Common digestive diseases are those that affect the organs used to intake and process food and also eliminate it from the body. While some digestive diseases are relatively minor, others are serious and can even become fatal. With more than 60 million Americans annually diagnosed with some kind of digestive disease, it’s important to learn about some of the more common ones and their symptoms.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Among the most common digestive diseases is GERD, in which the contents of the stomach, including acids, flow back onto the esophagus. This causes significant heartburn, burning in the throat and mouth and pain in the chest and neck. Besides having a weak esophageal muscle, most people who suffer from GERD almost always suffer from lifestyle and food choices that aggravate the condition. Foods high in fat, chocolate, alcohol and fried foods can exacerbate symptoms. Those who have hernias, are pregnant or obese are also at greater risk of developing GERD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
More than 500,000 Americans suffer from chronic IBD, with symptoms of this digestive disease ranging from abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding and fever. There are two disorders of IBD—Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis—that affect the digestive system. While there is no definitive answer to the causes of the conditions, certain oral medications can control the symptoms. In extreme cases, surgery is recommended.

Peptic Ulcer Disease
When the stomach lining breaks down, increased irritation from stomach acid creates a peptic ulcer. When the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) are chronically inflamed, the result is nausea, pain and heartburn result. A bacteria is believed to be the cause of the condition, and a combination of oral medications minimizes the ulcers.

Hemorrhoids
While most people don’t think of hemorrhoids as a digestive disease, the digestive system does include everything from the mouth to the anus and all organs in between. Constipation, or the irregular or infrequent evacuation of the bowels, is the major cause of hemorrhoids. When the delicate blood vessels around the anus burst from pressure and straining, hemorrhoids form. Over-the-counter medications are available for mild cases of hemorrhoids. More serious cases may require surgery.