Don’t Ignore These GI Warning Signs: What Your Gut Is Trying to Tell You

By Dr. Cesar Reategui-Sanchez, Colorectal Surgery | UF Health

Your digestive system is one of the most complex and communicative systems in your body. From occasional bloating after a big meal to the discomfort of acid reflux, many gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are easy to brush off as minor nuisances. But as a general and colorectal surgeon at UF Health, I see patients every day who waited too long to address symptoms that turned out to be serious. Knowing which signs to take seriously could save your life.

Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Your Stool
One of the most alarming symptoms patients often dismiss is blood in the stool or rectal bleeding. Some assume it is simply hemorrhoids and move on. While hemorrhoids are indeed common and can cause bleeding, blood in the stool can also indicate colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or peptic ulcers. Bright red blood may suggest a lower GI source, while dark, tarry stools often signal bleeding higher up in the digestive tract. Either way, this symptom should never be ignored. If you notice blood, contact your physician promptly.

Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying might sound appealing, but it is a significant red flag. Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more over a few months warrants a thorough evaluation. This can be an early indicator of GI cancers, including esophageal, stomach, pancreatic or colorectal cancer. It may also signal Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or malabsorption syndromes. If the scale is dropping and you have not changed your diet or activity level, please do not wait to see your doctor.

Persistent Heartburn or Difficulty Swallowing
Occasional heartburn after a spicy meal is one thing, but frequent or severe acid reflux lasting more than two weeks needs attention. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can progress to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer. Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is another symptom that patients often rationalize away. It can point to esophageal strictures, motility disorders or in more serious cases, cancer of the esophagus or stomach. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically improve outcomes.

Persistent Abdominal Pain or Bloating
Everyone experiences some degree of abdominal discomfort now and then. However, pain that is persistent, worsening or accompanied by bloating that

does not resolve may indicate something more serious. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), IBD, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or ovarian and colon cancer can all present with abdominal pain and bloating. Pay attention to patterns. If your pain is becoming more frequent or severe, especially if it wakes you from sleep, that is a signal your body needs professional evaluation.

Changes in Bowel Habits
A sudden and lasting change in your bowel habits, whether new-onset constipation, diarrhea or alternating between the two, should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist. Occasional irregularity tied to travel or diet is normal. However, changes that persist for more than a few weeks, particularly in adults over 45, may point to colorectal cancer, IBD or celiac disease. Narrowing of the stool, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or urgency are also signs worth discussing with your provider.

Jaundice or Yellowing of the Skin
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, known as jaundice, is a warning sign that should never be overlooked. It typically indicates a problem with the liver, pancreas, gallbladder or bile ducts and can be associated with hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. When caught early, many of these conditions are highly treatable.

When in Doubt, Get Checked
Your GI health is too important to leave to chance. At UF Health, our gastroenterology team is here to help you understand your symptoms and develop a personalized care plan. Dr. Cesar Reategui-Sanchez and the team see patients across a wide range of digestive conditions, from routine screenings to complex diagnoses. Do not wait for symptoms to become emergencies. Trust your gut, and let us help you take care of it.

UF Health Welcomes
Dr. César Reátegui-Sanchez, MD, FACS, FSSO

UF Health is proud to announce the addition of César Reátegui-Sanchez, MD, FACS, FSSO, to its distinguished team of surgical specialists. He is a board-certified General Surgeon, with advanced fellowship training in Colorectal Surgery and Surgical Oncology who holds fellowship designations from the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (FSSO). Dr. Reátegui-Sanchez brings exceptional expertise and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. His arrival further strengthens UF Health’s mission to deliver world-class surgical oncology services to patients in our community and beyond.

For more information on UF Health, Dr. Reátegui-Sanchez or our services, call 352.323.5665.