Digestive Disorders Medical Reference

When you haven’t had a bowel movement in so long that a hard mass of stool gets stuck in your colon or rectum, it’s known as a fecal impaction. Find out the causes and treatments for this dangerous problem.

If a section of your bowel becomes blocked, you'll need to be hospitalized to get better. Learn what causes a bowel obstruction, what the symptoms are, and how it's treated.

There are some simple steps you can take to help ease the symptoms of indigestion and set yourself up for a restful night's sleep.

Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic liver disease. Learn about its causes, symptoms, treatment and more.

Primary biliary cholangitis often doesn't have symptoms early on. Your doctor will use blood tests and imaging tests to help diagnose the disease.

There's no cure for primary biliary cholangitis, but you can ease symptoms and stop the disease from getting worse. Here's a look at some treatments for the condition.

Doctors used to think that eosinophilic esophagitis was the same thing as acid reflux. Now they know that it’s not, and more people are being diagnosed than ever before.

If you’re nauseated and in pain, it may not be a stomach bug. Learn what cholecystitis is, what it has to do with the gallbladder, and how it is treated.

Everyone’s had them, but do you know where hiccups come from? Learn why these funny sounds sometimes happen.

Doctors don’t know for sure what causes cyclic vomiting syndrome, a rare condition that can bring on intense nausea and vomiting. Find out about symptoms and how to manage the condition.

Find out more about this rare abdominal disease that may or may not be cancer.

Find out about this potentially deadly disease of the bile ducts that can gradually cause serious liver damage.

The hiccups can be awfully annoying. You’ve been told you can scare them away, but how can you really get rid of them?

Do you have low potassium? Find out the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypokalemia.

Trouble swallowing? Pain in the chest? A rare condition called achalasia may be to blame.

Liver-spleen scan: Why do I need one?

Managing your diet is key to finding relief. Learn what to eat for hemorrhoids, including high-fiber options, and identify specific foods to avoid.

Primary biliary cholangitis is a disease affecting the bile made by your liver. Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and outlook.

When diarrhea strikes, you may turn to an over-the-counter medicine for relief. But do you know how to use it right?

Do certain foods seem to keep giving you diarrhea? An elimination diet may help you find the problem foods.

These two gut conditions have some things in common. But IBS and IBD aren’t the same. Find out about their different causes and treatments.

The bacteria in your digestive system can give you and your doctor clues about your health. Find out how.

Suppositories aren't scary, they're just a different way to deliver medicine.

You don't need to see a doctor for quick ways to ease your itching and pain or for ongoing help to keep the discomfort from getting worse.

Learn how to use the Bristol Stool Scale to track your digestive health. Understand the seven types of stool, what they indicate about fiber, and when to see a doctor.

Can’t go? You’re not alone. Over 42 million Americans have bowel movements less than three times a week.

Learn what’s causing your digestive problems and how to treat and prevent heartburn, constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.

With exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), your gut reactions can offer valuable clues to the condition.

There are tests to help you and your doctor figure out what's causing your symptoms.

Find out why your pancreas might not be working right.

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow soak used to relieve pain and itching. Learn how it helps with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and recovery after childbirth.

WebMD explains exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition in which the pancreas isn't producing enough enzymes to break down and absorb nutrients.

WebMD provides an overview of intestinal diseases that affect children, from ulcerative colitis to celiac disease.

The causes, symptoms, and treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which causes cysts to grow on the kidneys.

Sick with the "stomach flu"? Learn what causes a stomach "bug" (gastroenteritis) and how it's treated.

Want a "recipe" for smoother digestion? Try these nine tips. They'll help you prevent symptoms such as bloating, belching, or burning.

Need help making recipe substitutions for lactose intolerance? Get healthy and delicious recipe ideas.

WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of anal fissures.

An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus. Learn more about the symptoms of this painful condition.

WebMD offers lifestyle tips for avoiding constipation - and staying regular every day.

You don’t have to suffer from constipation. Find relief with these tips and simple remedies from WebMD.

WebMD explains the causes and treatments for bowel incontinence.

Learn more from WebMD about the causes of blood in the urine.

The stomach flu brings on some nasty symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. Learn more from WebMD about avoiding the viruses that cause it and treating symptoms if you or your child already have it.

WebMD discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatments of polycystic liver disease.

Making a few lifestyle adjustments may ease hiatal hernia symptoms.

Learn more from WebMD about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of tapeworms.

WebMD explains the symptoms and causes of dumping syndrome, foods that trigger it, and how to treat it.

WebMD explains peritonitis - a potentially fatal inflammation of the abdomen's lining - including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

WebMD explains the causes of bloody stools, the tests to diagnose the underlying problem, and treatment options.