Occasional backward flow of stomach acid into the food pipe (esophagus).

Acid reflux is a common digestive issue that occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus. This happens if the ring of muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) at the bottom of the food pipe relaxes at the wrong time or weakens. It causes a burning chest pain known as heartburn and is often triggered by large meals, fatty foods, lying down immediately after eating, or drinking alcohol/coffee.

A chronic, more severe form of acid reflux that can lead to esophageal complications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach bile flows back into your food pipe (esophagus). The constant irritation washes over the lining of your esophagus, which can cause inflammation (esophagitis), narrowing (stricture), or cellular changes (Barrett's esophagus) over time. It requires proper medical management rather than just over-the-counter antacids.

Inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach, which can be acute or chronic.

Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). Common causes include infection with H. pylori bacteria, regular use of pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), excessive alcohol use, or stress. Untreated chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and increase the risk of stomach cancers.

Painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus.

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach (gastric ulcers) and the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The most common cause is infection with H. pylori bacteria and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Contrary to popular belief, spicy foods and stress do not cause ulcers, though they can make your symptoms worse.

A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long-term. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBS doesn't cause changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation deep in the digestive tract lining.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly affects the small intestine and colon. The inflammation in Crohn's often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue and can lead to complications such as fistulas, strictures, and malnutrition.

An inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the GI tract, UC affects only the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a chronic condition characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission.

An accumulation of excess fat in liver cells in individuals who consume little to no alcohol.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—recently renamed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)—is an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little to no alcohol. The main characteristic is too much fat stored in liver cells. It is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Inflammation of the liver, typically caused by a viral infection (Hepatitis A, B, or C) or autoimmune/toxic factors.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world. Hepatitis A is acute and usually foodborne. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic, causing long-term damage, but modern treatments (antivirals) are highly effective.

Late-stage scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions.

Cirrhosis is a late-stage scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Each time your liver is injured, it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to function (decompensated cirrhosis). Severe scarring can be life-threatening.

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can occur as sudden acute attacks or long-term chronic damage.

Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate sugar. Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis—meaning it appears suddenly and lasts for days—or chronic pancreatitis, which is pancreatitis that occurs over many years, often resulting in permanent damage to pancreatic function.