Heartburn, in fact, is not a disease. Rather, it is the main symptom for adults who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a disease. Additionally, people often get confused about what heartburn actually is. It is a burning pain that starts in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breastbone, or in the mid-abdomen and radiates backward to the neck. Another important note: having heartburn once or twice a week is normal.

Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which bile and stomach acid reflux into the esophagus, resulting in the tissue lining the esophagus being replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine.

Esophageal cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues lining the esophagus. There are 2 types of it: squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009 there have been an estimated 16,470 new cases of esophageal cancer, and it has resulted in an estimated14,530 deaths.

Some classic symptoms of celiac disease include chronic diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, gas and bloating. But other symptoms of CD may occur in places other than the digestive tract and can include: Loss of appetite, Fatigue etc.

A hiatal hernia can be congenital (present at birth). Unfortunately, in this instance there is no way to prevent a hiatal hernia. However, because most hiatal hernias in adults are believed to have developed over many years, preventative measures can be taken.

A bowel movement is made of what is left after your digestive system-the stomach, small intestine and colon-absorbs nutrients and fluids from the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. Here's how to detect what your gastrointestinal tract is trying to tell you.