Are you feeling bloated, gassy or dealing with constant stomach discomfort? Maybe you’ve chalked it up to stress, late-night snacking, or just “normal digestive problems.” But your stomach may be trying to tell you something important. From sudden changes in bowel habits to frequent heartburn, some symptoms are warning signs that you should not ignore.
To help you understand what your stomach is signaling, Dr Deepak Bhangale, gastroenterologist, hepatologist and interventional endoscopist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, in his Instagram post dated September 17, shared common stomach problems that need your attention before they become serious. (Also read: ‘Eat 1-2 whole eggs every day’, says gastroenterologist at Fortis Delhi, explains why the yolk is good for your heart health ,
Gut symptoms you should never ignore
Dr. Bhangale explains, “A patient came to me with heartburn daily for more than a year. Initially, he thought it was just acidity and he took some antacids, but the symptoms kept worsening. Gradually, he started losing weight and even swallowing food became difficult. When we did an endoscopy, it revealed oesophageal cancer.”
He explains, “It is normal to have occasional acidity, but if you experience heartburn daily for months, or notice symptoms like unexplained weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or persistent discomfort, it may not be ‘just acidity’. Early detection is important. In the early stages, treatment is much more effective. If ignored, complications increase and the condition becomes very difficult to manage.”
How serious can frequent acid reflux become?
Dr. Bhangale emphasizes, “Many people try to ignore frequent heartburn or acid reflux as minor, but these can be warning signs of serious gastrointestinal problems. If you experience these symptoms repeatedly, especially difficulty in swallowing, do not hesitate, consult a gastroenterologist. Your gut health needs attention before it escalates.”
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
