Everyone experiences some type of upset stomach or digestive issues, but when does it become a digestive disorder? The answer is, when they are severe and/or persistent.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues can vary from serious to mild in intensity. Your body is trying to tell you something if you are experiencing the below symptoms over and over again or if the discomfort is significant.

Excess gas and bloating

Bloating and excess gas can be a sign of many gastrointestinal disorders. Such as a food intolerance, Celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Constipation

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass.” Regular bouts of constipation can be a warning sign of many digestive diseases. If you suffer with chronic constipation in your life, it is time to make an appointment with

Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when a person has loose or watery stools. This is a sign something is not right or that the food that was consumed was not tolerated well. With IBS, people often experience diarrhea along with abdominal cramping.

Along with the cramping, it may come with feelings of urgency. In some instances, the urgency is so intense it may leave a person fearful of having accidents

If you have chronic diarrhea, happening on a regular basis, it could indicate a digestive disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease or lactose intolerance.

Heartburn

The main symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is heartburn two or more times in a week. If not treated, over time the stomach acid can damage your esophagus and cause other serious complications.

Vomiting and Nausea

There are many things that can cause vomiting and nausea. If you experience it on a regular basis or the symptoms are getting worse, it could indicate a gastrointestinal tract or gallbladder infection, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, diverticulitis, or appendicitis.

Abdominal Pain

Patients who have IBS often describe abdominal pain as spasms, cramping, dull aching, and just overall general stomach discomfort. The pain may be mild, moderate, or severe. For some individuals, the irritable bowel syndrome pain is relieved when they have a bowel movement.

Abdominal pain is often associated with many digestive diseases. If you are having persistent abdominal pain, it is time to see a doctor.

If you are experiencing any of these digestive symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida 

The treatments for gastrointestinal issues has definitely improved in the past few years.  IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) or ulcerative colitis and its many complications can be treated using either medication or surgery when required.

As you visit your doctor make sure you are not shy about sharing your symptoms and flare-ups that you struggle with daily.  Remember, your physician cannot help you with the challenges if you don’t share this with him or her.  They can guide you to make better choices and suggest medications which will help you live with the pain of ulcerative colitis.