When we are a Digestive discomfort In our daily life, we should not underestimate or normalize it. It’s not always normal Constipation, bloating or It is common to think of these discomforts as temporary or part of our daily routine, as they usually are Occurs after eating or is provoked by eating. However, we must know that almost half of patients who visit their doctor with persistent abdominal pain for more than 3 months have a functional digestive disorder (FDD) and do not know it.
Therefore, not paying enough attention to these symptoms can be one Significant impact on quality of life. For all these reasons, the importance of these symptoms should not be underestimated and recognized when they may be indicative of a larger problem. Therefore, knowing when to see a health professional is vital, especially if symptoms regularly interfere with daily routines and do not improve over time.
The most frequent digestive discomfort
What are the main digestive discomforts that can alert us that we are suffering from digestive problems? doctor Miguel Ignacio Lopez Ramiro, Specialist in family and community medicine and medical advisor at Schwabe Pharma Iberica, he details the following:
- Recurrent abdominal pain.
- expansion or swollen
- acidity stomach
- nauseaChronic diarrhea or constipation.
- loss of appetite
- its presence Blood in the stool or vomit.
“These symptoms can be indicative of functional digestive disorders such as Functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also very common among other motility disorders,” the expert told us.
If digestive discomfort occurs with symptoms such as fever, asthenia, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, vomiting… it is important to consult a specialist.
© Getty ImagesWhen to see a doctor
The truth is that most people have stomach discomfort, bloating or heartburn. So in which cases should we think and consult an expert? “If digestive discomfort becomes common, it is important to consult a specialist if this happens Symptoms like fever, asthenia, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigueor similar symptoms Blood in the stool or vomit; Also if there is a significant change in bowel habits (eg Chronic diarrhea or severe constipation),” explained the doctor, who added that these symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as infections, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, or even more serious problems such as gastroduodenal ulcers, adenomas, polyps or neoplasms.
“Furthermore, if discomfort affects quality of life or does not improve with dietary changes or medication use, we must Go for a medical evaluationA rigorous history, examination and proper diagnosis,” he recommends.
We know the symptoms, but the truth is that we tend to normalize digestive discomfort and we don’t always give them the attention they need. “In general, these symptoms are common and we often associate them Temporary causes such as stress, poor diet or changes in lifestyle habits. “Many times digestive discomfort is temporarily relieved by home remedies, which means we don’t really pay attention to it,” says the doctor, who warns that this behavior can make us ignore latent disorders that, if not treated properly, and in time, they Serious complications may occur in the medium and long term.
An adequate treatment that can relieve symptoms and avoid serious long-term complications
Importance of early diagnosis
What we can’t lose is digestive health issues, early diagnosis works in our favor. “It is an essential factor in digestive problems Allows early detection of diseaseWhen they are easier to treat and with a more favorable prognosis. As in the case of disease Colon cancer or gastric cancersuch as early detection through testing “Endoscopy or Colonoscopy Can Save Lives”The doctor said very clearly. But similarly, early diagnosis of conditions like functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome allows for adequate treatment that can relieve symptoms and avoid serious long-term complications.
Why should we care about digestive health?
As doctors explain, the digestive system is essential for breaking down food and allowing absorption of nutrients, eliminating what the body doesn’t need, and housing a large part of the defense system. “It has been shown that there is a connection between the brain and the gut, known as Brain-gut axisWhere both organs influence each other. D Gut microbiota Stimulates the production of molecules such as serotonin and melatonin, affecting the nervous system by sending signals about the state of the gut, which highlights Close relationship between both systems”, he explains to us.
Crowell’s study concluded that these patients often have Psychological and social changes, Symptoms are exacerbated by depression, anxiety, life stress and frequent episodes of somatization and emotional stress, hormonal changes such as menstruation or panic attacks. Another fact to be observed is that somatization is more frequent in such patients than in the general population. All these affect quality of life and activities of daily living.
What treatments are usually effective in dealing with digestive discomfort?
Determining what the problem is causing this digestive discomfort is essential to finding a solution. But, in general, in this case, the treatment may be different changes in diet, Such as increasing fiber intake and avoiding boring foods.
