o Appetite changes:
Could indicate gastrointestinal obstruction, cancer, or stress.
o Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing):
Associated with GERD, esophageal cancer, or strictures.
o Food intolerance:
Lactose intolerance or celiac disease.
o Abdominal pain:
Sharp/localized: Appendicitis, gallstones.
Diffuse/crampy: Gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
o Nausea/vomiting:
Gastroenteritis, pregnancy, or bowel obstruction.
o Bowel habits:
Diarrhea: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.
Constipation: IBS or hypothyroidism.
o Medications:
NSAIDs can cause gastritis; antibiotics may cause diarrhea.
o Alcohol/tobacco:
Risk for peptic ulcers, liver disease.