Gastroenteritis (Stomach bug or Stomach flu) Gastroenteritis, often called a stomach bug or stomach flu, is irritation or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. Despite the nickname “stomach flu,” gastroenteritis is not the same as influenza, which is a respiratory virus. A stomach bug usually affects the digestive system. What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses,

Motion Sickness and Sea Sickness Motion sickness can happen when your brain receives mixed signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. It may occur in a car, boat, airplane, train, amusement ride, cruise ship, virtual reality setting, or even while reading during travel. Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness that happens during boat, cruise, or water travel. Some people only feel mildly queasy, while others may have intense nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sw

Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum and anus. They are common and can happen from straining, constipation, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, diarrhea, heavy lifting, low-fiber intake, or increased pressure in the pelvic area. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but many mild cases improve with home care. However, rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be “just hemorrhoids,” especially if it is new, heavy, persistent, or associated with

Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, happens when you get sick from eating or drinking something contaminated with germs or toxins. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals. Symptoms can start quickly after eating, or they may take hours to days depending on the cause. Most mild cases improve with fluids, rest, and time. However, food poisoning can sometimes cause dehydration or serious infection, especially in older adults, pregnant people, yo

Diarrhea Diarrhea means having loose, watery, or more frequent stools than usual. It is common and often short-term, especially when caused by a stomach virus, food irritation, or something you ate. Many cases improve with fluids, rest, and supportive care. However, diarrhea can sometimes lead to dehydration or may be a sign of infection, medication side effects, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, or another medical condition. Knowing what to watch for can help you

Constipation Constipation is a common digestive concern that can make bowel movements difficult, uncomfortable, or less frequent than usual. It may happen occasionally because of diet, dehydration, travel, stress, medications, or changes in routine. For some people, constipation becomes recurrent or chronic and may need medical evaluation. Most mild constipation improves with simple lifestyle changes, but constipation should not be ignored when it is severe, painful, persiste

Heartburn once in a while is common, especially after a large meal or certain trigger foods. But when acid reflux happens repeatedly or causes ongoing symptoms, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called GERD. GERD can cause burning in the chest, sour taste, regurgitation, cough, throat irritation, nausea, or trouble sleeping. Many cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication guidance, but some symptoms need prompt medical evaluation because they