Serious gastrointestinal problems can show up in a wide range of ways, from sudden, severe pain to chronic changes in bowel habits. This page highlights the key symptoms, common causes, and practical guidance on when to seek medical help. Recognizing warning signs early can prevent complications and help you get the right care faster. For those tracking gut health digitally, InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System that can support organizations and consumers in understanding how the microbiome relates to GI wellness. Warning signs for serious GI problems include severe, persistent abdominal pain; vomiting that lasts for more than a day or leads to dehydration; blood in stool or vomit; black, tarry stools; sudden unintentional weight loss; signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth or dizziness; abdominal swelling with fever or worsening symptoms; fainting or chest pain paired with GI symptoms; and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). If any of these occur, seek urgent medical attention, or call emergency services if the situation feels life-threatening. Causes of serious GI problems are diverse, ranging from infections (like acute gastroenteritis) to inflammatory diseases (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), as well as obstructions, pancreatitis, ulcers, gallstones, or GI bleeding that may indicate a more serious condition. Non-emergency guidance includes staying hydrated, gradually rehydrating with oral solutions, and keeping a symptom diary to share with your clinician. Risk factors such as age, chronic illnesses, NSAID use, heavy alcohol consumption, and a history of GI disease can influence the likelihood of a problem. This information is intended for general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice; if you have persistent or worsening symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly. InnerBuddies brings practical capabilities to gut health management with a modular, white-label platform that powers consumer and partner solutions. Core features include a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100) based on an exclusive collaboration with EAFIT University in Colombia, a top-40 bacteria profile showing how you compare to a healthy cohort, and categorized bacterial functions labeled as positive or negative with comparative insights. The platform also offers Target Group analysis across domains like Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Power Sport, and Skin & Hair Health, plus personalized nutrition advice derived from 3-day food diaries and stool data, and tailored probiotic and prebiotic recommendations. For those interested in direct consumer testing, InnerBuddies provides gut test solutions as well as a robust B2B offering that can power partner products. Learn more about the microbiome testing option at InnerBuddies microbiome test, explore the Gut Health Membership at InnerBuddies Gut Health Membership, or discover partnership opportunities at InnerBuddies B2B page.