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Digestive issues are significantly rising in the US, with an estimated 66% of Americans experiencing gut problems. Common conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, and colorectal cancer. Increased prevalence is linked to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and potential COVID-19 effects. Top emergency room visits involve abdominal pain (5.8 million), nausea/vomiting (2.2 million), noninfectious gastroenteritis/colitis (1.3 million), constipation (1.1 million), and gastrointestinal bleeding (941,658). Experts urge seeking medical attention for persistent or worsening symptoms.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.