People may experience stomach issues for reasons ranging from eating habits to digestive disorders. Common symptoms of stomach issues include cramps, vomiting, and changes to stool.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Together with the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, these organs work together to absorb nutrients and expel waste.

Disturbances to this process can cause a range of symptoms, from cramps to vomiting. Many of these issues may pass with time and pose little risk of complication. However, seemingly common stomach issues can be the result of several digestive disorders.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of common digestive disorders can help people identify them and seek relevant treatment.

What is a digestive disorder?

Digestive disorders are a group of conditions that occur when the digestive system does not function as it should. Health experts split them into two categories: organic and functional GI disorders.

Organic GI disorders occur when there are structural abnormalities in the digestive system, which prevent it from working properly.

In functional GI disorders, the GI tract appears to be structurally normal but still does not function well.

Some of the more common digestive disorders include:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• gallstones
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• ulcerative colitis (UC)

Examples of less common digestive disorders include:

• Hirschsprung’s disease
• achalasia
• Ménétrier disease

When to contact a doctor

Individuals with IBS should consult a doctor if they experience severe abdominal pain or cramps.

They should also contact a medical professional if any other IBS symptoms suddenly worsen or change or affect the person’s daily functioning or quality of life.