Gastroenterologist Reveals the Concerning Gut Symptoms To Look Out For

Although we may feel embarrassed about gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or bloating, there are several symptoms of poor gut health that should not be ignored, experts have told Newsweek. Some of these symptoms, if persistent, may be signs of a larger issue at play that needs immediate treatment.

For example, some stomach and digestive problems such as bloating are common, and many people may put them down to a minor inconvenience.

But Toufic Kachaamy, interventional program specialist, chief of medicine and director of gastroenterology and endoscopy at the City of Hope cancer treatment center, in Phoenix, Arizona, told Newsweek that new bowel symptoms, or a "significant change in symptoms," could indicate some more serious underlying gastrointestinal issues.

Kachaamy listed "[rectal] bleeding, unintentional weight loss, unusual fatigue, fever or vomiting," as symptoms people should pay particular close attention to.

Although there can be several explanations for these symptoms, they could be indicative of gastrointestinal cancer such as bowel, colon, or rectal cancer.

Bowel cancer is a blanket term for the disease when it begins in the large bowel. It is called either bowel, colon, or rectal cancer depending on where it starts.

The cancer causes a wide range of gastrointestinal issues. If a person notices these persistent symptoms, experts urge that they should not be ignored.

Crystal Wyllie, a doctor at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the U.K. told Newsweek that other "red flags" include an abnormally swollen tummy or abdomen and "not passing wind or stools (absolute constipation)."

However, Wyllie said "it is also important to note that some gastrointestinal problems do not cause any symptoms."

"For example, bowel cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. That is why it is important to get regular screenings," Wyllie said.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society.

Early detection is important for this type of cancer, as if it is diagnosed at a localized stage the survival rate is around 91 percent, according to Cancer.net.

This is not to say that these symptoms are always a sign of a serious disease.

Bloating, and occasional constipation, for example, are relatively common and can happen for any number of reasons, including the types of food being eaten.

"In my practice, we look hard to see what is causing the bloating. Wheat and dairy products are [two] of the big offenders," Kachaamy said. "For most people, snacking on cucumbers, avocados or berries may help with bloating. Check the low FODMAP diet for things to avoid knowing that this will be different for different people."

A low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet limits the consumption of certain carbohydrates that are typically harder to digest, and the cause of certain gastrointestinal issues such as bloating. FODMAP foods include dairy, and wheat-based products such as bread, cereal, and crackers.

Wyllie advises avoiding sodas or foods that are "known to cause gas, such as cabbage or lentils."

Usually, bloating will go away in several steps. If it is persistent, however, it is advisable to see a doctor.

"If you feel bloated, going for a short walk or doing some light exercise after a meal can help relieve bloating by stimulating the bowels and moving gas and stool along the digestive tract," Wyllie said.

"Other quick and easy ways to reduce bloating include regular exercise, eating smaller, more frequent meals, drinking peppermint tea, chewing with your mouth closed, and massaging your stomach from right to left, following the path of the large intestine."

Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about gut problems? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.