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6 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor For Your Stomach Issues

November 04, 2024

An occasional upset stomach is normal, but it’s a different story when stomach issues linger.

Are you on the fence about seeing a doctor about your stomach bug?

To help us distinguish between a temporary bug and chronic stomach discomfort—and to understand what steps to take—we turned to Benigno Varela, MD, a gastroenterologist at PACT, LLC, a partner of Hartford HealthCare’s Digestive Health Institute.

Is it just a bug or something more?

Over-the-counter remedies like Pepto-Bismol and plenty of hydration might offer temporary relief if your cold comes with an upset stomach.

“These are only short-term fixes,” Dr. Varela cautions. “Medications shouldn’t replace a doctor’s visit, especially for ongoing issues. If you find relief but the problem persists, seek medical attention.”

If you have nagging stomach issues, it may be time to check in with your primary care provider.

“Many people get used to living with discomfort,” says Dr. Varela. “However, listening to your body and sharing any ongoing symptoms with your doctor is important.”

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6 signs it’s time to see a doctor for stomach discomfort.

Dr. Varela highlights key signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical attention:

1. Unintentional weight loss: This could signal an underlying issue, such as cancer or an inflammatory condition of the small bowel affecting nutrient absorption. An endoscopy or colonoscopy may be needed for further evaluation.
2. Blood in the stool, black stools or bloodwork showing low blood counts or iron deficiency: These may indicate active bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or an inflammatory condition of the small bowel (such as celiac disease) that impairs iron absorption.
3. Change in bowel habits: New diarrhea could indicate an infection or medication reaction, while chronic diarrhea may suggest an inflammatory condition like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. New constipation could result from medications or dietary changes but may also point to a bowel obstruction or colon cancer, requiring immediate evaluation.
4. Fatigue or persistent tiredness: While occasional tiredness is normal, ongoing fatigue may indicate vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption, requiring prompt evaluation and possible treatment, including supplementation.
5. Discomfort unrelieved by antacids: This could indicate gastric inflammation (gastritis) from an H. pylori infection, which can cause ulcers and pain. It might also suggest malignancy or esophageal inflammation from an allergic condition or infection. Endoscopy or lab tests may be needed for further evaluation.
6. Other symptoms: Talk to your doctor if you also experience any of the following:

• • Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
  • Heartburn that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter antacids.
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen after eating fatty meals.
  • Bloating after eating.
  • Chronic constipation.
  • Frequent vomiting.
  • Feeling full quickly or easily.
  • New rashes on your body.

> Related: Is Gastroparesis Causing Your Stomach Issues?

When to seek emergency medical attention.

“If you’re having abdominal discomfort along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or struggling to stay hydrated or nourished, it’s time to go to the emergency room for evaluation and support, such as IV fluids or anti-nausea medication,” says Dr. Varela.

You should also seek urgent medical attention for the following:

A sudden episode with fever (100.4°F or higher) or bloody stools.

• Severe, sudden pain.
• Persistent pain in the lower right abdomen.
• Abdominal pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath.
• Pain with bloody vomiting or black stools.
• Pain with fever or chills.
• Pain with bloating and inability to pass gas or stool.

> Related: Is Gluten Causing My Stomach Pain?

A food and symptom log can help your doctor diagnose you.

“If your stomach discomfort isn’t going away, start tracking your symptoms,” says Dr. Varela. “A detailed food and symptom log gives your doctor a clearer picture of what’s going on and how to treat you best.”

Here’s what to include in your log:

• Time: Track when the discomfort occurs, the time of day and how long it lasts.
• Location: Note where the pain is and if it spreads to other areas.
• Severity: Record the intensity of the pain and any changes over time.
• Triggers or relief: Observe any foods, activities or bowel habits that affect the pain, and whether over-the-counter remedies provide relief.

“Remember, chronic stomach discomfort is never normal,” adds Dr. Varela. “Don’t ignore it just because you’ve gotten used to it!”