Understood Care
Your digestive system starts at your mouth and continues through your throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, then to the rectum and anus. Teeth and tongue help start digestion. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder support digestion by making enzymes and bile. When any part of this system is stressed, you may feel symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, or heartburn. If you are managing GI symptoms, knowing where they come from and how to respond can make day-to-day life easier.
Digestive symptoms have many causes. Some are temporary, such as viral gastroenteritis. Others are long term, such as reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Triggers can include:
If your symptoms are new, severe, or not improving as expected, talk with a clinician to identify the cause and a safe plan.
If you or someone you care for has nausea or vomiting, the first goal is to prevent dehydration. Start with small sips of fluid, then increase as tolerated. Clear liquids and oral rehydration solutions can be helpful. When you can eat, try bland foods in small portions. If vomiting is persistent, if there is blood, or if there are signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very dark urine, or very little urination, contact a clinician.
Diarrhea often improves within a few days. Focus on fluids and electrolytes, then gradually return to regular meals. Watch for warning signs such as high fever, severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, or signs of dehydration. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications and should seek care sooner.
Important note about antibiotics: About 1 in 5 people taking antibiotics get antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A more serious cause is C. difficile infection, which can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration. If diarrhea begins during or soon after a course of antibiotics, or if it is severe or persistent, contact a clinician promptly.
Constipation is common and has many causes, including not enough fiber, not drinking enough fluids, changes in routine, low activity, or medicines such as certain pain medicines and some antidepressants. Gentle steps often help:
If constipation lasts more than a few weeks, alternates with diarrhea, or is associated with significant pain, weight loss, or blood in the stool, seek care.
Heartburn and regurgitation happen when stomach contents move upward into the esophagus. To reduce symptoms:
See a clinician if you use nonprescription heartburn medicines more than twice a week, or if symptoms are severe, frequent, or not improving. Seek urgent care for chest pain with shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain.
Several common medicines can worsen GI symptoms:
Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. If a medicine is contributing to symptoms, your clinician can adjust the dose, switch to an alternative, or add protective strategies.
Two tests are especially important in digestive health care:
Starting at age 45 for most adults at average risk, regular screening helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing precancerous polyps. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and other visual exams. If you are 76 to 85, the decision to continue screening should be individualized based on your overall health and prior results. People at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent testing.
Upper GI endoscopy evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It can diagnose causes of bleeding, persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing, unexplained anemia, or ongoing nausea and vomiting. Your care team will explain how to prepare and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
If a clinician has recommended a colonoscopy or endoscopy, staying on schedule matters. If you would like help arranging appointments or understanding preparation steps, we can coordinate that for you.
Call emergency services right away for any of the following:
Contact your clinician soon for these nonemergency problems:
Our team understands that stomach problems affect daily life. The video message we share says it plainly: many people face nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, and heartburn. Your digestive system involves your mouth, teeth, tongue, throat, stomach, and intestines, and many factors can make symptoms worse, including medicines, chronic conditions, diet, and low activity. We can help you:
Small, frequent sips of fluids are often better tolerated than large amounts at once. Use an oral rehydration solution if directed by a clinician, especially for older adults and people with chronic conditions. Seek care quickly for signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very dark urine, or minimal urination.
No, but antibiotic-associated diarrhea is common. Most cases are mild and improve after the antibiotic is finished. Severe or persistent diarrhea could be due to C. difficile infection and needs prompt medical attention.
Many adults benefit from increasing dietary fiber gradually and drinking enough water. Your clinician or dietitian can help you choose a realistic daily goal and the best sources for you. If fiber worsens bloating or pain, stop and seek guidance.
Most adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45. The best test is the one you can complete on schedule. Your clinician can help you choose between stool-based tests and colonoscopy.
Heartburn is a symptom. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a diagnosis made when reflux symptoms are frequent, severe, or lead to complications. If you need nonprescription heartburn medicine more than twice a week, or symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, see a clinician.
Evidence for probiotics varies by condition and by product. Some people benefit, while others do not. Probiotics can carry risks for people with serious illnesses or weakened immune systems. Talk with your clinician before starting any probiotic supplement.
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
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