Stools that look tarry, black, or bloody can be alarming, but they are not always a sign of serious illness. To understand what to do about this symptom, it is important to recognize which unusual-looking stools are simply bothersome and which require a visit to the doctor.

In addtion to viral or bacterial infections, other common causes of vomiting can be the body's reaction to toxins produced in spoiled food -- for example, food left at room temperature for too long before being refrigerated. It can be the side effect of a medication, or it may be the result of overeating or drinking too much alcohol.

Detailed information on halitosis (bad breath), including causes and treatment

Detailed information on gas in the digestive tract, including a list of foods that cause gas, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

When your doctor presses on your abdomen, he or she is feeling to see if any major internal organs are enlarged or tender, making them painful to touch, which could indicate disease.

Many people worry about having their large bowel examined with a colonoscope. While anxiety is normal, the colonoscope is an amazing instrument that gives gastroenterologists like me a very close view of the large bowel, also called the colon.

A "tummy ache" is a common complaint in children. Usually, it's nothing serious.