There are many types of digestive system problems. Accurately identifying your specific symptoms is a crucial first step in developing an effective treatment plan and managing your condition.

The digestive system is an intricate and extensive part of your body. It starts from your mouth and extends up to the rectum. It helps your body absorb essential nutrients and remove waste.

Digestion problems can mean more than unwanted symptoms. Minor problems, if left untreated, can lead to more serious or chronic (long-term) illnesses.

Since there are various types of digestion problems, you might mistakenly dismiss them. So, it’s important to understand common digestion problems, as well as symptoms needing immediate medical intervention, so you know when to talk with a doctor.

Chronic constipation indicates a problem with removing waste from the body. This often occurs when the colon can’t pass or move stools through the rest of the digestive tract. You may experience abdominal pain and bloating as well as fewer bowel movements (which are more painful than usual).

Chronic constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States.Getting enough fiber, water, and exercise will likely help curb constipation. Medications can also provide relief in more serious cases.

Food intolerance occurs when your digestive system can’t tolerate certain foods. Unlike food allergies, which can cause hives and respiratory problems, an intolerance only affects digestion.

Symptoms of food intolerance include:

You will receive the diagnosis of food intolerance from your doctor by keeping and getting your food diary reveiwed. Recording what you eat and when can help you identify which foods are triggering your symptoms.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, is one type of food intolerance. It causes digestive problems when you eat gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye). People with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet to minimize symptoms and damage to the small intestine.

Heartburn is an occasional occurrence for many adults. This happens when stomach acids go back into the esophagus, causing chest pain and the trademark burning sensation.

If you have more frequent heartburn, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Such frequent episodes can interfere with your daily life and damage your esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD include:

  • chest discomfort
  • dry cough
  • sour taste in the mouth
  • sore throat
  • swallowing difficulties

You may need medications to manage heartburn. A damaged esophagus can make swallowing difficult and disrupt the rest of the digestive system.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic swelling. It affects one or more parts of the digestive tract.

There are two types of IBD:

IBD can cause more general digestive system ailments, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:

  • fatigue
  • incomplete bowel movements
  • loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss
  • night sweats
  • rectal bleeding

It’s important to get the diagnosis and treatment for IBD as soon as possible. You will not only be more comfortable, but early treatment also reduces damage to the GI tract.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the digestive system. If you continue to experience digestion problems, it’s time to make an appointment with them.

Some signs are more serious and could mean there’s an emergency medical problem. These signs include:

  • bloody stools
  • continuous vomiting
  • severe abdominal cramps
  • sweating
  • sudden, unintentional weight loss

These symptoms could be an indication of an infection, gallstones, hepatitis, internal bleeding, or cancer.

You can overcome digestion problems with treatment and lifestyle changes. Certain conditions of the digestive system might be long term, but medications can help ease symptoms.

Identifying specific digestion problems and talking with a gastroenterologist can go a long way in terms of getting a proper diagnosis. Remember, you don’t have to put up with constant digestive issues.