Persistent bloating isn't a diagnosis. It's a symptom that may signal an underlying digestive condition. While it can sometimes be related to diet or eating habits, frequent bloating may also be caused by food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), constipation, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Heartburn more than twice a week is not considered normal and may be a sign of GERD. A gastroenterologist can help determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Seeing blood in your stool can be alarming. While it isn't always a sign of a serious condition, it's never a symptom you should ignore.

Blood in the stool may be caused by something as common as hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but it can also be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps, diverticular disease, or colorectal cancer. One of the most common questions I hear in my office is, "Do I really need to get this checked?"

The answer is simple. Any new or unexplained rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Digestive issues are incredibly common, but that doesn't mean they're something you should simply live with.

As a board-certified gastroenterologist serving Forest Hills and the surrounding Queens communities, I often meet patients who tell me they waited months, or even years, before seeking care. In many cases, earlier evaluation could have led to faster relief and earlier diagnosis.

If you've been wondering whether it's time to see a gastroenterologist, here are the symptoms I recommend taking seriously.