Gastrointestinal disorders include diarrhoea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and colorectal cancer. The body parts from the mouth to the anus region are affected by gastrointestinal diseases. You should visit your gastroenterologist if you notice any symptoms related to gastrointestinal disease. 

A gastroenterologist can be consulted if you experience digestive problems. Symptoms usually include chronic pain in the abdominal area. Bloating, gas and diarrhea are other common digestive disorders that may require evaluation by a gastroenterologist.Mild symptoms such as nausea, stomach upset, etc. may also indicate a larger problem. For instance, a stomach upset may uncommonly indicate malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Some patients may also observe extreme symptoms such as blood in their stools. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for any new symptoms of digestive disorders.

Let us look at some symptoms you should report to your gastroenterologist. Furthermore, book an online doctor consultation with a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. 

Seven Signs You Should Report to your Gastroenterologist in Hyderabad

Most gastrointestinal disorders can be prevented or treated if you notice the symptoms early. Let us look at some signs that may be related to gastrointestinal disorders.

1.Heartburn

Heartburn typically occurs as a burning discomfort in the centre of your chest, just behind your breastbone.  In addition, you may experience a sour or bitter taste in your throat. It is a symptom of various gastrointestinal disorders like GERD and acid reflux. Occasional heartburn is common, but you should contact your gastroenterologist if you have severe and regular heartburn. Treatment options for most heartburn cases include changing lifestyle habits that may be causing heartburn and over-the-counter medications. However, book an online doctor consultation with a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. 

2.Blood in your Stool

If you notice blood in your toilet, it could be rectal bleeding. This could be alarming to many people. Blood in your stool can be due to serious disorders like colorectal cancer or other conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The colour of the blood may give you an indication as to where you are bleeding from, such as:

• Bleeding from the small bowel or higher in the colon can be maroon or dark red.
• Bleeding from the rectum or lower in the colon will be bright red. 
• Bleeding from ulcers in the stomach usually gives dark and tar-like stools. 

Contact a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad to discuss your treatment options. 

3.Unexplained Weight Loss

If your weight falls suddenly and you are not trying to reduce weight, it can result in illness. Weight loss of 5% in your body weight over 6 to 12 months is considered “unexplained.” This can indicate underlying conditions like peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Unexplained weight loss can only be treated after identifying the cause of the weight loss. Then you can treat the associated condition by discussing it with your gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. 

4.Excessive Gas

Intestinal gas can sometimes cause bloating or pain. Gas can be passed through farting or belching (burping). However, if the intestinal gas causes extreme pain, it will be a sign of a digestive disorder or other health condition. For example, intestinal gas can be due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, giardiasis, and lactose intolerance. For treating gas, your gastroenterologist may suggest over-the-counter medications like probiotics, lactase enzymes, and others. 

5.Lump in the Throat 

A lump in the throat is usually associated with a sore throat or something else. However, it could be related to a digestive disorder if you do not have a sore throat, cold, or flu. Contact your gastroenterologist if you feel pain in your throat and have difficulty swallowing even liquids. This could be a sign of esophageal cancer. Since your oesophagus is flexible, it expands around the tumour, and most people do not notice any symptoms until it is too late. However, if the cancer is detected early, it can be treated using surgeries and other treatment options. 

6.Bloating

If your clothes suddenly feel too tight, it could be bloating and not weight gain. Bloating by itself is normal. However, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain and blood in your stools. You need to see a gastroenterologist. Furthermore, it could be a sign of gas, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), IBS, diverticulosis, and gastroparesis. Treatment will depend on the condition causing the bloating. You can talk to your gastroenterologist in Hyderabad or book an online doctor consultation to discuss what may be causing your bloating. 

7.Narrow stools

Sometimes the size of your stool can indicate an underlying condition. If you used to have sizeable stools and suddenly, they are narrow and painful to pass, you should contact your gastroenterologist. This symptom could be associated with colon cancer. However, narrow stools are not always a sign of colon cancer and can be due to other less serious digestive disorders. Treatment options will depend on the gastrointestinal disorder causing narrow stools. 

Narrow stools occur due to changes in bowel movements. They can be harmless, occurring as a result of a low fiber diet or temporary infection. However, narrow or pencil-thin stools may also indicate an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or colorectal cancer.

Disease, when detected early, can be treated with much simpler treatment options. Gastrointestinal diseases affect from mouth to the anus region and are treated by gastroenterologists. Suppose you have any symptoms related to the gastrointestinal, consult the doctor immediately. Furthermore, it also helps avoid any serious complications that would develop with the late detection of the condition. Therefore, you must report any unusual symptoms you may notice. Talk to your gastroenterologist in Hyderabad about these symptoms. You can also use Bajaj Finserv Health to book an online doctor consultation to discuss your symptoms with an experienced gastroenterologist.