Overview of Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common medical conditions. Most people have experienced upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, gas in the GI tract, or changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation).
Digestive disorders usually are minor conditions that resolve relatively quickly without medical treatment. They often are associated with intestinal viruses or bacteria and treatment involves reducing the risk for complications, such as dehydration, anemia, and secondary infections.
However, severe symptoms and symptoms that do not resolve or recur (i.e., chronic symptoms) require medical treatment. In some cases, even minor symptoms can indicate a GI emergency.
Types of general GI symptoms include the following: