Gastrointestinal conditions are easy to overlook, despite their overwhelming prevalence. For instance, have you ever thought that your stomach ache could be something more than “something you ate? This typically stems from a lack of understanding. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, those who have gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, don’t realize exactly how the symptoms came about or how to go about effectively managing them.
To gain a better understanding, are some common gastrointestinal conditions. If any these turn into something persistent, affects your everyday life, or quality of life, it is time to consult a gastroenterologist. Who specializes in the entire digestive system, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of gut issues.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain has the potential to be something very serious. It can be debilitating cramps to stomach aches. The potential cause of this can be a number of conditions.
Appendicitis
Constipation
Gastroenteritis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Stomach cancer
Ulcer
Trapped gas
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is caused by a parasite, bacterium, or virus and can cause irritation of the intestines and stomach or acute inflammation. Symptoms include:
Fever
Vomiting
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Inability to keep food down for more than two days
Bloody stool
Appendicitis
Bacterial, viral or inflammation of the appendix from a blockage can cause a number of serious issues. Fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sudden or worsening pain on the right side of your abdomen.
Bloating
There are many potential reasons for bloating. Consumption of high complex carbs, and medication to more serious conditions such as liver disease, pancreatic, colon, and stomach cancer.
If abdominal bloating becomes severe, prolonged or coincide with other symptoms, constipation, bloody stools or weight loss, it is time to consult a physician.
Heartburn
We’ve all had that burning sensation after we ate something, maybe spicy. While this may not be cause for alarm, if it occurs a couple times a week or more, it is considered chronic. This can progress into something more serious, gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD).
The inflammation caused by stomach acid eroding the lining of the esophagus can interfere with swallowing, cause ulcers, scarring, and bleeding. If left untreated, it can even lead to cancer.
Loose or irregular bowel movements
Constipation is defined by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as a condition in which you may have:
Fewer that three bowel movements a week
Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy
Stools that are difficult or painful to pass
A feeling that not all stools has passed
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not go away with self-care or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer
You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms:
bleeding from your rectum
blood in your stool
constant pain in your abdomen
inability to pass gas
vomiting
fever
lower back pain
losing weight without trying
The opposite of constipation is diarrhea. Watery bowel movements, three or more times in one day. If diarrhea last one or two days, it is considered acute. You should see a doctor if your symptoms last more than two days, have a high fever (above 102 degrees F) vomiting and/or chills, bloody stools, or passing watery stools more than six times in a 24 hour period.
Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida offers a team of skilled, Board Certified Physicians, and courteous office staff are here to make your health care experience as convenient as possible.
Our physicians provide excellent medical care to all patients and their families in a manner committed to the enhancement of the partnership between patient and the provider.
We work with you, your primary care physician, and your insurance company to ensure a treatment protocol that is designed to meet your specific needs. Contact us today for more information.