Our digestive health is extremely important. Many of us feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed discussing the topic. The result of this is that many people miss the opportunity for early diagnosis and intervention, but this does not have to be the case. Therefore, it is vital to know certain symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, so that a suitable treatment can be started in a timely manner.
Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive health symptom. However, it can often be alleviated with lifestyle changes such as adding more fibre to our diet and drinking enough water. In some cases, however, the condition may be a sign of more significant health issues, including diabetes, cancer, strokes, and even mental health conditions such as anxiety. If the issue persists even with lifestyle changes, seeing a doctor should be your next step.
Bloating
Even healthy people experience occasional bloating, but in some cases, the symptom is indicative of a larger issue. Some people are reluctant to take their bloating seriously as they don’t experience the classic distended abdomen that many of us picture when thinking about bloating, but only half of those who bloat experience distension at all.
Changes in stool
Even if our bowel movements feel regular, a sudden change in their frequency, texture, and colour could indicate a larger issue. If the stools are suddenly dark and “tarry” in appearance, it could be a sign that there’s blood in them. Everything from more frequent bowel movements to “fattier” stools could be a symptom of a gastrointestinal disorders condition, but of course, one needs to consult a doctor for a clinical diagnosis.
Bloody stool or vomit
In some cases, a moderate amount of blood in stool can be attributed to more or less benign causes, such as hemorrhoids. However, blood in the stool is abnormal and could be a sign of chronic gastrointestinal disorders conditions, food poisoning, or even cancer. Similarly, vomiting blood is another symptom that has a range of causes, some of which are quite serious. One must consult a doctor to get to the bottom of it.
Excessive gas
Nobody enjoys the feeling of excess gas or the sudden need to belch or pass gas in public. Excessive gas is usually defined as flatulence or belching more than 20 times per day, and is linked to numerous digestive health conditions, including celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and GERD. That said, it can also be caused by overeating, certain dietary choices, ill-fitting dentures, and smoking, so it’s important to consult with a medical professional before jumping to conclusions about the cause of your gas issues.
Headaches or migraines
Not every symptom of a digestive health condition directly impacts our digestive system. Our digestive health is so important that it can negatively impact other areas of our health. Additionally, there seems to be a link between migraines and digestive health conditions, and many gastrointestinal disorders patients report headaches as well. further, some people with celiac disease find that gluten triggers migraines. consider talking to your doctor if your headaches are coupled with other gastrointestinal disorders symptoms or seem to be triggered by certain food choices.
Diarrhea
Most people experience diarrhea a handful of times a year, making it tricky to identify whether it’s a sign of a larger health issue. In general, there are two kinds of diarrhea that could be cause for alarm: persistent diarrhea, which can last for weeks, and chronic diarrhea, which may come and go over the course of years. Nobody likes talking about their bowel movements, but if diarrhea is quite frequent, it is better to discuss with a doctor.
Nausea
Everything from allergy to gastrointestinal disorders to ulcers to migraines can cause nausea. Of course, the occasional bout of nausea, especially if it does not lead to vomiting, may be harmless, but frequent episodes are something that needs to be flagged with a doctor. In some cases, the symptom may be associated with serious health conditions, such as colitis and diabetes.
Unexpected weight changes
It’s completely normal for our weight to fluctuate throughout the years, but losing or gaining a substantial amount of weight without a clear explanation could be cause for concern. Interestingly, gastrointestinal disorders conditions and poor gut health can lead to both weight gain and weight loss. If your weight is changing rapidly (especially if paired with other symptoms on this list), it may be time to bring it up with a medical professional.
Constantly feeling full
It is one thing to enjoy a large meal and feel like one can benefit from loosening one’s belt afterwards, and it is another to constantly feel full. Although this symptom may be associated with bloating, you can feel constantly full without experiencing bloating. Along with symptoms such as excessive gas, vomiting, and abdominal pain, a symptom of gastroparesis is feeling full soon after starting a meal, and continuing to feel full for a long period afterwards. If this feels like a symptom that has been impacting you, talk to your doctor about potential causes and solutions.
Fatigue
if it feels like there is no amount of sleep or rest that can truly rejuvenate you, it’s time to discuss your fatigue with a doctor. celiac disease and IBS are just two gastrointestinal disorders diseases that are linked with chronic fatigue, and this fatigue may contribute to other gastrointestinal disorders symptoms, such as headaches and migraines. as with gastrointestinal disorders, people who experience persistent and chronic fatigue face stigma that can keep them from the medical care they deserve, so look at addressing your fatigue with your doctor as a form of breaking the cycle of stigma.
Many times, people suffer from these symptoms, but do confuse it with other health conditions. One must know that these symptoms may indicate a gastrointestinal disorder.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
