Everyone has experienced the occasional bout of indigestion, heartburn, or bloating commonly associated with digestive upset. According to a national survey involving over 71,000 people, 61% of participants reported experiencing more than one gastrointestinal (G.I.) symptom in the past week.

The digestive system is composed of many parts, including the G.I. tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, so it’s no surprise that symptoms in these areas can vary widely. Some symptoms can be mild, indicating something as simple as eating questionable leftovers. However, other symptoms can be persistent and painful, signalling that it may be time to consult a professional.

So, how is one supposed to know the difference between when gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a temporary inconvenience and when they indicate a more serious digestive disorder?

When to Consult a Doctor About Digestive Symptoms?

Everyone encounters occasional bouts of gastrointestinal misery, particularly during times of stress or after eating something disagreeable. However, if symptoms persist or disrupt daily activities, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Certain symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to a healthcare professional.

Persistent changes in your bowel habits

Experiencing long-lasting constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel movements? It’s important to note what is observed in the toilet. For mild-to-moderate diarrhea, symptoms are generally expected to resolve within a week, as loose, watery stool often results from food poisoning or stomach flu. However, if diarrhea persists for two to three weeks, it requires further evaluation. Unusual and persistent changes in stool texture can indicate various issues, though the underlying cause is usually benign for most people. Factors such as consuming disagreeable food, insufficient fiber intake, inadequate hydration, starting a new medication, or high stress levels can all disrupt normal bowel habits.

In other cases, these changes might indicate an underlying gastrointestinal condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or a food intolerance or allergy.

Rectal Bleeding

Since pooping habits are already under discussion, it’s important to emphasize that bloody bowel movements should not occur. Blood can be seen on toilet paper when wiping or directly in the toilet bowl, and this is usually a clear sign that something is wrong, warranting a check-in with a doctor. The shade of red seen can provide clues about the issue: bright red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower colon or rectum, dark red or maroon may point to problems higher up in the colon, and deep, tar-like stool often suggests an issue in the stomach, such as bleeding due to ulcers.

A range of mild-to-serious health concerns can lead to blood in the stools. On the milder end, hemorrhoids—swollen veins in the lower rectum that can bleed—are a common cause. Although unpleasant, hemorrhoids are very common and often simple to treat, with nearly three out of four adults experiencing them at some point.

Severe or frequent heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs in the chest, usually behind the breastbone. This pain typically begins or worsens after eating, at night, or when lying down or bending over. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which happens when stomach acids rise into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach to the throat. Occasional heartburn is generally not a major issue and can often be managed with over-the-counter antacids, which neutralize stomach acid, especially after consuming a particularly triggering meal.

However, severe heartburn that disrupts sleep for more than one to two weeks requires investigation by a gastroenterologist. Persistent heartburn is a sign of uncontrolled acid reflu symptom in the past weekx, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition affecting roughly 20% of people in the U.S. Obtaining a proper diagnosis is crucial for those experiencing heartburn or other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or unexplained coughing, more than twice a week. Untreated reflux can lead to complications over time, including inflammation or narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause ulcers or swallowing difficulties.

Feeling unusually bloated

Vomiting is unpleasant, but occasional nausea and vomiting are normal. In some cases, vomiting can even provide relief if caused by something harmless that the body is struggling to process. However, persistent nausea and vomiting are not normal and can become serious if medical care is not sought. Repeated vomiting may indicate issues such as food poisoning, a stomach infection, a food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an intestinal obstruction, gallstones, appendicitis, among other conditions. If vomiting is continuous, accompanied by signs of dehydration such as weakness or excessive thirst, the presence of blood in the vomit, a headache, or a swollen or tender abdomen, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately.

Difficulty swallowing

If someone feels like their food is getting stuck in their throat or experiences pain while swallowing, it could be a sign of something serious. According to Anthony, the main concern in such cases is esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is more common in adults over 55 and is three to four times more likely to occur in men than women, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other causes of discomfort when swallowing can include infections, ulcers, sores, or scar tissue, which can develop from chronic acid reflux. Additionally, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), a chronic allergic inflammatory disease that significantly contributes to swallowing issues. To determine the cause of the problem, a gastroenterologist will likely perform an endoscopy, a procedure that involves inserting a tube with an attached camera down the patient’s throat.

Unexplained weight loss

Unintentional weight loss, occurring without changes in diet or exercise routines, is a common symptom of various serious illnesses, including cancer. Typically, people tend to gain weight as they age due to a slowing metabolism. Therefore, experiencing weight loss without significant effort is a cause for concern. It’s advisable to consult a doctor if one has lost 5 percent or more of their body weight within six to twelve months. While weight loss can be a symptom of certain cancers, a 2014 study published in the journal American Family Physician revealed that in patients over 65, it is often attributed to other factors such as peptic ulcers, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or an overactive thyroid.

What happens at a gastroenterology appointment?

If any of the seven signs mentioned are observed, it’s advisable to consider scheduling an appointment with a GI doctor. During the initial appointment, the gastroenterologist will:

• Inquire about the patient’s digestive symptoms and medical history
• Recommend lifestyle changes or medications to alleviate symptoms
• Discuss any necessary tests, screenings, or procedures

It may be beneficial for the patient to compile a list of symptoms before the appointment to ensure all concerns are addressed. Through this initial assessment, the doctor will commence the process of identifying the root cause of the digestive issues and initiating symptom management. For chronic conditions, the doctor will also explore long-term management strategies. Additionally, discussions regarding further testing may be initiated if symptoms persist.