Digestive Health Day 2026

Have you ever put off seeing a doctor because you felt too embarrassed to talk about your symptoms? Or found yourself holding back details simply because the topic felt uncomfortable? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the only one who has felt this way.

Each year, the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) marks World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) with a global public health campaign to raise awareness about the prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive diseases and disorders. This year’s campaign, Chronic Diarrhea: Don’t Flush the Signs Away, is celebrated this Friday, 29 May 2026.

Chronic diarrhea is an often underreported and misunderstood condition, as many individuals experience embarrassment and therefore refrain from seeking treatment unless they develop serious symptoms.

This pattern isn’t unique. Digestive diseases as a whole are among the most stigmatized health conditions. Feelings of shame can lead to delayed diagnosis, increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, and a lower quality of life.

Whichever discomfort, symptom or concern you are experiencing, there is no shame in sharing this with your doctor, family or loved ones. We can all reduce stigmatization through compassion, warmth, validation and empathy.   

As a reminder, common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include

• Heartburn
• Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat
• Upper belly or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Sensation of a lump in the throat.

When in doubt – get underlying conditions ruled out.