11 Alarming Signs That You Should Contact a Gastroenterologist

Information has not been updated for a long time

Gastrointestinal health plays a key role in a person's overall physical and psychological well-being. Despite this, many of us may ignore the first signs that indicate digestive problems. However, it is important to remember that regular examinations and consultations with a gastroenterologist can help identify and manage problems before they become serious. In this article, we will look at 11 signs that may indicate that it is time to see a gastroenterologist.

1. Constant or regular abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, including infections, inflammation, ulcers, or even tumors. If you experience persistent or regular abdominal pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or weight loss, it may be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal condition and require professional consultation with a gastroenterologist.

2. Changes in intestinal transit

If you experience frequent changes in intestinal transit, such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between these conditions, this may indicate the presence of various problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or even cancer. A gastroenterologist will be able to conduct the necessary examinations and prescribe appropriate treatment.

3. Blood in the stool or through the rectum

Finding blood in your stool or on toilet paper can be a scary sign that requires immediate professional attention. This can be due to various problems such as hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, ulcers, or even bowel cancer. The gastroenterologist will conduct the necessary examinations to determine the cause of the bleeding and develop a treatment plan.

4. Chronic heartburn or dyspepsia

Heartburn and dyspepsia (indigestion) can be signs of various conditions, such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, esophagitis, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chronic heartburn or dyspepsia, especially if it does not improve with conventional treatments, may require evaluation by a gastroenterologist and further testing.

5. Risk factors for gastrointestinal diseases

If you have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases such as bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, or colitis, or if you have other risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, or a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to be examined regularly by a gastroenterologist for early detection and disease prevention.

6. Unexplained weight changes

Unexplained weight changes, especially if they occur without changes in diet or physical activity level, can be a sign of various gastrointestinal diseases. For example, weight loss may be due to poor digestion, poor absorption of nutrients, or even cancer. If you experience such weight changes, you can search for a "gastroenterologist near me" for diagnosis and identification of the cause of weight loss.

7. Elevated stomach acid levels

Elevated levels of stomach acids can lead to various problems such as esophagitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even reflux esophagitis disease. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, and even pain in the upper abdomen. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a gastroenterologist to evaluate your stomach acid levels and develop a treatment plan.

8. Constantly feeling tired or weak

Constantly feeling tired or weak, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in appetite, or weight loss, can be a sign of various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic inflammatory diseases or even cancer. A gastroenterologist can conduct the necessary examinations and prescribe appropriate treatment to eliminate the causes of fatigue.

9. Appetite disorders

Appetite disturbances, such as loss of appetite or excessive increase in appetite, can be signs of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, increased appetite may be associated with gastritis or peptic ulcers, and loss of appetite may be associated with infectious or inflammatory processes in the digestive organs. Contact your gastroenterologist if you notice changes in your appetite for no apparent reason.

10. Undigested food debris in the stool

The presence of undigested food debris in the stool may indicate problems with the digestive process, such as insufficient bile secretion, poor diet, or problems with the pancreas. This may lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. A gastroenterologist will be able to conduct an examination and determine the cause of undigested food residues in the stool.

11. Constant feeling of incomplete bowel movement

A constant feeling of incomplete bowel movement, where you almost always feel like you need to have another bowel movement after you've already had a bowel movement, can be a sign of various bowel problems, including irritable bowel syndrome or even tumors. Contact your gastroenterologist if you have these feelings for a long time.