
We all experience digestive upsets from time to time. Whether it’s stomach discomfort or a bout of constipation or diarrhea, it’s quite normal to experience occasional gastrointestinal (GI) issues. How do you know when it’s time to see your doctor? Continue reading to find out.
Severe Abdominal Pain
Mild or even short-lived acute abdominal pain is often caused by gas, viruses or something you ate. This type of pain is not of immediate concern. Severe pain (particularly pain that comes on suddenly) is not normal. There are several conditions that cause sudden severe pain, such as peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, gallstones, appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Severe pain can be a symptom of many acute or chronic conditions. This calls for a prompt visit to your physician to determine the cause.
New Pain Or Discomfort
If you experience mild pain or abdominal discomfort that is new and lasts more than a couple of days, make an appointment to see a doctor. If your pain is intermittent but has occurred on and off for weeks, it’s also time to seek medical help.
Ongoing Heartburn
Acid reflux that happens occasionally is not usually a cause for concern. It can happen when you eat a large meal and certain foods or drinks, such as spicy foods or carbonated beverages. If your heartburn occurs more than twice a week, it is considered chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This will not go away on its own, and it requires evaluation and treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing
It is not normal to have trouble swallowing or the feeling of a lump in your throat, especially if it gets worse or is accompanied by pain or swelling. It can be a sign of narrowing of the esophagus that is often caused by GERD.
Bloating
Abdominal bloating happens when gas becomes trapped in the digestive tract. Painful or recurrent bloating (especially if it occurs with nausea, painful bowel movements or blood in the stool) should be evaluated promptly by your healthcare provider.
Changes In Bowel Habits
Everyone has different bowel habits. If you experience a significant change in your “normal,” a visit to your physician is recommended. This is especially important if you experience the following symptoms despite dietary and lifestyle modifications:
- Chronic diarrhea (persistent watery stool lasting for four weeks)
- Ongoing constipation (less than three bowel movements per week or stools that are difficult to pass)
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Blood, Mucus Or Light-Colored Stools
Other things to watch out for when it comes to bowel movements are blood, large amounts of mucus and light-colored stools.
Although rectal bleeding can be caused by common conditions (such as hemorrhoids), it is also a symptom of serious conditions like cancer. It is important to see your doctor if mild bleeding persists for a week or more. If the bleeding is heavy or continuous, seek urgent medical attention.
A small amount of mucus in the stool can be normal, but large amounts are not normal. See your medical provider if you notice mucus in your stool persistently.
The occasional pale or light-colored stool that returns to normal is usually nothing to be concerned about. A visit to your healthcare practitioner is in order if it does not resolve. Light-colored stools can be a sign of chronic conditions like gallbladder, pancreas or liver disease.
Jaundice
Jaundice is usually caused by an underlying condition affecting the gallbladder, bile ducts or liver. It is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice may also be accompanied by pale stool or dark urine. It is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Other Reasons To See Your Doctor
There are non-digestive complaints that can warrant a checkup. These include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. If you are 45 years or older, you should also begin screening for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for bowel cancer screening. Patients can contact us directly to schedule cancer screenings, or they can request a referral from their primary care physician.
If you experience pain that troubles you for more than a few days or persistent changes in your bowel movements, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider or gastroenterologist to rule out any serious conditions. If any disease is discovered, early intervention almost always results in better outcomes.
The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.