Digestive health is fundamental to our overall wellbeing, and some symptoms may be a sign that something is not working as it should. In some cases, these problems may require surgical intervention to avoid serious complications. In this post, we explain five warning signs you should not ignore and when it is time to consult a specialist in general and digestive surgery.
1. Persistent or severe abdominal pain
Abdominal pain that does not improve or is severe may indicate serious conditions such as appendicitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones), diverticulitis or even bowel obstructions. These conditions can progress rapidly and require urgent surgery.
When to worry:
- If the pain is localised and worsens with movement.
- If accompanied by fever, vomiting or nausea.
Digestive bleeding
The presence of blood in the faeces (bright red or black) or vomiting blood (haematemesis) are warning signs that could indicate ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or even tumours in the digestive tract.
What to do:
- See a specialist immediately to identify the cause of the bleeding and receive prompt treatment.
3. Unexplained weight loss
If you are losing weight without making changes to your diet or physical activity, it could be a sign of diseases such as colon cancer, Crohn's disease or malabsorption. These conditions require accurate diagnosis and, in some cases, surgery.
Other associated symptoms:
- Constant fatigue.
- Changes in bowel habits.
4. Persistent changes in bowel habits
Frequent diarrhoea, chronic constipation or difficulty passing stools may indicate conditions such as bowel obstruction, diverticulitis or even colorectal cancer.
When to act:
- If symptoms persist for more than a week or are accompanied by abdominal pain or bleeding.
5. Visible or painful abdominal hernias
A hernia is a bulge in the abdomen or groin that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall. While some hernias are painless, others can cause discomfort or serious complications such as incarceration, which requires immediate surgery.
Alarm signals:
- Severe pain in the area of the hernia.
- Difficulty in pushing it back into the abdomen.
- Changes in the colour or temperature of the skin around the hernia.
Why is it important to act in time?
Identifying and treating these warning signs early can prevent serious complications such as intestinal perforations, severe infections or tissue necrosis. Early diagnosis makes surgical interventions safer and more effective.
Don't ignore the signals your body gives you. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a specialist in general and digestive surgery for a proper diagnosis. Acting early can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and serious complications.
Your digestive health deserves your full attention.