The foregut is the part of the digestive system that is made up primarily of the stomach and the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from your mouth to the stomach.

The most common problem with the esophagus is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It happens when a band of muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it. Over time, GERD can cause damage to the esophagus. Other problems include heartburn and cancer.

Other indications that there may be illnesses with these parts of the digestive system may be trouble swallowing, or a vague discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that feels like gas, or a feeling of fullness, gnawing, or burning.

As methods of treatment become more varied and complex, sometimes the extent and variety of information can leave patients and physicians feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, the diagnosis and management of these problems becomes increasingly complicated, since the complaints can range from minor discomfort to chronic debilitating conditions.