Things like tummy troubles and feeling bloated are common occurrences for many of us, but sometimes those kinds of symptoms can be signs that something more is going wrong with your gastrointestinal system.

Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team highlights what you need to know about GI diseases below, so keep reading!

What Is a GI Disease?

A gastrointestinal (GI) disease interferes with the digestive process and affects the gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus.

While many GI diseases, like acid reflux or constipation, are not a huge cause for concern, some GI diseases, like colon cancer and live disease, can obviously be much more serious. We’ve listed the most common GI disease symptoms below.

Common GI Disease Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, pain or cramps)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
• Fecal incontinence
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing

How Are GI Diseases Diagnosed?

A GI disease is typically diagnosed after symptoms are reviewed and a physical exam and possibly blood tests are conducted. In most cases, a doctor may order further tests that more closely examine other GI organs, such as the stomach, esophagus, small intestine and large intestine.

Our AFC center can assist with your gastrointestinal issues, and help connect you with a specialist as needed.

When to See a Doctor

• A noticeable change in bowel habits
• Blood on or in the stool that is either bright or dark
• Unusual or persistent abdominal/gas pains
• Very narrow stool
• A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied after passing stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent or persistent nausea/vomiting
• Constant Fatigue
• Anemia (low blood count)

Do you have questions about your digestive system that need to be answered? We can help! Don’t hesitate to reach out or visit our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team today.