8 Signs You Should See a Gastroenterologist

While you might find talking about tummy troubles embarrassing, some symptoms warrant special attention. Over 60 million people in the U.S. are affected by a digestive disease, and others may experience symptoms but go undiagnosed. Seeking help from a gastroenterologist can help you catch an issue before it worsens. Best case, it can give you peace of mind about a pesky digestive symptom you’ve been experiencing. We spoke with three gastroenterologists (GIs) to share eight signs that indicate you should see a gut doctor. 

1. You Have Rectal Bleeding

“While there are many causes of rectal bleeding, including benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, it is important to seek evaluation to rule out other dangerous, and potentially life-limiting conditions, such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, amongst other potential diseases,” says Michael Schopis, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology.

“This has become even more important with recent studies showing the increased incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer,” says Schopis. A 2024 study in The Lancet Oncology found that early-onset colorectal cancer incidence rates are rising throughout the world, with the US being among the top.

2. You Have Persistent Diarrhea

“Diarrhea for 2 weeks or longer should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out potentially harmful conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, thyroid disease, persistent infection, etc,” says Schopis. So keep an eye out for loose or watery stools that last a couple of weeks or more. 

3. You Have Intense Abdominal Pain

“Abdominal pain is something that is tricky because it sometimes just feels like a stomach ache. However, the abdominal pain could be triggered by organs outside of your digestive system,” says James Cox, M.D., a GI physician, assistant professor of medicine & director of clinical skill development at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU.

A stomachache here and there may be normal, but if it’s intense or persistent, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. “Unresolving or debilitating abdominal pain can be a sign of something serious and, as such, should be seen by a gastroenterologist,” says Schopis.

4. You Have Persistent Bloating

“New evidence has shown that bloating can be an early sign of intestinal inflammation and, left untreated, can lead to other chronic health issues,” says Kenneth Brown, M.D., a Texas-based gastroenterologist. It may signal an imbalance in your gut microbiome, which can lead to issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

“If you are experiencing consistent or recurrent abdominal bloating accompanied by other symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical assistance immediately,” says Brown. Some other symptoms you might notice are abdominal pain, changes in your bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or vomiting. While it may be benign, it’s worth checking with a gastroenterologist to see if it’s something more serious. 

5. You Have Lost Weight Unintetionally

People gain or lose weight all the time, but if you’re losing weight and don’t understand why, it may be time to consult a GI doctor. “Weight loss will typically come as a loss of 10 pounds or more very suddenly without the person changing any of their exercise or eating habits,” says Cox. This could signal an underlying health issue that hinders nutrient absorption or lowers appetite. Some examples are celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

6. You Have A Change in Bowel Habits

Changes in the color, consistency or shape of your stools might be a sign that it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. “A change in bowel habits is a sign that people will notice if they look at their stool and see differences in color and consistency or notice a stark change in how often they are having bowel movements,” says Cox. If this is you, schedule a visit with your doctor to see if there’s an underlying reason for these changes.

7. You Have Recurring Heartburn

“Chronic heartburn can be tricky because sometimes it might seem like indigestion and people won’t pay much attention to it. But if you’re feeling a burning pain in your chest near your sternum, this is a telltale sign that it is heartburn and not just indigestion,” says Cox. It might be a sign of a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

8. You Have Swallowing Difficulties

“Trouble swallowing can come in a few forms, such as food coming up in the throat or if food feels as if it’s stuck in your throat or chest,” says Cox. Persistent pain with swallowing is another thing to look out for. According to Schopis, your doctor might schedule an endoscopy so they can evaluate your gastrointestinal tract with a camera.

When to See a Health Care Provider

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s worth seeing your health care provider. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit, according to Schopis, include persistent nausea or vomiting, iron deficiency anemia or black or bloody stools. Your doctor can do further testing to see if your symptoms are a sign of an underlying health issue. “Many conditions are readily treatable if diagnosed early,” says Cox. So it’s worth seeing your doctor proactively to prevent the issue from progressing.

The Bottom Line

While it can be tempting to minimize digestive issues, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A gastroenterologist can provide a thorough evaluation to ensure there isn’t something more serious going on. So if you experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, bloating or heartburn or intense abdominal pain, to name a few, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. While these symptoms may be benign, it’s best to see a GI doctor so that if there is something wrong, you can catch it early.