3d render medical illustration of the human digestive system - side view

Gastrointestinal disorders: with which symptoms should I visit a gastroenterologist?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 15, 2023

Let’s talk about gastrointestinal disorders: how many people have experienced stomach pains during moments of particular nervousness or, on the other hand, not realised whether stress or gastric disturbances arose first?

The reason is very simple: the gastrointestinal system and the brain influence each other and the well-being of one is closely linked to the well-being of the other.

This is why following a balanced lifestyle can help curb an extremely varied symptomatology, with tangible benefits in terms of quality of life.

There are, however, more severe symptoms that may indicate the need to refer to the gastroenterologist specialist.

Gastrointestinal disorders: the causes

The gastrointestinal system consists of more than 500 million neurons, which are essential for its function.

These neurons are closely interconnected with the central nervous system and, therefore, with the brain.

For this reason, emotions such as fear, stress or anger can lead to the development of a specific symptomatology.

Similarly, certain dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal system can give rise to stressful and tense situations, affecting patients’ quality of life.

Often disordered and hectic lifestyles lead people to underestimate aspects that, in reality, are of fundamental importance for health.

We are talking, for example, about having a balanced, Mediterranean diet, not skipping meals, and sleeping an adequate number of hours.

When these aspects are lacking, in fact, it is possible for people to start developing gastrointestinal disorders, such as dyspepsia, i.e. difficulty in digestion, gastro-oesophageal reflux or abdominal pain.

In order to avoid the onset of these manifestations, therefore, one must take care of one’s well-being starting with everyday life.

Another important aspect, apart from sleep and nutrition, is physical activity, which must be done regularly.

Gastrointestinal disorders, when to see a gastroenterologist?

In the event that gastrointestinal problems become persistent or what we call ‘warning symptoms’ occur, a specialist gastroenterologist visit is appropriate.

The most common symptoms that should alert you are

weight loss
presence of blood in the stool
presence of significant abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal disorders that do not respond to the therapies set by the general practitioner and lifestyle modifications

In all these cases, a gastroenterological evaluation and, if necessary, instrumental tests such as ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen, or endoscopic examinations such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy are required.

All useful tools for the gastroenterologist to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms and set up the correct therapy to treat it.