Our digestive system comprises the gastrointestinal tract that starts with the mouth and ends with the anus, with the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine in the middle. It also involves the salivary glands, liver, gall bladder, and exocrine pancreas.
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with a detailed understanding of the digestive system, digestion, and the diseases involving the digestive system. A gastroenterologist is a digestive health specialist trained in managing disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, including acid reflux, fatty liver, jaundice, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and coeliac disease. Gastroenterologists’ ability to evaluate digestive complaints, perform endoscopic procedures and biopsies, treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, and advise on maintaining gut health and disease prevention distinguishes them from other doctors or specialists. Digestive health specialists are also trained to provide lifestyle advice and preventive care to help maintain good digestive health.
Gastrointestinal issues have become more common these days. A survey in India revealed that around 56% of families reported gastrointestinal health issues. More than 70% resorted to home remedies and improved eating habits to resolve digestive problems instead of receiving gastro care. However, ignoring these issues, especially in the long term, could worsen health and become life-threatening. This article lists the digestive signs that need gastro care.
1. Frequent abdominal pain
Prolonged and frequent stomach or abdominal pain could signify a severe gastrointestinal issue. Although stress, anxiety, and some diets cause frequent abdominal pain, such pain is also caused by ulcers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, and a fatty liver.
2. Frequent heartburn
Most people do not think heartburn or acidity is a problem and associate it with indigestion. However, a persistent and long-term burning sensation in the chest could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. Untreated GERD could lead to complications like oesophagitis, oesophageal scarring, and sometimes oesophageal cancer.
3. Constipation
Less frequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools happens due to changes in diet, poor fibre intake, dehydration, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, being constipated for a prolonged period, even after making dietary and lifestyle changes, might indicate other health conditions like colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstruction, neurological conditions, or food intolerances.
4. Diarrhoea
Watery, loose, and frequent bowel movements are common digestive issues. It is usually short-lived and could be accompanied by vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain. But diarrhoea for more than a few days might suggest irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, or food intolerances.
5. Difficulty swallowing
Pain while swallowing, difficulty swallowing, choking or coughing while drinking or eating, a sensation of a lump in the throat or chest and bringing up food back into the mouth or sometimes through the nose indicate a condition called dysphagia. It is usually caused by other health conditions like oesophagitis, oesophageal cancer, GERD, stroke, or certain neurological conditions.
6. Rectal or anal bleeding
Noticing blood on toilet paper or toilet bowel frequently could indicate rectal or anal bleeding. It is usually a symptom of many medical conditions ranging from ulcers to colorectal cancer. Common causes include haemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancerous or non-cancerous polyps.
7. Blood vomiting
Vomiting blood or hematemesis is a sign of bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Common causes include stomach ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, liver disease, damage to the food pipe, oesophageal cancer, or stomach cancer. Swallowed blood from nosebleeds and forceful coughing could also cause bloody vomit.
8. Prolonged bloating
Bloating is a persistent feeling of fullness or heaviness in the stomach that goes away by passing stools or gas. It is also commonly called “gas”. Although it is a common issue that arises from dietary changes, excessive bloating, especially accompanied by abdominal pain, can indicate food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, motility disorders, bowel obstructions, constipation, and cancer.
9. Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss without any changes in diet or lifestyle is considered abnormal. Certain digestive conditions like pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and peptic ulcers can cause weight loss by reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the diet.
10. Yellow-coloured skin and eyes
Yellowish discolouration of the skin and whites of eyes, darker urine, and lighter stools commonly indicate a liver condition called jaundice. Liver damage, blocked bile ducts, gallstones, and hemolytic anaemia also causes yellowish discolouration of the skin and eyes.
Takeaway points
Most digestive issues can be managed by modifying eating habits and lifestyle. However, digestive issues in the long term, especially when accompanied by other problems, could indicate serious health conditions. Moreover, untreated digestive issues can also lead to other serious health issues. A gastroenterologist could evaluate your digestive health and treat these issues.
If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms, especially frequently and persistently, consult a digestive health specialist or gastroenterologist. If you are looking for a gastro near you or a top gastroenterologist in Bangalore, visit Bangalore Gastro Centre Hospitals in HSR Layout. It houses well-experienced and the best gastro doctors. It is Bangalore’s best gastro hospital which also provides the services of diagnostic tests, proctologists, nutritionists, and gastrointestinal psychologists.
