Kaithal, 26 September 2026: Gastrointestinal and liver-related complaints are among the common health concerns encountered by clinicians in routine practice, such as acidity, gastritis, constipation and symptoms of irritable bowel, as well as fatty liver disease, hepatitis and other liver conditions. Although some of these disorders at first may show up with mild or non-specific symptoms, early evaluation is useful in detecting any underlying illness and in avoiding complications.

At a knowledge-sharing programme held in Karnal on 26th September 2026, doctors from Gurugram-based Medanta – The Medicity, ranked India’s best hospital by Newsweek in 2026, noted that symptoms including continuous abdominal discomfort, frequent acidity, bloating, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, jaundice or long-term fatigue should not be overlooked, especially if they are recurring or persistent.

Dr. Pawan Rawal, Senior Director, Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram said, “Many gastrointestinal and liver conditions show symptoms which may seem ordinary, for example acidity, abdominal discomfort, a feeling of bloating or alterations in bowel habits. What is important is to realise when these symptoms are ongoing, recurring or accompanied by warning signs and need further investigation. By carrying out a proper clinical assessment, conducting appropriate tests and providing timely intervention it is possible to stop a condition which is generally easy to manage from developing into a more serious disease.”

He further pointed out that patients who have metabolic risk factors, or are obese, diabetic or have high alcohol consumption, liver health also warrants particular attention, as conditions such as fatty liver disease may remain asymptomatic for a long period.

Dr. Rawal was participating in a panel discussion on the topic “Common Gastro and Liver Issues Faced by Clinicians in Routine Practice” at an event in Kaithal organised in association with the local branch of the IMA. He was accompanied by Dr. Shubham Mehta, Consultant, Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram and Dr. Hitesh Panchal, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram.

Some of the gastroenterological problems highlighted at the panel discussion included gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal infections. Liver-related concerns included fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease and abnormalities in liver function tests detected incidentally during routine health evaluations.

Dr. Rawal said, “We often come across patients who have been dealing with recurring acidity, stomach discomfort or changes in bowel habits on their own for months. The important thing is to recognise symptoms and hidden risk factors early. When we spot them early we can do the tests and take action. This helps stop the disease from getting worse and improve long-term outcomes.”

The doctors said that the nature and duration of symptoms, along with a patient's medical history and risk factors, help decide if more tests are needed. The evaluation might involve blood tests, liver function tests, ultrasound or other imaging scans endoscopy and special tests.

Keeping a weight, eating a balanced diet, drinking alcohol in moderation, staying active, and avoiding unnecessary medications all help contribute to better gastrointestinal and liver health. Dr. Rawal said, “People often ignore liver problems until they start to affect daily life. Paying an attention to gut and liver health now can make a big difference, in preventing serious issues later.”