Digestive Disorders: 7 Symptoms to Tell Gastroenterologists

Stomach problems are intimidating and can limit your energy and the things you accomplish. Nearly two-thirds of people in the United States have gut issues like stomach pains and bloating, but few visit a doctor to get a diagnosis and game plan to tackle the problems. Knowing your body is essential to get the help you need for your long-term health.

Knowing the symptoms to tell a gastroenterologist is an excellent starting point on your journey to overcome your gut issues and regain your health. Your communication will provide them with the information to help you.

Fortunately, you’ve discovered the perfect guide for advice when experiencing heartburn and abdominal pain. Continue reading to get help from a medical professional today!

1. Frequent Heartburn

Heartburn presents itself as a burning feeling in the center of your chest. The feeling happens because stomach acid begins backing into your esophagus, resulting in discomfort. Primary causes of heartburn include alcohol, spicy foods, cigarettes, and fried food options.

If your heartburn begins combining with other severe symptoms, visiting a gastroenterologist for assistance and guidance is vital. Bloody stool, dizziness, and shallow breathing are symptoms to watch for.

The symptoms could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Getting help sooner will limit the damage. It’s the first step toward getting help with your stomach issues.

2. Abdominal Bloating

Bloating is another symptom to monitor and tell the gastroenterologist about. It’s a subtle symptom that will cause buttoning your pants to be more difficult. A significant increase in stomach girth is a sign your stomach is unhappy.

The primary cause is the stomach beginning to retain more gas. Monitoring your bloating is vital to determine if it becomes painful and carries other problematic symptoms. Pain paired with bloody stools is a sign of a severe issue happening with your health.

The combination of symptoms could mean you’re suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other potential stomach issues include Celiac disease, gallstones, and Crohn’s Disease. They’re symptoms to tell your gastroenterologist when you visit for a diagnosis.

3. Constipation

Constipation occurs when you’re struggling to push stool out of your body, leaving you feeling full and unable to relieve yourself. Common causes of constipation include dehydration, a lack of exercise, antidepressant use, and large quantities of dairy and junk food. You’re more likely to experience recurring instances of constipation if you combine any of those factors.

Chronic constipation is a significant sign you shouldn’t miss for your health and wellness. It’s a sign something is wrong. Your body should go at most three days between bowel movements.

Extended periods between movements will result in hard and dry stool, making it more difficult to empty your bowels. Signs of chronic constipation include two of these three symptoms:

• Hard stools
• Strain for bowel movements
• Unable to pass stool

If your body is experiencing multiple or all of these stomach pains, it’s best to visit your doctor. They can prescribe Dexilant to help your stomach and improve your bowel movements.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs as water bowel movements that are more extreme than other types of stool. Most cases of diarrhea are typical and go away after a few days, allowing the stomach to resume normal functions. Causes can include:

• Consuming a high volume of caffeine products.
• Drinking tap water in a foreign country.
• Eating street food while on vacation.

Consider scheduling an appointment with your gastroenterologist for guidance and diagnosis if the symptoms have not resolved after three or four weeks.

Signs you should schedule your appointment include dehydration, black and tarry stools, severe rectal pain, and a fever over 102 degrees. These are signs of an underlying issue you must address sooner than later.

Diseases related to ongoing diarrhea include:

• Crohn’s Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• IBS
• Parasitic infections

Getting help from your gastroenterologist is the best way to prevent lasting damage to your stomach. It’s the first step toward regaining your health and hope for a long and normal life.

5. Excessive Gas

Excessive gas is amusing when spending time with friends, but having a surplus of gas in your stomach is abnormal in daily life. Common food items that increase gas are cabbage, beans, dairy products, and spicy foods.

The concerns begin when your flatulence no longer seems to follow the usual pattern. The best way to determine if your gas is abnormal is to try home remedies. If your stomach is unresponsive to these remedies, it’s worth visiting your gastroenterologist for diagnosis and assistance.

If your gas is accompanied by bloating, bloody stools, fever, and muscle aches, it’s a more severe case. Getting help is the best way to put your stomach at ease and reduce your gas.

6. Jaundice

Jaundice begins with the yellowing of skin and eyes, and it occurs when the liver is no longer functioning as designed. Other signs of jaundice to be considered include dark-colored urine and light-colored stools.

Most cases of jaundice are a symptom of a more significant condition. Cases of hemolytic anemia, blocked bile ducts, and alcohol-induced liver damage are all causes of jaundice. Visit your doctor for tests to determine the cause of your stomach issues.

7. Weight Loss

If you’re losing significant weight without a change to your diet or physical activity, it’s a red flag that something needs to be fixed. It’s one of the first symptoms to tell your gastroenterologist.

It’s a bad sign if your weight decreases by more than five percent in six months. Digestive issues are a typical culprit. They reduce your body’s capabilities to process food and harness the vitamins and nutrients necessary for health.

Identify These Symptoms to Tell Your Gastroenterologist Today

Visiting the doctor after experiencing heartburn, bloating, and excessive gas is intimidating but necessary for your health and wellness. Knowing the symptoms to tell your gastroenterologist will help them get to the root of your stomach issues. Watch for bloating, diarrhea, or constipation to identify other signs of the sources of your stomach pains.

Maintaining your health is the best way to enjoy the lifestyle you love. Explore our Lifestyle content to care for your body and mind today!