In a previous post, I listed a few signs and symptoms that you might experience when your gut health is at risk. While those symptoms can interfere with your daily functioning and cause discomfort, they are usually not life-threatening.
However, there are certain gut-related symptoms that could be tell-tale signs of more serious conditions such as GI infections, IBD, or even colon cancer. While these symptoms don’t always mean that there is something wrong with your gut, you need to get yourself immediately checked by a doctor if you notice any of these signs.
1. Persistent loss of appetite
We all have had days when we don’t feel hungry or don’t feel like eating. While a temporary lack of hunger is usually nothing to worry about, you want to talk to a doctor if this symptom lasts longer than a few days.
Poor appetite can be caused by physical or psychological reasons. Most of the time, this can be due to a GI infection or other non-serious digestive issue and your appetite will come back once you fully recover.
However, in rare instances, a loss of appetite that continues for more than a week can happen due to more serious GI conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease (a type of IBD), or stomach or colon cancer.
2. Unintended weight loss
If you’re not actively trying to lose weight and you notice a sudden, considerable drop in your weight, you need to consult a doctor. Usually, losing more than 5% of your bodyweight within 6-12 months without trying is considered to be alarming.
Sudden, unplanned weight loss can happen due to non-GI-related diseases such as diabetes and hormonal issues. It can also occur due to some gut-related conditions such as peptic ulcers (sores of the lining of the stomach or small intestine), celiac disease, IBD, and colon cancer.
3. Swallowing difficulties
If you are experiencing difficulties when swallowing food or liquids, you need to get yourself medically examined.
Certain gut-related conditions such as GERD (acid reflux disease), mouth cancer, or esophageal cancer can cause swallowing difficulties. It can also happen due to some diseases related to the nervous system such as stroke and dementia.
4. Continuous vomiting
While the most common cause of continuous vomiting is a stomach infection or food poisoning, there can also be a more serious issue, such as cancer or a tumor, intestinal blockage, or an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
5. Severe abdominal pain
Usually, mild abdominal pain is not an alarm signal and can be caused due to common problems such as indigestion, gas, food intolerances, or even gastritis.
However, if you’re experiencing extreme pain that keeps getting worse over time, or if it lasts for more than a few days, you need to go to a doctor and get it checked.
In such cases, the pain can be caused by a more dangerous medical condition such as a peptic ulcer, a blockage in the bowels, or cancer.
6. Severe diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually a sign of stomach flu or food poisoning but it can also mean that there’s an underlying disease that needs medical attention such as IBD, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or colon cancer.
7. Black or tarry stools
If you notice that your stool is black and tar-like, you need to take it seriously. While it may very well be due to a change in your diet or medication—foods such as blueberries and
some medications such as iron supplements can also cause black stools—it might also mean that your gut is bleeding.
Black color in stools means that the bleeding happens in the upper part of your GI tract—your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine (known as duodenum). If the bleeding occurs in the lower part, it should appear red.
Several gut issues such as peptic ulcers, inflammation, a tear in the gut lining, damage to your stomach lining, and cancers in the stomach, esophagus, or pancreas can cause bleeding and make your stool black.
8. Blood in your stools
If you notice fresh, red blood in your stool or on your toilet paper after you wipe, it means that the bleeding is happening in the lower parts of your gut such as the colon, rectum, or anus.
While this can also happen because of a non-serious condition such as a hemorrhoid or a minor anal tear which will heal naturally with time, you need to talk to your doctor if the bleeding is heavy, lasts longer than a week, or is painful.
More serious causes of rectal bleeding include IBD, peptic ulcers, or colon cancer.
I’m not trying to scare you off, but..
I admit, this all sounds very scary and alarming. Some of these symptoms can also be uncomfortable to discuss with a doctor. But, it’s always better to be on the safe side.
Ignoring these red flags could cause potentially serious conditions to get out of control.
It’s also important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcomes. While these symptoms don’t always mean something is seriously wrong, they are your body’s way of signaling that it needs attention. So, if you experience any of these signs, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Taking proactive steps can not only provide you with peace of mind but also help ensure your gut health—and your overall health—stays in the best possible shape.
