Your digestive system should perform a rather spectacular job. It digests food, absorbs nutrients, and makes everything run smoothly. However, your gut signals you when something feels off. The issue lies in the fact that most individuals dismiss the digestive symptoms as stress, something they have eaten, or getting older. Here are 10 signs to see a gastroenterologist.

Constant acid reflux

The infrequent case of heartburn is normal. However, when you experience burning in your chest a few times a week, you wake up with acid in your throat, or use antacids a lot, then it is time to make an appointment. Causal reflex leads to the destruction of your esophagus in the long run.

Unusual stomach aches

Recurring abdominal pain? Does the pain interfere with your routine? You have the right to know what is causing it. It could be:

• Indigestion
• Ulcers
• Inflammation
• Other conditions.

Only a digestive system doctor would know.

Chronic diarrhea and constipation

Sometimes you wake up with diarrhea that ruins your day. We all have bad days. However, if your bowel disturbance persists, something is wrong, and you can no longer afford to ignore it. These could be indicators of:

• IBS
• Food intolerance
• Bowel disease.

Blood in your stool

This one will scare people a lot, but not so much that they will go and make the appointment. Hemorrhoids are a source of blood. But this may also indicate:

• Polyps
• Inflammation
• Colon cancer.

A brief check-up with an Auckland gastroenterology specialist can identify what the problem is.

Sudden unexplained decrease in weight

It may be a wonderful idea in theory to lose weight without much effort, but in reality, this is not right. Weight loss can be a result of:

• Digestive disorders
• Malabsorption
• Some digestive diseases.

Frequent nausea or vomiting

Persistent nausea indicates a problem. It could be that your stomach or intestines are not functioning well. You need to find out why.

Ongoing bloating or gas

A little bloating after an enormous meal? Totally normal. But do you feel full every day? This can be attributed to:

• Food sensitivities
• Gut bacteria imbalances
• Other digestive disorders.

Swallowing challenges

Do you feel pain when swallowing food? Does it get stuck at times? This may indicate that your esophagus needs work. It’s not something to put off.

Jaundice or yellowing skin

The skin or eyes turning yellow is commonly associated with liver or bile duct issues, both of which gastroenterology specialists can deal with. The sooner you are assessed, the better.

You are over 45 years old and have not had a colon screening

You may feel perfectly well. But regular colonoscopy is an effective preventive measure. It helps catch colon cancer. Are you in your mid-40s or above? Add it to your health to-do list.

Last words

You don’t have to visit a gastroenterologist when everything goes terribly wrong. You can visit them to identify issues at an initial stage. This is about making your life more comfortable and taking care of your future health. In case any of these hints sound familiar to you, then it is time to make that appointment. Your gut will thank you!