Los Digestive red flag symptoms are those signs which, due to their intensity, persistence or characteristics, require a priority medical assessment. They do not always indicate a serious pathology, but they can be a manifestation of diseases that require early diagnosis and proper management. These include, for example, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, progressive difficulty swallowing, or sustained changes in bowel habits. If these symptoms are present, it is important not to normalise them and to carry out a A guided study that allows its cause to be precisely identified.
Unexplained (unintentional) weight loss
What is the patient feeling
The patient usually notices a Progressive weight loss without any changes to diet, exercise or lifestyle habits. In many cases, this loss occurs silently and is detected when compared to usual weight.
It can be accompanied by a feeling of weakness, tiredness, or a decreased appetite. When it appears without a clear cause, it usually causes concern and requires further assessment.
What pathology may be related
When you should consult
- If the loss is significant. You have lost 51% or more of your body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months without trying.
- If accompanied by other symptoms. Persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, or changes in bowel habits.
- If there is a family history. You have direct relatives with a history of digestive or metabolic diseases.
- If there is no obvious cause. You haven't changed your diet, your exercise level, or gone through a period of intense stress.
How do we handle it at GASTEA?
Preguntas frecuentes
When it happens unintentionally and is sustained over time.
Yes, in some cases it is the only initial sign.
Yes, it's fundamental to identify the cause in order to address it correctly.
Loss of appetite (hyporexia)
What is the patient feeling
The patient usually notices a loss of appetite, with less interest in food or a feeling of early fullness when starting to eat. This can to appear progressively or suddenly.
In many cases, it is accompanied by weight loss, tiredness or a general feeling of malaise. When it persists over time, It can affect nutritional status and general well-being.
What pathology may be related
When you should consult
- If the loss of appetite persists. Loss of appetite persists for more than one or two weeks with no apparent cause.
- If early satiety occurs. You feel full almost immediately after you start eating, even with small portions.
- If accompanied by weight loss. You note that a lack of appetite is causing an involuntary decrease in your weight.
- If there are other warning signs. Symptoms appear such as nausea, abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, or changes in skin colour (jaundice).
How do we handle it at GASTEA?
Preguntas frecuentes
It can happen occasionally, but if it persists, it's worth getting it checked.
Not always, although it can appear if it persists over time.
Yes, it's important to identify the cause in order to address it correctly.
Tiredness or weakness (asthenia)
What is the patient feeling
The patient usually notices a Feeling of continuous tiredness, lack of energy o Difficulty performing usual activities that previously required no effort. This feeling doesn't entirely improve with rest.
In some cases, it may be accompanied by lack of concentration, lower performance o General feeling of weakness. When maintained over time, it can be a sign that something isn't working correctly in the body.
What pathology may be related
When you should consult
- If tiredness is chronic. The feeling of fatigue persists for several weeks and does not improve after adequate rest.
- If you limit your activities. Weakness prevents you from carrying out everyday tasks that you used to do with ease.
- If you notice paleness or shortness of breath. Asthenia is accompanied by unusual paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, or difficulty breathing when walking.
How do we handle it at GASTEA?
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always, but it's worth considering if it's persistent.
Yes, it's important to identify the cause in order to address it correctly.
Iron deficiency anaemia
What is the patient feeling
The patient can No particular tiredness, lack of energy or feeling of weakness without a clear cause. In some cases, paleness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating may also appear.
When the iron deficiency it persists over time, these symptoms may become more evident and affect daily performance. Sometimes, it's an incidental finding in a blood test before symptoms become very clear.
What pathology may be related
- Oesophageal cancer.
- Stomach cancer.
- Bowel cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Coeliac disease.
- Chronic atrophic gastritis.
When you should consult
- If confirmed in an analytical report. Iron or haemoglobin levels are low.
- If you feel persistent tiredness. The fatigue doesn't disappear with rest and affects your normal pace of life.
- If paleness or dizziness appears. You notice a loss of colour in your skin and mucous membranes, or you experience feelings of instability and shortness of breath.
- If there is visible bleeding in the stools or you have a history of chronic digestive pathologies.
How do we handle it at GASTEA?
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always, although it is one of the most frequent causes.
Yes, in some cases it can be due to blood loss or absorption problems.
Yes, but it's important to identify the cause in order to treat it correctly.
- Origin of the deficit. We are evaluating potential losses or absorption problems.
- Personalised diagnostic plan. We define the necessary tests to identify the cause.
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