The health of your gastrointestinal system or your digestive system is very crucial to your overall well-being.
Gastroenteric or gastrointestinal problems refer to those conditions that affect your digestive tract (the tract that extends from your mouth to the anus).
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who is specialised in treating conditions that affect your digestive system. There has been a rise in digestive problems in the past two decades, due to the change in lifestyles and food choices.
Some of the common causes of digestive problems include having a low fibre diet, lack of exercise, excessive stress or anxiety, certain medications and any sudden changes in your lifestyle or daily routine.
These causes along with many other factors can lead to the arousal of a number of signs and symptoms indicating a gastroenteric disorder.
Here let’s take a look at 7 signs that suggest the need to consult a gastroenterologist.
7 Signs You Need To Consult a Gastroenterologist
1. Constipation
Constipation is a condition characterised by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stools. It is the most common symptom that indicates a gastrointestinal problem. Constipation can lead to stomach pain and other bowel issues.
It can occur due to unhealthy food habits, lack of fibre in your diet and an inadequate intake of fluids. Most cases resolve on their own but if the problem persists, you need to consult a doctor.
2. Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a condition characterised by loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements. The most common cause of diarrhoea is bacterial or viral infections.
It is often associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and bloating.
It usually subsides within a day or two but if the condition persists beyond two days, without any improvement, then it is important to consult a doctor.
3. Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation that can be felt at the centre of your chest. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. With heartburn, you often feel a bitter or sour taste in your mouth.
Heartburn is associated with acid reflux which is a condition where the contents of your stomach travel up your food pipe. It can occur due to your food habits, certain medications, during pregnancy, etc.
When you constantly experience heartburn you may feel uneasy and it can affect your daily activities. In such cases you should consult a doctor to identify the cause and get it treated.
4. Weight Change
An unanticipated change in weight must always raise concern. It can often be caused by simple alterations in exercise and diet but there may be something more to it.
While there will always be some regular fluctuations in your weight, an unintentional change of more than 5 percent over a period of six to twelve months may be a cause of concern.
So, for instance, if your weight was 63kgs six months ago but now your weight is less than 58kgs, it can indicate a problem and you should consult a doctor.
5. Nausea And Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the most common reasons why people visit a gastroenterologist. It is often a symptom of conditions such as food poisoning, a stomach infection, motion sickness or any blockage in the intestine.
Always keep in mind that nausea and vomiting must be treated as soon as possible to prevent excess fluid loss from the body.
It can result in weakness, dehydration, seizures, and can even be fatal.
6. Blood in Stools
It's frightening to see blood in your stool after a bowel movement. It is common in people who have haemorrhoids (inflamed veins that form inside and outside the anus) or anal fissures (small tears in the mucosal lining of the anus).
It can also be the result of a problem in your digestive tract.
If you have recurrent problems of rectal bleeding and other associated symptoms, make sure that you consult a gastroenterologist to identify the cause. This will help avoid further complications.
7. Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition where you will notice a yellowish tinge on your skin and the whites of your eye. It occurs due to the build-up of a pigment called bilirubin in the body.
This happens as the result of inflammation of the liver or bile ducts and in case of an obstruction in the bile ducts (small tubes that carry a digestive juice called bile from your liver to the gall bladder where it is stored).
It is important to treat the condition at the earliest to prevent any complications such as liver damage.
If you notice any of the above symptoms or other signs, make sure that you consult a gastroenterologist without any delay.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.