Digestive trouble is very common in today’s world due to our diet, lifestyle, and other health factors. Some people may experience minor discomfort while others may suffer from severe digestive problems.

In this article, we will discuss the 10 signs of digestive trouble that you should not ignore.

1. Bloating

Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of digestive trouble. When you eat something, your stomach may produce more gas than usual due to certain foods, such as beans, lentils, dairy products, or artificial sweeteners.

This can cause your belly to feel inflated, tight, and uncomfortable. If you experience excessive bloating often, it may be a sign of an underlying digestive condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or celiac disease.

2. Constipation

Constipation is a condition where you have difficulty passing stools or reduced frequency of bowel movements. It can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating.

Factors that can cause constipation include low fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, and some medications. Chronic constipation may be a sign of a more serious digestive problem such as intestinal obstruction, thyroid problems, or colon cancer.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common digestive problem that occurs when the digestive system is not functioning properly, leading to frequent bowel movements that are watery or loose.

It can be caused by factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and many other conditions. If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, it can lead to dehydration and should be treated immediately.

4. Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a common digestive disorder that occurs when the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat, sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.

This can be caused by various factors such as obesity, smoking, stress, and a hiatal hernia. Chronic acid reflux can lead to oesophagitis, Barrett’s oesophagus, and even cancer of the esophagus.

5. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of many digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and pancreatitis. Pain can be mild or severe and can be felt anywhere from the stomach to the pelvis.

If you experience abdominal pain that is persistent and severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.

6. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of digestive trouble that can be caused by many factors such as food poisoning, viral infections, motion sickness, and many more.

Persistent nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and may be a sign of a more serious condition such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or a brain tumor.

7. Unintentional weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of many health problems, including digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and peptic ulcers.

If you experience sudden weight loss of more than 5% of your body weight within six to twelve months without any explanation, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

8. Blood in stool

Blood in the stool can be a sign of many digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, or colorectal cancer.

It can be bright red, dark red, maroon, or black and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. If you experience blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention immediately.

9. Excessive gas

Excessive gas is a common symptom of digestive trouble that can cause bloating, belching, and flatulence. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as eating gas-producing foods, bacterial overgrowth, and many digestive disorders.

If you experience excessive gas, it may be a sign of an underlying digestive condition that needs medical attention.

10. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many health conditions, including digestive disorders such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease.

Chronic fatigue can be a sign of an underlying health problem and should be addressed by your doctor.