Gastrointestinal diseases include a wide range of conditions that affect the digestive system. These diseases can be acute or chronic and can vary from mild to severe in intensity. Early detection and treatment are crucial in the management of GI diseases, which is why it is very important to recognise their signs.
In this blog we are going to explore common early signs of gastrointestinal diseases and when to seek medical attention for them.
What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases?
Gastrointestinal diseases (GI diseases) refer to the conditions that affect the digestive system including, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, rectum, and anus.
Some common GI diseases include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Celiac disease
- Peptic Ulcers
- Gallstones
- Liver diseases (eg hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Gastrointestinal cancers (eg stomach, colon, rectum)
Early Signs And Symptoms Of Gastrointestinal Diseases:
GI disease can vary in symptoms. Some of them may not even show noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Here are some common signs and symptoms you can watch out for;
1. Abdominal Pain:
One of the most common signs of GI diseases is abdominal pain. This pain can be sharp, crampy or dull. It can be persistent or recurring pain in the abdomen that may or may not be associated with food intake.
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause persistent abdominal pain that might worsen with stress, certain foods or other triggers.
2. Changes In Bowel Movements:
Changes in your bowel habits are often the first sign to suggest that there is something wrong with your digestive system. These changes may include:
- Chronic Diarrhoea or constipation. Difficulty passing stools or loose stools, may indicate IBS, IBD or an infection.
- There can be changes in the appearance of stool such as consistency and colour. If you feel your stools are looking black, bloody or containing mucus, this could indicate a serious issue like ulcer, diverticulosis or even cancer.
- There could be an increase in urgency for passing stools. Feeling an urgent need to pass the stool and not being able to hold it can point out towards IBD or infection.
3. Nausea And Vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting can be a sign of many GI diseases. Early warning signs may include chronic nausea and vomiting with blood.
- Frequent feelings of nausea without any obvious cause can suggest gastritis, GERD or even a more serious condition.
- Vomiting in blood is a medical emergency. It may indicate an ulcer, varices or gastrointestinal bleeding.
4. Heartburn Or Indigestion:
Occasional heartburn may happen after a heavy meal. However, chronic heartburn or indigestion may indicate a more serious problem. Early signs include;
- Frequent or severe acid reflux. This can lead to GERD, resulting in damage to the lining of the esophagus (food pipe) overtime. It should be managed, as untreated GERD can lead to complications like esophageal ulcers or even cancer.
- Burping, bloating or feeling of fullness. If these symptoms persist, they can point towards GI diseases like GERD or even gallbladder disease.
5. Loss Of Appetite:
A sudden or unexplained loss of appetite can be an early sign of many gastrointestinal issues. If you are consistently not feeling hungry or don’t feel like eating, along with other GI symptoms, it is good to consult your doctor.
Conditions like gastritis, liver diseases, and gastrointestinal cancer can cause loss of appetite sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, weight loss or feeling full even after eating a small amount of food.
6. Blood In Vomit Or Stool:
Finding blood in your vomit or stools is a serious sign of GI disease and should not be ignored. If you are experiencing blood in your vomit or stool, you should immediately consult your doctor. This could indicate conditions like;
- Peptic ulcers
- GI bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
- Colorectal cancer
7. Jaundice:
Jaundice is a condition in which your skin, white of your eyes, and mucous membranes like the inside of your mouth and nose turn yellow. It is due to the buildup of bilirubin in the body. It can indicate a liver problem such as hepatitis, gallstones or other liver disease. If you are having jaundice, it is important to consult your doctor.
8. Difficulty Swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing solid food, liquids, or even saliva can indicate an underlying gastrointestinal or esophageal disease. This condition is also known as dysphagia. It can indicate problems like;
- GERD
- Esophageal Stricture or narrowing
- Esophageal cancer
Dysphagia, especially when it becomes painful, needs urgent medical attention to rule out any serious condition.
9. Fatigue:
Gastrointestinal disease may cause fatigue or weakness due to dehydration, malabsorption of nutrients or chronic inflammation.
Conditions like celiac disease, IBS, IBD can cause fatigue along with other digestive symptoms.
Conclusion:
Gastrointestinal diseases can present with a variety of early warning signs, from abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, to loss of appetite, and fatigue. Recognising these signs early and seeking medical help promptly can help manage these conditions effectively.
If you are suffering from any mild to moderate gastrointestinal disease, and are not able to attend school or work, you may need a sick note to officially communicate the reason for your absence. You can get a sick note online within a few minutes by an EU licensed doctor, from the comfort of your home.