When it comes to GI symptoms: Trust Your Gut
Do you know your normal?
It’s time for a gut check.
When it comes to GI symptoms:
Do you know your normal?
It’s time for a gut check.
Stomach pain, painful constipation and frequent diarrhea are just a few of the symptoms stopping millions of Americans from their daily activities.
Are they stopping you from doing what you love?
Today, 60-70 million Americans suffer from GI conditions that can create major disruptions to daily life, and many are suffering in silence.
AGA wants you to Trust Your Gut:
- Recognize uncomfortable stomach symptoms
- Start a conversation with your health care provider
- Get back to health
Don’t wait to take control of your health: Talking to your health care provider is vital to understanding your symptoms and why they are happening.
Know your normal
Uncomfortable GI symptoms are common and happen to most people at some point. Don't delay — ask your health care provider if you experience:
- Sudden changes in bowel frequency.
- Changes in what your stool looks like.
- Frequent gas.
- Constipation (infrequent or hard-to-pass bowel movements).
- Diarrhea (watery, loose stools three or more times a day).
- Blood in your stool.
- Sudden or strong stomach pain.
Make "number two" your #1 question
Conversation starters for your next visit with your health care provider:
"I've had some unusual symptoms with my stomach or bowels I want to run by you..."
"I'm noticing changes in the frequency of my bowel movements... is this normal?"
"I've been feeling constipated lately, is there something I can do about that?"
Based on a survey conducted by AGA, 1 out of every 5 people you know would rather search online for information about problems they’re having with their stomach than talk to you or their health care provider about them. But many gastroenterological (GI, digestive system) health problems have the same or similar symptoms, which makes it harder to know what’s causing them. Many symptoms can also get worse if left untreated. Let’s change that.
You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms. If you need one, ask for a referral to a gastroenterology specialist who can help you come up with a treatment plan to improve your daily life.
Small changes can have a powerful impact on your health.
- Know your normal — Changes in bowel habits can signal a condition that should be talked about with your doctor.
- Start the conversation — GI symptoms are common and happen to most people. Don't be afraid to speak up.
- Don't wait — GI conditions are often treatable. You don't have to suffer in silence.
Trust Your Gut practice tools
Make these resources available in your office, on your practice website or on patient portals to equip your patients with what they need to know to trust their gut and improve their health.
The AGA Trust Your Gut campaign is supported by a sponsorship from Janssen.
