Gastrointestinal symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

“Gut health” has become a hot-button topic in recent years, bringing attention to an area of health we often overlook.

Nearly everyone encounters stomach pain in their lives. The causes range from what we put in our bodies (food allergies, overeating, improperly prepared food) to viruses that come uninvited. Most of the time, we recover in a few days, with more painful scenarios prompting a visit to a physician or emergency center for some medicine.

As commonplace as stomach pain is, though, it’s important to consider what symptoms — and how often they occur — mean for our health.

“There are some common problems everyone has, like diarrhea, and then there are others, like kidney stones, that can have symptoms similar to gastrointestinal conditions,” said Paul Levy, DO, a surgeon with Kettering Health. “If the condition is accompanied by fever or chills, or if there is blood in the stool or severe pain that lasts more than 12 hours, it should be evaluated.”

Symptoms to watch for

Common symptoms of lower gastrointestinal conditions might include one or some combination of the following:

■ Abdominal pain

■ Bloating or distention

■ Chronic diarrhea

■ Constipation

■ Changes in stool consistency

■ Difficulties passing food These symptoms may result from several issues, ranging from chronic constipation to irritable bowel syndrome.

Consider, too, when pain moves from one part of your body to your abdominal area. For example, if you move your leg and feel pain in your belly, that may be a clue to a lower GI problem.

Receiving a diagnosis

Diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders is normally done through blood tests, CT scans of the abdomen and other affected areas, and endoscopy. There’s also the possibility of exploratory surgery, should the situation require it.

But Levy stresses that everyone’s situation is different and all factors should be evaluated fully.

“There is no normal when it comes to how everyone’s guts work,” Levy explains. “Some people can go out and eat a plate of 30 hot chicken wings and do fine, but others can eat light and not feel well. It depends on what your body is like. If you have something that is a big deviation from that, abnormal for you, that should probably be looked at.”

Catching cancer early

Colorectal cancer is another primary concern when it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Levy stresses that, even without symptoms, starting at age 50, everyone should have a routine colon screening.

Talk with your primary care doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms or want to better understand your gastrointestinal health. To find a provider, visit ketteringhealth. org/find-care and make an appointment.