When we have a digestive discomfort In our daily lives, we should not underestimate it or normalize it. It is not normal to always be constipated, bloated or have heartburn. It is common for these discomforts to be considered something temporary or part of our daily routine, since they usually appear after meals or are aggravated by eating. However, we must know that approximately half of the patients who go to 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 have a significant impact on quality of life. For all these reasons, the importance of these signs should not be underestimated and recognize when they could be indicative of a larger problem. Thus, it is vital to know when to see a health professional, especially if symptoms regularly interfere with daily routine and do not improve over time.
The most frequent digestive discomforts
What are the main digestive discomforts that can alert us that we suffer from a digestive problem? The doctor Miguel Ignacio López Ramiro, Specialist in Family and Community Medicine and Medical Advisor to Schwabe Farma Ibérica, he details the following:
- abdominal pain recurrent.
- Distension or swelling.
- Acidity stomach.
- Nauseachronic diarrhea or constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Presence of blood in stool or vomit.
“These symptoms may be indicative of functional digestive disorders such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Also very common is the disease gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), among other motility disorders,” the specialist tells us.
It is important to consult a specialist if digestive discomfort occurs along with symptoms such as fever, asthenia, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, vomiting…
© Getty ImagesWhen to go to the doctor
The truth is that most people have had stomach discomfort, bloating or heartburn on some occasion. In what cases then should we worry and consult with a specialist? “It is important to consult a specialist if digestive discomfort becomes common, if it occurs along with symptoms such as fever, asthenia, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigueor signs like blood in stool or vomit; also if there is a significant change in bowel habits (e.g. chronic diarrhea or severe constipation),” explains the doctor, who adds that these signs can indicate serious conditions such as infections, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, or even more serious problems such as gastroduodenal ulcer, adenomas, polyps or neoplasms.
“In addition, if the discomfort affects the quality of life or does not improve with changes in diet or the use of medications, we must go for a medical evaluationfor a 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 do not always pay them the attention they require. “In general, these symptoms are common and we often associate them with temporary factors such as stress, poor diet or changes in lifestyle habits. Many times digestive discomfort is temporarily relieved with home remedies, this means that we do not give it the importance that it really has,” says the doctor, who warns that this behavior can lead us to ignore latent disorders that, if not treated properly, and time, they could lead to serious complications in the medium and long term.
An adequate treatment that can relieve symptoms and avoid serious long-term complications
The importance of early diagnosis
What we cannot lose sight of is that in digestive health problems, early diagnosis works in our favor. “It is essential in digestive problems because allows early detection of disorderswhen they are easier to treat and with a more favorable prognosis. For example, in diseases such as colon cancer or gastric cancerearly detection through tests such as “endoscopy or colonoscopy can save lives”the doctor states very clearly. But in the same way, an early diagnosis of conditions such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome allows for adequate treatment that can relieve symptoms and avoid serious long-term complications.
Why should we take care of the health of our digestive system?
As the doctor details, the digestive system is essential for breaking down food and allowing the absorption of nutrients, in addition to eliminating what the body does not need and housing a large part of the defenses. “It has been shown that there is a connection between the brain and the intestines, known as the brain-gut axiswhere both organs affect each other. The gut microbiota stimulates the production of molecules such as serotonin and melatonin, influencing the nervous system by sending signals about the intestinal state, which highlights the close relationship between both systems”, he explains to us.
Crowell’s studies conclude that these patients frequently have alterations in the psychological and social spheres, frequent episodes of depression, anxiety, life stress and somatizations and that the symptoms are exacerbated in situations of emotional tension, hormonal changes such as menstruation or panic attacks. Another fact observed is the fact that somatizations are more frequent in this type of patients compared to the general population. All of this affects the quality of life and activities of daily living.
What treatments are typically effective in addressing digestive discomfort?
It is essential to determine what problem is causing this digestive discomfort to find solutions. But, in general, in these cases, treatments can vary from changes in diet, such as increasing fiber intake and avoiding irritating foods.