Gastroenterology

testing | 15 May 2025

Common Gut Health Issues and How Can You Identify Them?

Our overall well-being is greatly impacted by gut health, which affects everything from our immune system to our mental health. Regrettably, typical gastrointestinal health problems are frequently missed or misunderstood, which causes problems and chronic suffering. For early intervention and successful treatment, it is essential to recognize the symptoms and indicators of these problems. This blog will discuss some of the common gut health issues and offer guidance on how to recognize them, enabling you to take preventative measures for improved digestive health.

 

How Important is A Healthy Gut?

Gut health affects everything from immune system and mental health to digestion and food absorption, making it essential for general well-being. 

A healthy gut: 

• Promotes the body's natural activities and 
• Aids in preserving the proper ratio of good bacteria. 

A weakened gut can cause several problems that can negatively impact one's quality of life.

 

What are the most common gut problems?

Many people have gut problems, which can take different forms and can result in discomfort and other health problems. What are 8 conditions linked to poor gut health? The following are a few of the most common gut problems:

 

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are the hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic disease that affects the large intestine.

Symptoms of gut disorders-IBS

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea, 
• Constipation
• Mucus in the stool

 

How to Identify IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has a wide spectrum of symptoms of gut disorders that can mirror other digestive problems, making diagnosis difficult. 

To differentiate IBS from other gastrointestinal problems and obtain the right treatment, it is essential to recognize the primary indications, which include bloating, irregular bowel habits, and persistent abdominal pain.

Tracking Symptoms of gut disorders

Keep a detailed diary of:

• Symptoms
• Dietary habits
• Stress levels 

It can help to identify gut health problems, patterns and triggers associated with IBS.

Diagnostic Tests

While there is no specific test for IBS, doctors may perform several tests to rule out other conditions, including:

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Colonoscopy

 

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The term "IBD" refers to a group of chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, the most common of which being ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Types of IBD: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

1. Crohn's Disease: Can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus.
2. Ulcerative Colitis: Typically affects only the colon and rectum.

 

Symptoms of IBD

• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in the stool
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

 

How to Identify IBD?

Due to its substantial influence on a person's quality of life, early identification of IBD is essential for optimal management and therapy. The following examines the main gut health problems and signs, diagnostic processes, and crucial factors to consider when diagnosing IBD.

Endoscopic Procedures

1. Colonoscopy: Allows doctors to view the entire colon and take biopsies.
2. Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower part of the colon.

Imaging Tests

1. CT scan: Provides detailed images of the GI tract.
2. MRI: Useful to identify gut health problems, inflammation, and other abnormalities.

Laboratory Tests

1. Blood tests: Check for anemia and inflammation markers.
2. Stool tests: Detect blood and infections.

 

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Recurrent reflux of stomach acid into the esophageal tube (which connects the stomach and mouth), causing irritation, is known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms of GERD

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough

 

How to Identify GERD?

Recognizing the primary gut health problems and signs of GERD is critical for efficient therapy and relief, as it is an early diagnosis. We will look at how to correctly diagnosing gastrointestinal issues like GERD and tell it apart from other gastrointestinal problems in the following paragraphs.

Monitoring Symptoms

Keeping a record of:

• Symptom frequency, 
• Triggers, and 
• Severity 

It can substantially help in diagnosing gastrointestinal issues like GERD.

 

Diagnostic Tests

1. Endoscopy: Examines the esophagus for signs of reflux ulcers, Barretts esophagus and signs of lax lower esophageal sphincter.
2. pH Monitoring: Measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours.

 

4. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (autoimmune disease) occurs when ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Bloating and gas
• Anemia

 

How to Identify Celiac Disease?

1. Blood Tests: Tests for antibodies against gluten.
2. Biopsy: A small sample of the small intestine is examined for damage.

 

5. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine causes SIBO, which manifests as symptoms including diarrhea and bloating.

What are the symptoms of bad gut bacteria (SIBO)?

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss

 

How to Identify SIBO?

An abnormal rise in the population of bacteria in the small intestine is the hallmark of the disorder known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. For treatment to be effective, SIBO must be identified, which entails identifying symptoms, going through diagnostic testing for diagnosing gastrointestinal issues, and being aware of potential risk factors.

1. Breath Tests-Measure hydrogen and methane production, which is among signs of poor gut health & bacterial overgrowth.
2. Laboratory Tests-Stool tests to check for fat malabsorption and other abnormalities.

 

6. Lactose Intolerance

The incapacity to digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products, causes lactose intolerance, which manifests as gastrointestinal health problems.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Abdominal pain

 

How to Identify Lactose Intolerance?

Early diagnosis can aid in symptom management and enhance general health. The signs of poor gut health and techniques for diagnosing lactose intolerance will be covered in this tutorial.

• Lactose Tolerance Test-Measures blood sugar levels after consuming a lactose-containing drink.
• Hydrogen Breath Test-Measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath after consuming lactose.
• Add another point Endoscopy- Can assess for lactase deficiency.

 

7. Constipation

Constipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Symptoms of Constipation

• Fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

 

How to Identify Constipation?

Early detection of constipation is essential for efficient treatment and gastrointestinal health problems avoidance. This book will assist you in identifying the symptoms and indicators of constipation, comprehending its underlying reasons, and investigating workable remedies for alleviation.

Symptom Tracking

Keeping a record of:

• Bowel movements 
• Stool consistency
• Associated symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

1. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to check for blockages.
2. Anorectal manometry to evaluate muscle function.

 

8. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

• Frequent, loose, or watery stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Urgency to have a bowel movement
• Nausea

 

How to Identify Diarrhea?

It is vital to recognize diarrhea to treat it promptly and avoid consequences. We will examine the main signs, causes, and techniques to properly identify gut health problems in this tutorial.

Symptoms of Gut Disorders Tracking

Monitoring:

• Frequency, 
• Consistency, and 
• Duration of bowel movements.

Diagnostic Tests

1. Stool tests to identify infections or other abnormalities.
2. Blood tests to check for dehydration and other complications.

 

Maintaining general health requires knowing what frequent difficulties with gut health are and how to spot them. Through identification of the symptoms of gut disorders and application of suitable diagnostic techniques, people can promptly seek medical guidance and assistance. Whether you have diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, GERD, celiac disease, SIBO, IBS, or IBD, early detection and treatment are essential to enhancing quality of life and averting more gastrointestinal health problems. Better digestive function and general health can result from taking proactive measures to maintain gut health.

 

Get complete Gastroenterology care at Jaslok Hospital

At Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, a group of highly qualified gastroenterologists and support personnel collaborate to offer patients with ailments including pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and gastrointestinal problems complete care. For the treatment of Wilson disease, fatty liver, pelvic floor issues, and hepatocellular cancer, there are multidisciplinary conferences and clinics available. We have a team of renowned medical and surgical gastroenterologists who provide you with the best treatment available.

Patient comfort and satisfaction are given top priority at Jaslok. To provide patients, the confidence and support they need to manage their treatment journeys, the hospital offers individualized care plans, nutritional counselling, and psychological assistance.

The department is well-equipped with advanced technology and equipment, including endoscopes and imaging tools, to perform all diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. The consultants in the department are each well known nationally in their respective subspecialties supported by six experienced resident doctors making the department functional 24 hours a day, making sure all emergencies are dealt with on time. The department is also recognised as a teaching center by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and the Maharashtra University of Health Services (MUHS)