E ach year 62 million Americans are diagnosed with digestive disorders, ranging from the occasional upset stomach to the more life-threatening colon cancer. They encompass disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. M ost digestive diseases are very complex, with subtle symptoms, and the causes of many remain unknown. They may be inherited or develop from multiple factors such as stress, fatigue, diet, or smoking. Abusing alcohol imposes the greatest risk for digestive diseases.
R eaching a diagnosis requires a thorough and accurate medical history and physical examination.
Some patients may need to undergo more extensive diagnostic evaluations, including laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging techniques. Physicians who specialize in the treatment of digestive problems are called gastroenterologists.