Common Digestive Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Your digestive system plays a vital role in your overall health and is responsible for breaking down the food that you eat and absorbing nutrients. When your gut is not functioning properly, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Gut symptoms such as tummy pain and feeling bloated are very common.
Other symptoms may include:
- Swallowing difficulty
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling full easily
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stools
Common Gastrointestinal Conditions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, affects 10-20% of adults in Singapore. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (food pipe). Patients commonly experience a burning sensation in their chest (heartburn) and/or regurgitation symptoms. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol and food triggers including caffeine and spicey food. Occasional reflux is normal but frequent symptoms require medical evaluation and treatment.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common gut condition which affects up to 10-15% of adults. Patients with IBS suffer from abdominal pain, bloating and changes in their bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea or both. While IBS doesn't cause any damage to the intestines, it can significantly affect your quality of life. Triggering factors include stress and certain types of food.
Chronic
constipation may be caused by low fiber intake, dehydration, medications or can be associated with certain medical conditions. Hard stools or straining during a bowel movement can be uncomfortable and may result in bleeding due to hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea may be a result of infections, food intolerance or chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Severe symptoms may result in dehydration requiring urgent medical care. Persistent changes in bowel habits should not be ignored especially if accompanied by weight loss, bleeding or a low blood count (anemia).
Diagnostic Procedures: What to Expect
An
oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy (OGD) enables your doctor to look inside your esophagus, stomach and the initial portion of the small intestine (duodenum). Biopsies which are tiny bites, may be taken from your stomach during the procedure. This enables your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms such as inflammation, ulcers, or infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
A
colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the large intestine or colon. A bowel preparation is required prior. Colon polyps are pre-cancerous growths that can be removed during the colonoscopy before they cause problems later on.
Managing Digestive Symptoms
Management of your gut symptoms will depend on your diagnosis. Your doctor will make a diagnosis of your gut issues based on your symptoms and results of testing performed. Management includes lifestyle modifications such as changes to your diet and/or medications.
It is important to know when to seek medical advice. Symptoms lasting weeks accompanied by unexplained weight loss or blood in the stools should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. Early assessment can rule out serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.
Request an appointment today