Validated by Dr Barbara Makumbi, gastroenterologist, Life The Glynnwood

Your digestive system plays a vital role in overall health, so understanding how your gut works can help you recognise when something changes. In addition to breaking down the food you eat, absorbing nutrients and fluids and removing waste from the body, it is a major site of immune activity. In fact, up to 80% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut. Because the digestive system supports so many essential functions, it is important to pay attention to ongoing or unusual changes in your digestive health, explains Dr Barbara Makumbi, gastroenterologist at Life The Glynnwood. 
 
Digestive symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits, are common and can be temporary. They may be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, hormonal changes or a short-term illness. 

Changes in gut health patterns 

An occasional symptom is not necessarily a sign of something serious. What matters more is a change to your usual pattern and whether that change persists or worsens. Many digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why it is important to pay attention to any changes in what is normal for you.

“Symptoms that become more frequent, persist over time or start affecting daily life are worth discussing with your doctor, even if they seem mild at first,” says Dr Makumbi.

How digestive symptoms affect other aspects of your health 

Digestive symptoms don’t occur in isolation. Ongoing gastrointestinal problems may sometimes be accompanied by broader changes, such as chronic fatigue, reduced appetite and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can have several causes. However, when they occur together with digestive problems, they may give a doctor useful information for assessing your health. 
 
"That's why it is important to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if they don't seem directly related. Changes in appetite, energy levels or weight can, for example, suggest that nutrition is affected, that food is not being absorbed properly, that there is ongoing inflammation or that an underlying condition is having a wider impact on a person's health. Looking at the combination of symptoms, rather than a single symptom in isolation, helps us decide whether further investigation may be needed," says Dr Makumbi.  

While paying attention to overall health and digestive health patterns, it is also helpful to notice whether symptoms are linked to certain foods, times of day or situations and whether they improve or continue despite changes in diet or routine.  

A short period of bloating after a large meal or a brief stomach upset after travel can be normal. What matters more is whether symptoms are frequent, worsening or interfering with daily life.  

“Keep note of how long the same symptoms have been present for. Do they go away and then return and, if so, do they return more severely? Are these symptoms relapsing and remitting? Even information such as symptoms that wake you from sleep can be important,” says Dr Makumbi, as nocturnal symptoms may be a sign that a possible disease may be present. 

Digestive system red flags that shouldn’t be ignored 

Some digestive symptoms warrant more prompt medical assessment, especially when they are persistent, worsening or accompanied by other body changes. Speak to a healthcare professional if you experience: 

• changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhoea 
• chronic abdominal pain that worsens or doesn’t improve over time 
• black or bloody stools 
• unintentional weight loss 
• unexplained fever 
• persistent vomiting 
• frequent heartburn or acid reflux  

“Persistent digestive symptoms should never be dismissed simply because they seem manageable. Seeking medical advice early allows us to identify potential problems sooner, provide appropriate treatment where needed and, importantly, rule out more serious conditions. The earlier we understand what is causing the symptoms, the better positioned we are to support patients and achieve the best possible outcomes”, explains Dr Makumbi. 

GP or gastroenterologist: where should you start? 

Many mild digestive concerns can be addressed by a GP. They will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms and any recent changes, and may request blood or stool tests if needed. If further investigation is needed, they will refer you to a gastroenterologist. Further assessments may include “scopes”, such as a gastroscopy to examine the upper digestive tract or a colonoscopy to examine the large intestine and rectum, as well as a short part of the small intestine.  

"It is natural to feel nervous if your doctor recommends a scope," says Dr Makumbi. "For many patients, it is an unfamiliar procedure. The good news is that gastroscopies and colonoscopies are commonly performed investigations that help us understand what may be causing symptoms. Before the procedure, we'll explain exactly what it involves, how to prepare and what to expect, so that you feel as informed as possible," she adds. 

During the endoscopic procedure, you will be sedated using conscious sedation and will have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. 
 
Knowing what is normal for your body can make it easier to recognise when something changes. While occasional digestive issues are common, anything that persists or worsens is worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional. They can ensure appropriate treatment and refer you to a gastroenterologist if necessary.  

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