After defining what is accepted as “organic” and “functional” when digestive problems are classified under these terms, I analyze these terms and classifications. Analysis shows that the generally accepted meaning of the words “organic” and “functional” does not justify the way they are currently used to classify digestive problems. The classification of illnesses into “organic” and “functional” is arbitrary, can lead to incorrect treatment, and can hamper the acquisition of deeper knowledge about many digestive problems. To avoid this, physicians should abandon the “organic” and “functional” categories and try to (a) clarify all the determinant factors of illness possibly present, and (b) eliminate or control the determinant factors found. In this way, patients will receive more complete and efficient treatment for their illnesses.