out why it's sometimes stringy and skinny, and what this means for your health.

A small amount of mucus in your bowel movement is normal. But there are times it could be a sign of a condition that needs treatment. If you have diarrhea with mucus, inflammatory bowel disease or an infection could be to blame.

Already dreading your next trip to the bathroom? One of these conditions could be the culprit.

Small intestine bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) means you have too much bacteria in your gut. Here's how to know whether you have it and how to treat it.

Find out about Whipple’s disease, a bacterial infection that affects your digestive system and joints.

See what health problems often go hand in hand with EPI.

Get tips on foods to eat and avoid to help you stay well.

Chronic constipation can affect your emotions and self-image. Stress and anxiety can make the condition worse, but you can do some things to manage that.

An untreated infection near the anus can cause big problems.

Giardiasis is one of the most common intestinal parasites. If it’s in the water you drink or a diaper you change, you’re more likely to have tummy trouble.

Find out the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment of low gamma-GT intrahepatic cholestasis, a liver disease that usually appears in children.

Find out why swallowing too much air can lead to aerophagia, with symptoms like upset stomach, frequent burping, and even pain.

Could your medication be the cause of your diarrhea? We've got the answer.

When you get your gallbladder removed, your doctor might use a type of imaging called an intraoperative cholangiogram. Find out how it can help, how it's done, and what the risks are.

Twisted bowel is a serious condition that needs prompt care. Learn about surgical and nonsurgical options to treat it.

Get tips on how to pick a probiotic that's safe and effective to help you boost health.

Laxatives offer a quick fix for constipation, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to help stop the problem from coming back.

An upper GI (UGI) series is like an X-ray movie of your digestive tract. But instead of eating popcorn, you drink a thick liquid called barium. Find out more about this test.

A feeding tube provides you with nutrition when you're unable to eat and drink normally. Learn about the different types and what it's like to live with one.

Constipation is a common but uncomfortable side effect of surgery. Learn what causes postoperative constipation and how to treat it.

Having trouble pooping? Avoid these common mistakes when your digestive tract is out of whack.

Burping is normal most of the time. But when might it be a problem?

You can do some things to make stomach pain less likely to ruin your day.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products. Learn more about this common condition.

If you feel bloated and gassy after you drink milk or eat ice cream, you might be lactose intolerant. Learn what causes this common condition.

Lactose intolerance and dairy allergy may seem the same, but there are important differences. Find out how they differ and what tests are used for diagnosis.

If you feel stomach pain, bloating, cramping, or have diarrhea after you eat or drink dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant. Learn about what causes the different types of lactose intolerance.

This test uses a radioactive compound to “trace” the path bile takes through your body. This article explains how and why it’s done.

Esophageal spasm is a rare cause of chest pain that can feel like a heart attack. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for esophagus spasms.

Rectal prolapse is not a common ailment or life-threatening. But if you have this disorder, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Constipation is a common problem that can be treated at home with changes to your diet and exercise. Laxatives can also help with constipation, but should be used after speaking with your doctor.

Intractable hiccups are a very rare condition in which a person has hiccups lasting more than a month. This may indicate an underlying health problem.

If you’re taking antibiotics and develop a serious case of diarrhea, you could have a bacterial infection known as C. diff. Learn more from WebMD about the symptoms and what doctors can do to treat it.

Inguinal hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles. Learn causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Learn more about laparoscopic surgery, in which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera into your body and operates it without having to put in their hands.

It is normal to have mucus in your poop. But sometimes, it could also indicate an underlying health condition and might need medical intervention.

Lipase test: Lipase is a protein that helps your body absorb fats. Your doctor can order a lipase blood test to find out how your pancreas is doing.

If your body is not taking in the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals you need, it could be because of malabsorption syndrome. Learn what causes it and what you can do about it.

What effects does chronic constipation have on your body? Learn about anal fissures, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, and more.

Dealing with chronic constipation? Here’s what to expect at your doctor’s visit.

Functional constipation isn’t caused by medicine or a medical problem. Learn why this problem happens and how doctors diagnose it.

Medications and medical conditions are common causes of constipation. Here’s a look at what could be backing things up.

Looking for constipation treatment options? Learn more about laxatives, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and more.

Probiotics support gut health and immunity but may cause side effects. Learn their key benefits and risks.

What does it mean if your poop is green? What about red, yellow, white, or black? Find out possible causes and when to call a doctor.

A look at how probiotics may help with diarrhea, pouchitis, irritible bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.

Everything you need to know about probiotics from why you'd take them to the differences between the different types, and then some.

How to get the most from probiotics for digestive health, including whether to use supplements, foods, or yogurt depending on your condition.

Ascites is a condition, usually caused by cirrhosis, where excess fluid builds up in your abdomen. Learn the symptoms of ascites and how it’s treated.