Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders can cause pain, difficulty eating and digesting food. You may have weight changes and bowel problems.

Often making changes in your diet can help. Sometimes digestive symptoms may be caused by an underlying health condition.

Make an appointment to see your provider, if you are having chronic digestive problems.

What are digestive disorders?

Digestive disorders are conditions and problems that occur during digestion. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and giving the body nutrients as well as developing and disposing of waste. The digestive system runs throughout the body and includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and the anus. This means digestive disorders do not always affect just one area of the body.

At MaineHealth, our providers diagnose and treat a range of digestive disorders. Make an appointment with your primary care provider if you believe you may have a digestive disorder.

Disorders treated include:

  • Celiac disease
  • Constipation
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gallstones
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Pancreatitis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Ulcers

Symptoms of digestive orders may include the following:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Gas
  • Heartburn
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss/gain

Your diet affects digestion

Digestive disorders can be caused by a combination of many things:

  • Changes in routine
  • Genetics
  • High dairy diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Low fiber diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
  • Stress