Everyone has an upset stomach now and then. A heavy meal, a stressful week, or a passing bug can all throw off your digestion. But some digestive symptoms are more than a temporary inconvenience. When symptoms linger, keep coming back, or come with warning signs, they may point to a condition that needs medical care. Knowing what to watch for can help you get answers sooner.
Digestive symptoms are signs that something may be affecting your esophagus, stomach, small intestinal tract, colon, liver, or pancreas. Common ones include:
Occasional symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. Symptoms that are frequent, severe, or ongoing deserve a closer look.
Abdominal pain that lasts for days, keeps returning, or wakes you at night is worth discussing with a doctor. The same goes for changes in your bowel movements that last more than a few weeks. This might mean new diarrhea or constipation, stools that look narrower than usual, or a frequent feeling that you need to go.
These changes can have many causes, from diet to stress to digestive disorders. A gastroenterologist can help find the reason and the right treatment.
Blood in stool should never be ignored. Bright red blood often comes from the lower colon or rectum and may be caused by hemorrhoids or small tears. However, it can also be a sign of inflammation, polyps, or colon cancer. Black, tarry stools may signal bleeding higher in the digestive tract, such as the stomach.
Any rectal bleeding is a reason to call your doctor. Seek medical attention right away if bleeding is heavy or comes with dizziness, weakness, or a rapid heartbeat.
Losing weight without changing your diet or physical activity is a warning sign worth checking. Unexplained weight loss can happen when the body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, or it may be linked to inflammation or cancer.
Other changes to watch for include:
Many ongoing digestive symptoms are caused by treatable conditions:
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.
Most digestive symptoms are not caused by cancer, but some can be early warning signs. Colorectal cancer may cause blood in stool, lasting changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. In its early stages, it often causes no symptoms at all, which is why screening is so important. Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
Esophageal cancer may cause trouble swallowing, chest pain or burning, hoarseness, or weight loss. Long-term, untreated acid reflux can raise the risk. When found early, both cancers are more treatable.
Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you have:
Go to the emergency room for severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, or signs of dehydration.
You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Allied Digestive Health diagnose and treat a full range of digestive disorders, from acid reflux and IBS to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer screening. With practices across New Jersey and New York, expert care is close to home.
Schedule an appointment with an Allied Digestive Health gastroenterologist today.
