Your intestine is separated into several parts, the main two being the small intestine and the large one. The first is responsible for extracting nutrients from the food; the second absorbs water from the body to ensure you have soft stools that are easy to pass.
The system usually works very well, and you probably don’t spend much time thinking about it. But, when something goes wrong in your intestine, it can cause you to stop eating or absorbing nutrients. You will quickly lose weight. If the large intestine becomes blocked, you will struggle to pass stools. It can lead to various complications, including inflammation, infection, and even tissue death past the blockage.
Unfortunately, when tissue in your intestine dies, this weakens the wall, which can then tear. It will allow waste products into your body which can cause a life-threatening infection.
In short, if you suspect you have an intestinal problem, it’s best to get a good colorectal surgeon to find the cause and help you resolve the situation.
Of course, there are many causes, ranging from cancer to inflammation and irritation from something you’ve eaten. You must know the signs of an intestinal problem and when to see your doctor.
Pain
It is the most obvious, but it can be hard to know if the pain in the stomach area is related to the intestine or another part of your body. In general, intestinal pain will come and go. It will feel like cramps, and it will generally be worse after you’ve eaten something.
Pain is usually the first symptom and is often easily ignored as it can be connected to various issues. But it’s worth checking your intestines if it keeps coming and going.
Bloating
Bloating happens when gas gets trapped in your intestinal system. The fact that the gas can’t escape suggests a blockage or partial blockage in the system.
We should note that bloating doesn’t mean feeling full after a meal; it’s when your stomach is visibly protruding more than usual and doesn’t return to normal.
Weight Change
Intestinal issues can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients properly, which leads to rapid weight loss. Equally, you can gain weight as your body cannot pass the waste food, and you store it in your body.
See a doctor if the weight change happens quickly, and you’re not trying to lose or gain weight.
Bleeding
Blood in your stools can be bright red or dark. In both cases, it is a sign that something is wrong, and you should get your colon checked. While bright red blood is fresh and less concerning, darker blood means an issue higher in the intestinal tract. It could be cancer, but it could also be something else. It would help if you got it checked.
Diarrhea
Occasional diarrhea is not something to be concerned about. But, if it is happening all the time, you need to see your doctor; something in your intestinal tract is not working as it should be.
Your colorectal surgeon will perform a colonoscopy to identify any issues. It should be noted there are other procedures they can use to identify any issue further. Naturally, the sooner any issue is discovered, the easier it is to treat.
