Bloating, heartburn, stomach pain… most of us have dealt with these at some point and chalked them up to something we ate. But sometimes, digestive symptoms are trying to tell us something more important. Liz Deck, a nurse practitioner (NP) with more than 20 years of experience at Riverside Bourbonnais Internal Medicine, helps explain what to watch for and when to take action.
It Is Not Always About Food
When digestive discomfort strikes, food is often the first thing we blame. In some cases, that is right. But other times, the cause goes deeper. Deck points out that chest pain or burning sensations can signal a heart problem rather than a digestive one. "We're concerned about that and want to make sure if there is any type of heart history. To make sure it is not the heart, but truly a digestive issue," she states.
Location matters too. The abdomen is divided into sections, and where the pain shows up gives important clues. Pain in the lower right area could point to the appendix. Pain in the lower left is often linked to diverticulosis, which a condition where small pouches form in the colon wall. This is not just a condition for older adults. "We have found diverticulitis in the twenty to thirty-year-old group," Deck explains. "So, we have to do that physical assessment and look at the proper diagnostic testing."
When Common Symptoms Become a Concern
Heartburn and bloating are easy to dismiss. Deck urges that they deserve attention, especially when they keep coming back. One of the most overlooked contributors to both is constipation. Many people do not realize how significant this is. The body should eliminate waste every 24 to 48 hours. When patients tell Deck it has been three to five days, she takes it seriously. "These are waste products that have to be eliminated from the body," she cautions. "It should be a natural progression."
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support digestion. Deck recommends a minimum of 46-60 ounces of fluid per day. Water is best, but other beverages count too. "Our body's biggest component is fluid, and we have to keep replenishing that."
The Gut and the Mind Are Connected
Many people do not know that the gut is deeply connected to mental health. "We have more receptors in our gut than we have in our brain for anxiety and depression and stress," Deck reinforces. That means stress, poor sleep, and emotional struggles can show up as very real physical symptoms in the stomach or abdomen.
When to Call Your Provider
Do not wait for your next annual exam if something feels off. Deck encourages patients to reach out through a MyChart message or phone call as soon as symptoms interfere with daily life. Pain that does not go away, symptoms that keep coming back, or discomfort severe enough to limit normal activity are all reasons to act sooner rather than later. And when it comes to Googling symptoms? Deck has clear advice: skip it. "We don't want them terrified. We don't want them scared. We would like them to contact their primary care provider."
If you do not have a primary care provider, visit myrhc.net/acceptingnew to find one near you.