People often think that digestive problems can only come after a certain age. However, it is not always true. You may have noticed that certain metabolic issues start up when you are 30. These are generally bloating, heartburn, diarrhea and other issues. At first, these gastrointestinal symptoms are easy to handle, but of course, you should not take them lightly. Often, they can be pointing to something deeper, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by digestive diseases.
All stomach upset issues may not indicate a serious condition. However, recurring gastrointestinal issues mean that there might be something deeper that is going on with your body which needs a closer look.
If these issues are starting off mild and it seems like they are becoming persistent as well as causing unexplained weight changes, then your gastrointestinal problems need medical checkup.
Common Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
While some mild symptoms may not cause concern, you should look at these common symptoms as a warning sign. If these symptoms show up, you should consult a medical professional:
- Blood in the stool
- Bowel movements change
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Heartburn without relief(even with antacids)
These may not mean something serious but they could mean that it is an underlying condition like intestinal inflammation or reflux issues. This is where the Natural Holistic Medical Center can help. With the right diagnosis and qualified medical guidance, you can manage your gastrointestinal issues and lead a better quality of life.
One Symptom People Often Minimize: Heartburn
There are many gastrointestinal symptoms which are often ignored and one of the most common ones is heartburn. Heartburn generally happens when you have large meals or certain oily foods. Often, taking an antacid can help. However, there are certain moments when heartburn can be very persistent and does not go away. At these moments, this can no longer be a minor annoyance but often becomes very disruptive in day-to-day life. 20% of people in the United States have been noticed in studies to have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Clearly, this minor symptom still needs proper evaluation when it keeps happening.
When Digestive Symptoms May Need Urgent Care
There are certain symptoms which are considered emergencies. These symptoms can show acute gastrointestinal bleeding and these are:
- Black or tarry stool
- Dark or bright red blood mixed with stool
- Bright red blood in vomit
- Vomit looking a lot like coffee grounds
Often, there are other symptoms accompanying these like dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain.
What Should You Do When You Have Persistent Symptoms?
You should not judge any digestive issue by just one bad day. However, if there is a pattern and there are persistent issues, then you should ask:
- How long have the symptoms been happening?
- Are there certain meals, or certain foods that trigger gastrointestinal issues?
- Have bowel habits changed?
- Whether there is weight loss, fatigue, or bleeding?
At Natural & Holistic Medical Center, when you mention these symptoms, the goal is not to jump to conclusions. Our trained professionals try to understand the goal should not be to jump to conclusions, but to understand what is happening and what may be triggering it.
Many digestive complaints are manageable but it’s best to get to know them earlier. The goal is not panic but to be guided well. That is where Natural Holistic Medical Center can help if you are living in the East Valley. Timely attention can make it easier to find the cause and start the right plan before the problem becomes harder to manage.