"Five Common Stomach Problems That Could Signal Serious Health Issues" - Colleen De Bellefonds
There’s a point when stomach issues and symptoms aren’t normal and could even be a sign of something more serious. “An off day here or there, especially if your schedule, diet, or lifestyle has changed, is fine. But if there is a sudden change or one that persists without clear explanation, it’s a good idea to get a gastroenterologist involved,” said James Marion, MD, professor of medicine and gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of education and outreach for the Susan and Leonard Feinstein Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Abdominal pain can be tough to pinpoint. “Even though your appendix is in your lower right abdomen, a lot of people have pain in their belly button when they have appendicitis,” Dr. Marion said. “If it’s relatively new and not something you can associate with any change in your diet or lifestyle, if it’s keeping you from doing your daily activities and especially if associated with red-flag symptoms, you should see your doctor after a couple of days,” added. Dr. Marion.
- James F. Marion, MD, Professor, Medicine, Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, Education and Outreach, Susan and Leonard Feinstein Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital