Common Gastrointestinal Problems: What They Feel Like and What to Do

Around one in four adults deal with regular gut trouble. That could be constant heartburn, belly pain, bloating, or messy trips to the bathroom. This page helps you spot common problems, try safe fixes at home, and know when to get medical help.

Typical issues you'll see: heartburn/GERD (burning after meals), irritable bowel syndrome or IBS (cramps + alternating constipation and diarrhea), constipation (hard stools, straining), acute diarrhea (sudden loose stools), bloating and gas, and stomach infections. Food intolerances and side effects from medicines also show up as nagging digestive symptoms.

How to tell what's going on

Where and when the pain happens gives clues. Upper belly burning after food usually points to acid reflux or gastritis. Lower cramping that eases after bowel movements often looks like IBS. Sudden, watery diarrhea suggests an infection or food poisoning. Red flags are high fever, severe constant pain, bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, or trouble swallowing — these need prompt care.

Pay attention to patterns. Does pain follow certain foods, stress, or travel? Keep a short symptom log: what you ate, stool type, pain time, and stress level. A few days of notes can make a big difference when you talk to a clinician.

Practical things you can try now

Start with simple habits. Eat smaller meals, chew slowly, and avoid trigger foods like fried meals, spicy sauces, excess caffeine, and alcohol. For constipation: add fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), drink more water, and move your body—walking helps. Over-the-counter options: antacids for occasional heartburn, polyethylene glycol (PEG) for constipation, and loperamide for short-term diarrhea. Use probiotics if you find them helpful, but stop if symptoms worsen.

Manage stress. The gut and brain talk to each other—stress can make bloating and IBS worse. Try short breathing breaks, a 10-minute walk, or a daily mindfulness habit. If pain or symptoms flare at night or during tense days, stress reduction often reduces gut flare-ups.

When medicines are the likely cause, check labels: NSAIDs can irritate the stomach, antibiotics can cause diarrhea, and some supplements could affect bowel patterns. If you’re on prescribed meds and your gut acts up after starting a new one, mention it to your provider.

See a doctor if symptoms are severe, last more than two weeks despite basic fixes, or include red flags like blood, high fever, or unintentional weight loss. Your clinician may order simple tests — blood work, stool checks, or imaging — or refer you to a gastroenterologist for scopes or specialized care.

If you have TRICARE, remember to check drug coverage and formulary options before starting long-term meds. Track your symptoms, bring a short food diary to visits, and ask for a clear next-step plan. Small changes often stop most gut problems, but don’t wait on worrying signs—gut issues are common, treatable, and usually manageable with the right steps.