Celiac disease isn’t the only condition that can arise within the GI tract, of course. Most of us are familiar with the most common problems. Vomiting—the forceful movement of stomach contents from the stomach through the mouth and out of the body—can be caused by many things including emotional stress, motion sickness, viruses, or foodborne bacteria. Chapter 20 contains more information about foodborne illnesses.

Many digestive disorders include the symptom of diarrhea, which is defined as frequent loose and watery bowel movements that occur more than three times a day. Constipation, having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week, is another symptom common in digestive disorders. In otherwise healthy people, a low-fiber diet, medication, or dehydration may be the culprit. Consuming sufficient fiber will soften stools since it holds water and so decreases the risk of both constipation and painful inflamed veins called hemorrhoids.

Acid reflux is a condition in which the sphincter muscles separating the stomach and the esophagus relax, so that food and stomach acid are occasionally regurgitated back into the esophagus. The stomach acid can cause a burning feeling called heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a recurrent and more serious form of acid reflux that is accompanied by inflammation and/or erosion of the esophageal lining along with pain and gastrointestinal issues. Individuals with untreated GERD can be at risk of cancer or other complications. Fortunately, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can treat GERD, and sufferers can control symptoms by avoiding foods that cause discomfort, including alcohol, onions, chocolate, citrus fruits, and large or fatty meals.

Painful gallstones can develop when substances in bile crystallize into small pebbles within the gallbladder. The gallbladder may not be able to empty properly causing pain in the upper abdomen. Recurrent gallstones generally require the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Diverticular disease is a condition characterized by pouches or pockets in the wall or lining of any portion of the digestive tract, which can develop when the inner layer of the digestive tract pushes through weak spots in the outer layer. (INFOGRAPHIC 3.11)