Living with digestion problems is miserable and confusing. The digestive system is so extensive and complex, beginning at your mouth and ending at your rectum, that it’s no wonder that so many things can go wrong with it. If you have questions about digestion problems, you are not alone. Recognizing your symptoms and understanding the possible causes of them can help you determine what steps you can take to address the problems you suffer from.
Symptoms of Digestion Problems
The following list includes some of the most common symptoms of digestion problems:
- Diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Painful gas
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you could be suffering from one of the following digestion problems.
Food Intolerance
Unlike allergies that manifest themselves in hives or difficulty breathing, food intolerance issues show digestive symptoms. If your body cannot break down the components of certain foods, you may experience diarrhea, cramps, gas, bloating, or vomiting. A severe form of food intolerance is Celiac Disease, in which the body cannot process the gluten found in wheat products.
Chronic Constipation
When you have trouble eliminating waste from your body, you may be suffering from chronic constipation. This is one of the most common forms of digestive problems in the United States and often stems from a lack of fiber and activity. Increasing the amount of exercise you get and fiber you eat can significantly reduce chronic constipation for those who suffer from it.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Inflammatory Bowel Disease
These conditions are severely painful, with symptoms ranging from inability to have normal bowel movements to night sweats, loss of appetite, and bloody stools. To manage these symptoms and avoid serious damage to the intestinal tract, you should consult a gastroenterologist and find out what treatment is best for you.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Though occasional heartburn – when stomach acids go back up the esophagus – is a common problem for many people, intense and constant heartburn could be a symptom of GERD. This painful condition manifests itself in many ways, including a sour taste in the mouth, dry cough, chest pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Treating GERD is important because having stomach acids constantly in the esophagus can lead to serious damage to its tissue.
When to Consult a Doctor
The following symptoms are signs that you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Nonstop vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Sudden, uncontrollable weight loss
- Severe cramping and sweating
The symptoms mentioned above may indicate serious illnesses such as cancer, gallstones, hepatitis, or internal bleeding. Consulting with a doctor can help you determine what is causing your digestive problems and prevent further damage.
If you’re ready to take back control of your life and find solutions to your digestion problems, contact GastroCare LI today at (516) 265-7049. With half a century of combined experience, Dr. Rieders, Dr. Reddy and Dr. Brandon Rieders have the knowledge and compassion you need in a gastroenterologist. Call us today to finally get the relief you deserve.