Some digestive disorders that seem benign at first sight deserve a consultation if they recur or persist, so as not to miss a more serious problem.
Bloating, heartburn… Digestive disorders, if they are isolatedare most of the time Without gravity and end up going through with the appropriate treatments. However, in case of recurrence or persistence, it is advisable to consult for get a medical opinion and not miss a more serious problem… Here are 6 common digestive disorders and advice from our gastroenterologist.
1. Frequent nausea
Nausea is a strong urge to vomit, which is most often accompanied by stomach aches, loss of appetite and fatigue. The causes of a nauseous state can be multiple: food, stress-related, pathology (gastroenteritis, migraine, meningitis…) but also pregnancy, travel sickness, adverse drug effects… . “Nausea is generally benign. But it becomes serious in case of associated fever or when it repeats itself every day over a long period of time because the consequences can be significant: dehydration, hydrolytic disorders, problems of gastric acidity, metabolic alkalosis… It therefore seems essential to consult your general practitioner when there is no improvement, particularly in children and the elderly”, recommends Professor Robert Benamouzig, head of the gastroenterology department at Avicenne Hospital in Bobigny. A blood test may be prescribed for further investigation. .
2. Unusual bloating
When digestion is difficult, a feeling of heaviness, often associated with burping and stomach aches are the classic symptoms of bloating. The most common causes are bad eating habits, excess alcohol or heavy meals (too much fat, too much sugar, etc.). Stress can also be a cause of occasional bloating. “If you are used to having bloating from time to time, for example after heavy meals, don’t worry. On the other hand, when they are unusual and are repeated, you should consult your doctor. They can hide another pathology such as, for example, hypothyroidism. I would saymore than 2 weeks of discomfortit is necessary to consult“, insists our interlocutor. In general, after an episode of intense bloating, it is better to eat light, with little fat for several days in order to give the stomach time to recover. Avoid coffee, raw vegetables, dishes in sauce and spices, for example.
3. Heartburn for more than 2 weeks
Two symptoms are characteristic of heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The first is the rise of acidity from the stomach into the esophagus which results in a burning that goes up in the chest behind the sternum. The second is the ascent of liquids called regurgitation. There are also many less typical symptoms that are sometimes linked to reflux such as pharyngeal discomfort or nocturnal cough For example. “If the heartburn is isolated, it may just as well be a reflux disease as another pathology such as an ulcer, gastritis or a simple functional disorder without gravity linked to hypersensitivity of the digestive tract. It is useful to consult as soon as the symptoms become bothersome, especially as there are treatments. If it is a single event, it is possible to take an antacid or gastric bandage to alleviate the symptoms. But if it lasts more than 2 weeksyou must consult your doctor who can adapt the treatments and prescribe fibroscopy“, says our expert. You should also consult a doctor if the person suffering from reflux has: associated nausea, over 50 years old, suddenly lose weight, smokes or has a high alcohol consumption. There may be a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding that must be treated quickly.
4. Abnormal slowing of transit
Constipation is the slow transit or difficulty passing stools that are hard and dry. As the transit varies from one person to another, constipation is estimated at a frequency of less than 3 stools per week. The causes can be variable: slowing of the contractions of the intestines, bad eating habits, physical inactivity, stress, hemorrhoids… “You should consult if you notice abnormal slowing or if it is associated with vomiting. Otherwise, do not worry and just take some dietary measures to restore order“, says Professor Benamouzig. To fight against constipation, it is important to stay well hydrated, to practice physical exercise, consume more fruits and vegetables, eat fiber. And if despite all this, there is no improvement in transit, you should consult.
5. Diarrhea with fever
Unlike constipation, diarrhea is manifested by frequent, loose to watery stools. We will speak of diarrhea beyond 3 stools of this type per day. The most common causes are viruses (often winter viruses), bacteria (via water, food), parasites, medication (antibiotics, for example) or stress. “In case of chronic diarrhea, you should always consult, it is not normal. In the event of a sudden episode of diarrhoea, it should be ensured that there is no associated fever. If there is a fever, do not hesitate: consult your doctor, insists Professor Benamouzig. The main risk of diarrhea without fever is the dehydration, which can easily be avoided by being careful and by drinking or having the sick person drink regularly. Then, it is useful to consult if the diarrhea persists for more than a few days.“
6. Blood in the stool
Hemorrhoids are manifested by bleeding red (undigested) blood from the anus. It can be bleeding starting in the intestine, colon, rectum or anus. “Two situations can arise: if there is still visible blood in the stool or when wiping, you must consult. And this, quickly after 50 years or if another transit disorder appears. On the other hand, if there is blood from time to time, it does not require a quick consultation, just think of asking your doctor’s opinion at the next consultation”, explains the gastroenterologist.