The Stomach: Essential to the Digestive System

7. Stomach Disorders and Diseases

Digestive diseases affect between 60 and 70 million people in the U.S. alone, according to the National Institutes of Health. These issues may affect just one part of the digestive tract or several parts. Common symptoms associated with the stomach include indigestion and heartburn and over-the-counter and home remedies can usually treat them sufficiently. Sometimes, however, these issues indicate a more serious condition, such as sores in the lining -- peptic ulcers -- or GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other digestive disorders include hernias, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, infections, and cancers.