Gastrointestinal Symptoms
According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, “each part of the GI tract – esophagus,
stomach, small intestine, and large intestine – has a unique function to
perform in digestion, and each has a distinct type of motility and
sensation. When motility or sensations are not appropriate for
performing this function, symptoms occur.”
James Hakert, M.D.
primarily sees patients for gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which
typically include indigestion, bleeding, upset stomach, nausea,
vomiting, gas or changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhea or
constipation). These common GI symptoms can be due to many different
causes like intestinal viruses or bacteria in the GI tract. In order to
provide a better understanding of the most common GI symptoms a brief
description is provided below.
For more information regarding
any of these or other symptoms and to schedule a consultation, contact
Dr. Hakert’s office or request an appointment online.
- Dallas TX Office: (214) 368-6707
- Rowlett TX Office: (972) 475-8183
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Constipation
Constipation is defined as occurring when bowel movements become
difficult or less frequent. Constipation most commonly occurs when
waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causing it
to become hard and dry. Typically the body’s waste products are moved
through your intestines by muscle contractions. If the colon’s muscle
contractions are slow or there is not enough fluid then you tend to be
constipated.
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Abdominal Pain
While this pain can cause quite a bit of discomfort, it typically is not
caused by a serious medical problem. However, recurrent or severe
abdominal pain can be a symptom of something that does require medical
attention. You are encouraged to see your doctor for all severe or
persistent pain.
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Anal/Rectal Bleeding
Rectal problems are common, and many people experience small amounts of
rectal bleeding from time to time. While this blood comes out of the
anus it can come from the upper GI tract, lower GI tract or the small
intestine. The color of the blood depends on the location of the source,
and the brighter the color generally means the source is closer to the
anus.
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition that involves the frequent passing of loose or
watery stools. It is the opposite of constipation and can have many
causes, which may be infectious or non-infectious. Most cases of
diarrhea resolve themselves on their own. See your doctor for any case
that lasts longer than a few days and they should evaluate you.
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Gas and Bloating
Gas & Bloating usually occur within the body due to swallowed air or
the normal breakdown of undigested food (e.g. sugar & starches).
While the omission of this gas can be embarrassing it is completely
normal. When the gas does not pass through belching or flatulence, it
can build up in the stomach and intestines causing bloating.
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Heartburn
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs when stomach
acid backs up into your esophagus, and is felt behind the breastbone.
Normally this is prevented by your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), but
when your LES abnormally relaxes or weakens then stomach acid is
allowed back into the esophagus – causing heartburn.
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Hemorrhoids
A hemorrhoid results when the veins in and around the rectum and anus
become swollen. These veins become enlarged when there is increased
pressure in the lower rectum. Some of the most common causes of
hemorrhoids are age, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, overuse of
laxatives, pregnancy, straining during bowel movements and heavy weight
lifting.
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Swallowing Difficulties
Difficulty swallowing means it takes more time and effort to move food
or liquid from your mouth to your stomach, and in some instances may be
associated with pain.
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