Warning Signs You Should See a Gastroenterologist Doctor in Kolkata
Your digestive system is the most important part of your overall health. However, in a busy city like Kolkata, people frequently ignore or self-medicate their stomach and bowel problems, hoping that they will resolve on their own. Unfortunately, this delay can result in major consequences. If you are suffering repeated symptoms, you should see a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive system diseases.
Here are some warning indications you should never overlook, as well as why Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen, one of Kolkata’s leading GI cancer and hepatobiliary surgeons, recommends seeking medical assistance right away.
- Persistent abdominal pain
It is normal to experience occasional bloating or indigestion. However, prolonged or acute stomach discomfort, especially if it is localized and reoccurring, may be a sign of: - Gallstones
- Gastric ulcers/Duodenal Ulcer
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- GI cancers
- Jaundice
- Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation etc.
If the pain lasts more than a week or worsens over time, don’t wait. Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen frequently sees patients who ignored early warning signs and needed emergency surgery for illnesses such as severe pancreatitis or intestinal obstruction.
- Blood in vomit or stool
Blood in vomit or stools is one of the most alarming symptoms of digestive problems. It may be red or black (tarry) and can indicate: - Peptic ulcers
- Esophageal varices
- Colon cancer
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Stomach Cancer
- Aneurysms(GI)
- Ischaemia(GUT)
This is never “normal” and requires immediate evaluation. A gastroenterologist can examine through procedures such as endoscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose and treatment of the problem.
- Unexplainable Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight quickly without changing your diet or exercise program, it may indicate:
- Celiac illness.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Liver disorders
- GI malignancies (stomach, colon, and pancreas)
Dr. Sen believes that sudden weight loss accompanied by weariness or loss of appetite is an early indicator of cancer and should never be overlooked.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Irregular bowel movements that last several weeks are a red flag. Possible reasons include: - IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- IBD (Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis)
- Colon polyps or cancer
- Rectal obstruction
- ODS
- Transit Problems
- Medicine Side Effects
- Viral/ Bacterial Infections
If over-the-counter treatments do not work, consult a gastroenterologist. In Kolkata, Dr. Sen provides advanced diagnostic tools to distinguish between functional and structural causes.
5. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
If food feels stuck in your throat or you have difficulty swallowing, it could be due to:
- Esophageal stricture
- GERD (Acid reflux)
- Esophageal cancer
- Achalasia Cardia
An upper GI endoscopy can help detect and treat such disorders in their early stages.
6. Severe acid reflux or heartburn
Frequent heartburn may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which can cause:
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Esophageal ulcer
- Risk of esophageal cancer
- Stricture
- Perforation
- Bleeding
Dr. Sen warns against ignoring long-term acidity and recommends a complete diagnosis to avoid problems.
7. Jaundice or yellowing of skin
Yellowing of the eyes or skin normally indicates to liver or bile duct problems. Causes include:
- Hepatitis
- Bile duct stones
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver or pancreatic tumours
- Hemolysis
Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen, a hepatobiliary surgery specialist, treats patients with similar symptoms on a regular basis, providing both medicinal and surgical options.
8. Family history of gastrointestinal cancers
If your parents or siblings have had colon, pancreatic, or stomach cancer, you may be at a higher risk. Regular screenings and preventive evaluations are strongly advised after the age of 40—or sooner if symptoms arise.
Why should you consult Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen in Kolkata?
Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen is one of India’s most experienced and trusted surgical gastroenterologists, GI, HPB, Colorectal and liver surgeons noted for GI Oncosurgery, Multiple record case successes in world
• Over 26 years of experience in advanced GI surgery.
• Specialized in GI cancers, pancreatic diseases, and hepatobiliary conditions.
• Gold medalist in MBBS and MS, DNB(All India) and many more.
• Practiced at AMRI, Medica Superspecialty, and Belle Vue Clinic, CMRI, Apollo, Fortis, Iris, Dama, HPGH, CAS Chief/HOD/Director/ Senior Consultant.
• Successfully saved lives through complicated surgeries, including Whipple techniques and minimally invasive cancer surgery.
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Gut!
Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently disregarded as trivial or transient—but neglecting them might jeopardize your health. Your body’s SOS signals include unexplainable pain, blood in the stool, and chronic indigestion.
If you’re in Kolkata and notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor like Dr. Suddhasattwa Sen. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term complications.
