Disorders that affect the digestive (gastrointestinal) system are called digestive disorders. Some disorders affect several parts of the digestive system at the same time, whereas others affect only 1 part or organ.
Some symptoms usually suggest a digestive disorder, such as:
More general symptoms, such as abdominal pain (see also Chronic and Recurring Abdominal Pain), passing of gas (flatulence), loss of appetite, hiccups, and nausea, may suggest a digestive disorder or another type of disorder. Chest or back pain usually is caused by another type of disorder but sometimes is caused by a digestive disorder.
"Indigestion" is an imprecise term that is used by different people to mean different things. The term covers a wide range of symptoms, including dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, regurgitation, and the sensation of having a lump in the throat (globus sensation).
