According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a colonoscopy is a test that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy helps detect colon problems such as colon tumors, colon polyps, colon ulcers and inflammation.

The primary symptoms of lactose intolerance include explosive and sudden bowel movements with loose and watery stools. Lactose-intolerance produces uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms, but they do not cause any permanent damage to your digestive system.

Upper abdominal bloating can significantly interfere with your daily function. Not only can it be painful, it can lead to gas and bowel issues as well. Upper abdominal bloating can be caused by several conditions. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you experience these symptoms.

A peptic ulcer is a lesion or sore in the lining of the duodenum or stomach where pepsin and hydrochloric acid are present. Ulcers forming in the stomach are gastric ulcers and those forming in the duodenum are duodenal ulcers.

Gastroesophageal reflux happens in more than half of infants during the first few months. Small amounts of food leak back into the esophagus from the stomach and cause your infant to spit up. Persistent reflux with vomiting can cause complications and an inability to thrive.

Autointoxication is an ancient theory suggesting that faulty digestion leads disease-causing toxins to gather in the colon. Colon cleansing has been considered a way to reverse this condition.

Digestion is the process in which the body breaks down food into molecules that can be used for nourishment. The stomach is not the only organ involved in the digestion process. A series of organs comprise the human digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, liver and large intestine.

Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease caused by inflammation of the digestive tract. One symptom of Crohn's disease is pain, which often results from swelling of the intestines or blockages in the digestive tract caused by scar tissue.

Nexium is a drug used for treating the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and other ailments where acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus.

Kefir milk contains live and active cultures. It's much like yogurt, but drinkable. Kefir will not cause diarrhea in healthy adults, but can cause diarrhea if you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to milk.

Lower abdominal pain in early pregnancy can be a frightening experience, especially for women who are pregnant for the first time. In many cases, natural changes in the body are behind the discomfort, which may pass as the pregnancy progresses.

A pathogen is a biological agent, or germ, that causes disease to its host by interrupting normal body processes. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are all common types of pathogens that can cause pathogenic, or infectious, diseases.