Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include candida yeast infection of the esophagus as well as herpes. Signs and symptoms of esophagitis include:

• Cough
• Mouth sores
• Chest pain
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing

Treatment of esophagitis includes diet, lifestyle changes, and medication depending upon the cause.

Hiccups are a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle. In general hiccups are just a temporary condition. Some of the causes of hiccups include certain medications, surgery, eating or drinking too much, spicy foods, diseases or conditions that irritate the nerves controlling the diaphragm, strokes, brain tumors, liver failure, and noxious fumes. There are a variety of home remedies and treatments that can be used to get rid of hiccups.

Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain diseases, and infections. Treatment options include medicine including, local anesthetics, for example, lidocaine (Xylocaine), pramoxine (Fleet Pain-Relief), and benzocaine (Lanacane Maximum Strength), vasoconstrictors, for example, phenylephrine 0.25% (Medicone Suppository, Preparation H, Rectocaine), protectants, for example, glycerin, kaolin, lanolin, mineral oil (Balneol), astringents, for example, witch hazel and calamine, antiseptics, for example, boric acid and phenol, aeratolytics, for example, resorcinol, analgesics, for example, camphor and juniper tar, and

Gas (intestinal gas) means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching, burping, or farting (flatulence). Bloating or abdominal distension is a subjective feeling that the stomach is larger or fuller than normal. Belching or burping occurs when gas is expelled from the stomach out through the mouth. Flatulence or farting occurs when intestinal gas is passed from the anus.

Causes of belching or burping include drinking too rapidly, anxiety, carbonated drinks, habit, and swallowing air.

Causes of bloating or distension include tumors, ascites, fluid within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and obesity.

Causes of gas or flatulence are diseases such as sugary foods and drinks, fruits and vegetables, starches (wheat, oats, corn, and potatoes), lactose intolerance, untreated celiac disease, and SIBO.

Treatment for excessive intestinal gas depends on the cause. If anal itching persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI (gastrointestinal) disorder with signs and symptoms of:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Increased gas (flatulence)
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Food intolerance

Two new tests are now available that may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Treatment for IBS includes diet changes, medications, and other lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Migraine headaches are severe headaches that are sensitive to light, sounds, and smells. Some people who suffer from migraines also have severe head pain. People also have symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Common migraine triggers may include:

• Certain foods
• Dehydration
• Changes in barometric pressure
• Stress
• Other phenomenon

They are diagnosed by a doctor if the headache pattern fits established migraine headache criteria. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are sometime used to treat acute migraines. To prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of them doctors recommend supplements and prescription medications, for example:

• Blood pressure drugs
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Antidepressants

Lifestyle modification helps in migraine management. Many people who suffer from migraines get relief from their condition by keeping a headache diary, identifying and avoiding triggers, and taking appropriate medication.