Acid reflux (GORD)
Acid reflux is when stomach acid comes back up into your food pipe, causing heartburn. When it happens often, it is called GORD.
Health conditions
Digestive and liver conditions
Guides to conditions that affect your stomach, bowel and liver.
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the gut. It is managed with a lifelong gluten free diet.
Crohn's and colitis (IBD)
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease. They cause inflammation in the gut, and treatment can control them.
Fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease is when fat builds up in the liver. It is very common, often has no symptoms, and can often be reversed.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common, long-term condition that affects the gut, causing tummy pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. It can be managed.
About these conditions
Your digestive system runs from your mouth to your bottom, and includes your stomach, bowels and liver. Digestive conditions are very common, and can be hard to talk about. They can affect what you eat, how you work and how often you need the toilet.
Help that applies to many conditions
- Benefits are based on how a condition affects you, not on its name. If you need help with everyday tasks or getting around, try our PIP points self-check, or the Attendance Allowance check if you are over State Pension age.
- If you cannot work because of your health, read about New Style ESA and the Universal Credit health element.
- You may be protected at work. Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition that has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life can count as a disability, which means your employer must consider reasonable adjustments.
- Help with health costs. Some conditions give you free prescriptions in England, and prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales. Try our NHS health costs check.
- Your GP can review your treatment, refer you to specialists and tell you about local support.