Digestive System Diseases: Types, Symptoms & Causes

* Infectious diseases: These are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that enter the body through the mouth and travel through the digestive system. Examples include gastroenteritis (stomach flu), salmonella, and E. coli.

* Functional disorders: These are conditions that affect the way the digestive system works, but are not caused by any underlying disease. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

* Structural disorders: These are conditions that affect the physical structure of the digestive system. Examples include hernias, polyps, and tumors.

* Malignant diseases: These are cancers that start in the digestive system. Examples include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.