Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is generalized pain in the abdominal areas between the chest and pelvis that is often vague and difficult to define without assistance.
Anal/Rectal Bleeding
Rectal or anal bleeding is the occurrence of bleeding through the anal cavity which ranges in color from bright red to crimson.
Bloating
Bloating is a GI symptom often due to the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, or as a result of the body retaining excess fluid.
Blood in the Stool
Blood in the stool, or bowel movement, is an indicator of bleeding occurring at some point in the digestive tract.
Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence is the inability to manage your bowel movements, ranging from total loss of movement to stool discharges while passing gas.
Constipation
Constipation is a GI symptom described as less than three bowel movements per week due to stool being too dry and hard due to its slow movement.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that happen with greater frequency than normal bowel movements, up to three times per day.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is when more time and effort than normal is required to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.
Gas
Gas happens when undigested foods are broken down by bacteria in the colon, or when air is swallowed and then released through the rectum.
Heartburn
Heartburn manifests as a painful burning sensation behind your breastbone that can increase after eating, at night, or when you lie horizontally.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a symptom that causes a painful sensation in the upper abdomen, along with stomach pain and fullness after the consumption of food.
Nausea
Nausea is described as a queasy feeling in your stomach that makes you feel like you are going to throw up; it is often a symptom of a larger issue.
Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss
Unexpected weight loss or gain is might be a sign of a serious issue; contact a GI provider near you to assess the cause of your fluctuating weight.
Vomiting
Vomiting is the body's response to a virus or bacteria, poison, or anything perceived as a threat; if vomiting is recurrent, contact a GI provider.
Yellowing of the Skin/Eyes
Yellowing of the skin and eyes is often a sign of a larger issue like an infection or cirrhosis; seek a GI specialist near you to identify the cause.