In disorders of the digestive system, people generally have many of the same symptoms regardless of age. However, as we age, the gut becomes stiffer and contractions of the gut decrease. In addition, other diseases, such as hardening of the arteries and diabetes, can upset the function of the gut and lead to symptoms and complications.

The following are questions you can ask your health care provider regarding the digestive system:

1. Do I need an endoscopy or colonoscopy test to help determine what is causing my digestive system problems?
2. Could my medications be causing my digestive system problems?
3. If I have heartburn, are there things I can do, besides medications, to help my symptoms?
4. If I have heartburn, are there over-the-counter or prescription medications which might help?
5. How long should I take my over-the-counter or prescription medication for my heartburn?
6. If I have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer in the past, are there any medications I should avoid in the future?
7. I have heard about the bacteria that can cause ulcers, H. pylori. Do I need to be tested and/or treated for this bacteria?
8. I was told in the past that I had H. pylori. Are there any other health problems that I may develop because of this?
9. I was told I have gallstones. Do I need to have surgery or some other procedure or treatment to remove the gallstones?
10. If I have had recent diarrhea, are there any tests or treatments that I need for this problem?
11. Could problems with digestion of milk or other food products be causing my constipation or diarrhea?
12. What types of food should I increase or avoid to help my bowels?
13. When I have constipation, what over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications are safe for me to use? What treatments should I avoid?
14. How often should I have colon testing to check whether I have a cancer of the colon? Is it time for me to have this testing now?
15. If I have had polyps in my colon in the past, how often should I have my colon tested?
16. Considering my other health issues, what is the best method I should use to check my colon for cancer?