Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Diseases You Should Never Ignore

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases affect the digestive tract and can range from mild discomfort to serious medical conditions. Many people ignore early warning signs, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and complications. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely treatment and better health outcomes. Dr. K. Balu, a highly experienced surgical gastroenterologist, frequently treats patients who delay seeking help. In this blog, let us explore the common signs and symptoms of GI diseases that should never be overlooked.

Persistent Abdominal Pain:

Recurring or continuous pain in the abdomen is a sign that something is wrong. It may be dull, sharp, or cramp-like and can occur in any region. While occasional discomfort is normal, pain that persists may point to problems like gastritis, ulcers, gallstones, pancreatitis, or even cancers.

Bloating and Excessive Gas:

Feeling bloated or having excessive gas regularly is often a sign of digestive trouble. It may be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, constipation, or more serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease or intestinal obstruction.

Changes in Bowel Habits:

A sudden change in frequency, consistency, or colour of stools should raise concern. Common issues include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Narrow stools
• Blood in stools

These changes may be due to infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polyps, or even colorectal cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss:

Losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise is never normal. It may be due to malabsorption, chronic inflammation, or cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. K. Balu advises a complete evaluation when this symptom appears alongside other digestive complaints.

Nausea and Vomiting:

While nausea and vomiting can result from food poisoning or viral infections, chronic or recurrent episodes should be evaluated. Causes can include peptic ulcers, gastritis, bowel obstruction, or more severe diseases.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux:

A burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals, may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If not treated, GERD can lead to complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s oesophagus. Persistent acid reflux warrants an endoscopy and further evaluation.

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia):

Trouble swallowing solid or liquid food is a red flag. It may suggest an obstruction, stricture, or even esophageal cancer. This symptom should be addressed immediately to avoid nutritional deficiencies and worsening health.

Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes):

Jaundice is a sign of liver or biliary tract disease. It can occur due to hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatic cancer, or liver cirrhosis. Any change in skin or eye colour must be evaluated without delay.

Blood in Vomit or Stools:

Vomiting blood or seeing blood in stools (bright red or black tarry stools) indicates internal bleeding. It may result from ulcers, varices, diverticulosis, or cancer. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention from a surgical gastroenterologist.

Fatigue and Weakness:

Ongoing fatigue or weakness without obvious cause may be linked to GI issues. Anemia from blood loss, poor absorption of nutrients, or chronic inflammation can lead to generalised tiredness. A thorough diagnosis helps uncover the root cause.