Have you ever experienced unexplained stomach pain? Cramping and nausea, along with pain, often indicate digestive issues. You may start wondering if you’ve eaten something bad. However, it’s important not to try treating your digestive issues on your own. Only an expert gastroenterologist can determine the root cause of your stomach symptoms. If you experience persistent discomfort or acute pain, never delay medical treatment.
Here is a list of stomach symptoms that need a gastroenterologist’s attention:
Top Stomach Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored
1. Constipation
The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. However, if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, you may have constipation, which causes difficulty in passing stool. Doctors may gently press on your abdomen to check for tenderness and pain. They may also recommend lab tests to determine if other health issues are causing constipation.
In most cases, constipation is manageable with lifestyle adjustments. Doctors may also prescribe medications to help maintain a normal bowel movement frequency.
2. Chronic Diarrhoea
Ongoing diarrhoea can last for weeks. Abdominal cramping and loose stools are common symptoms. Various factors, such as infections or medications, can cause this condition. A gastroenterologist can help with treatment and prevent further complications.
Chronic diarrhoea can sometimes occur due to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Blood in the stool is another symptom associated with chronic diarrhoea. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also a common cause of ongoing diarrhoea.
3. Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that prevents food from reaching your small intestine. Delayed gastric emptying can cause symptoms like vomiting and bloating. You may also feel early satiety due to gastroparesis. Abdominal muscle contractions are the primary cause of this disorder. A damaged vagus nerve fails to signal your abdominal muscles, causing food to remain in the stomach longer.
Doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms and improve stomach emptying. As gastroparesis is a chronic condition, continued medication is necessary.
Also Read: How Stress Affects Digestion and What You Can Do About It?
4. Stomach Ulcer
A stomach ulcer can cause a burning sensation and pain. The pain typically occurs at night or after eating. Indigestion is also common in people with stomach ulcers. Peptic ulcers are more severe and can cause vomiting of black or red blood.
Stomach ulcers are treatable if you take the right medication on time. If left untreated, however, they can lead to serious complications.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two types of inflammatory bowel diseases that affect your gut. Symptoms vary for each individual, but common signs include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. These symptoms may be intermittent, and you may feel unwell.
IBD can also lead to malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
6. Gallbladder Issues
Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol. These stones cause pain in the upper abdomen and may make you intolerant to fatty foods. Indigestion and bloating are also common symptoms. If medications don’t work, surgery may be required. Visit a multispecialty hospital to receive the best treatment.
Need to Treat Your Stomach Discomfort?
Acute abdominal pain or persistent stomach symptoms need medical attention. Apex Multispecialty Hospital has a team of experienced and qualified gastroenterologists who offer compassionate care. We have advanced diagnostic tools to assess your digestive health and identify the cause of your symptoms.
Book your consultation with our trusted gastroenterologists in Bharuch and receive a customized treatment plan.
