5 gastrointestinal symptoms you should never ignore, according to doctors

Five gastrointestinal symptoms, according to medical professionals, demand immediate attention. Bright red blood in stool may indicate hemorrhoids, but it could also signal colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or other conditions, according to Dr Baha Moshiree, a gastroenterologist. Black, tarry or dark maroon stool suggests possible bleeding in the digestive tract from stomach ulcers, stomach or esophageal cancer, or other issues, Moshiree explained.

Unexpected changes in bowel movements—constipation, diarrhea, or thin stools—should be discussed with a doctor, as they could signify an undiagnosed problem like a tumour or intestinal inflammation, Dr Cathy Eng, a medicine professor at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, advised. Chronic diarrhea lasting over five to seven days, especially with abdominal pain or changes in appetite, warrants a doctor's visit, as it may indicate infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, or even colorectal cancer, Moshiree noted.

Persistent trouble swallowing, whether due to nerve or muscle conditions like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, or blockages in the throat, should not be ignored, as they can lead to serious complications. Frequent night sweats, unrelated to menopause, can be a symptom of various types of cancer, including gastrointestinal cancers, warned Dr Cathy Eng.

Any unexplained weight loss exceeding 10 per cent of body weight should be brought to a doctor's attention, as it may indicate serious underlying conditions such as gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal blockages or gastroparesis.