The digestive system is one of the body’s most delicate parts, but it’s easy to neglect it and take it for granted. You might have symptoms that you think are normal for your body, but some of those symptoms might be common signs of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
Let’s talk about some of the common signs and symptoms of GI disorders and where you can go to receive treatment.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Signs & Symptoms
It’s easy to think that some gut discomfort is normal. After all, don’t some foods just cause more gas and bloating than others? The truth is, frequent bloating, gas and digestive discomfort are not normal. Here are common digestive symptoms that garner a visit to a specialist.
Bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding is just the tip of the iceberg. It signals that there is a problem with your digestive tract. Severity can range from mild to severe, and with no proper diagnosis, it is impossible to say if the problem is minor or life-threatening. Some of the common causes of bleeding include peptic ulcers, esophagitis, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hemorrhoids, and proctitis.
Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding may be observable or hidden. The symptoms will also indicate where you are bleeding — if it’s in the upper or lower GI tract. Observable bleeding may appear as:
- Vomiting blood
- Black tarry stool, indicative of blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
Hidden gastrointestinal bleeding might show in the form of:
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
- Abdominal pain
- Fainting
Treating GI bleeding requires finding out the source of the problem with the help of your doctor. However, if you experience the following symptoms, you may require immediate and possibly emergency care:
- Clammy or pale skin
- Blue or gray color in lips or fingernails
- Abnormally rapid pulse or breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dilated (enlarged) pupils
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Anxiety or agitation
Bloating
Bloating is a symptom in which your belly feels full and tight. It is often due to gas in your stomach. This symptom is more common in women and is usually due to an underlying condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are several possible reasons for bloating, and they range from mild to serious. Some reasons for bloating are:
- Swallowed air
- Some food and beverages, especially those rich in fiber and lactose or fructose, can cause excess gas
- Medicines
- Nutritional supplements
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Small intestinal bacterial growth or SIBO
- Gastroparesis
- Gynecological conditions like problems with the ovaries or uterus
Carefully monitor your diet and identify any changes in routine you might have made. Then, consult with your doctor to identify the cause of your bloating. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes to avoid these symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation refers to infrequent, painful, or difficulty making bowel movements. It happens when waste in your digestive system moves too slowly and is not eliminated from the body. Regular bowel movements vary for each person, so observe if you notice any discrepancies in your bowel frequency. Symptoms of constipation include:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Pain
- Straining or difficulty defecating
- Hard or small stools
- A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Swollen or painful abdomen
- Bleeding
- Vomiting (can signal a more severe blockage)
Various things can cause constipation. Some of the possible factors are:
- Inadequate fiber and water intake
- Disruption in regular diet or routine, such as when traveling
- Excess intake of dairy products
- Stress
- Excessive use of laxatives
- Colon cancer
- Eating disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Neurological conditions
- Side effects of certain medications
To prevent constipation and other GI issues that come with it, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes. Consult your doctor to accurately determine the cause of your constipation and receive a correct diagnosis.
Other Symptoms of GI Disorders
There are also other symptoms that could indicate a GI disorder, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain
Digestive Health Care in California
Having a healthy gut is necessary for living a healthy and worry-free life. In addition to a healthy diet and eating habits, it’s also important to observe and listen to your body. The symptoms that you experience are indications of a problem, regardless of their severity.
You don’t need to endure gastrointestinal discomfort. If you feel there’s something wrong with your body, consult your doctor as soon as possible. At inSite Digestive Health Care, we provide top-notch services when it comes to digestive health. With our cutting-edge technology and up-to-date treatment methods, we provide state-of-the-art care and an extensive range of digestive health services.
To consult with our specialists, you may use our office locator tool to visit one of our affiliated clinics across California. You may also choose a provider for you and request an appointment with them. For convenience and safety, you may also opt for an online consultation instead. We look forward to serving you.
