Gastroenterologists manage and treat issues affecting a patient’s digestive system. Patients can visit this healthcare professional for issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, hemorrhoids, and more. Here are a few reasons to visit a gastroenterologist:Â
1. Regular Abdominal Pain
Persistent abdominal pain can affect your quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks. If you are experiencing regular discomfort, seek help from a qualified gastroenterologist. This professional will evaluate when the symptoms manifest and if certain things worsen the pain. They will screen you for appendicitis, pancreatitis, food poisoning or allergies, Celiac disease, or IBS. Diagnostic tests include blood or stool samples, MRIs, or colonoscopies, depending on your condition. After determining the cause of your pain, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgeries. Seeking immediate treatment prevents the condition from worsening or permanently damaging your intestines.Â
2. Unusual Bowel Habits
Irregular bowel movements indicate there is an issue with your large or small intestines and may require treatment. Unusual bowel habits include diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool. Diverticulitis causes pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements. Colon cancer can also cause these same issues. Hemorrhoids cause pain and bleeding in your rectum. A medical professional may recommend changing your diet or increasing your water intake to help with mild digestive problems. They also recommend more in-depth treatment options for serious issues, such as colon cancers, which may necessitate surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.Â
3. Frequent Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes frequent heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth. This comes as a result of acid flowing from the stomach up your esophagus. The condition can also lead to other issues like sore throat, belching, bad breath, and tooth erosion. Occasional acid reflux after a large meal is not a cause for concern, but frequent GERD symptoms may lead to larger issues like esophageal cancer. Your doctor will evaluate the cause of the reflux and whether it’s due to fatty foods, medications, smoking, or excess weight. Eliminating triggering foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help ease symptoms.Â
4. Unhealthy Weight Loss
While healthy weight loss is normal, rapidly losing weight may be a cause for concern. Significant weight loss may be a result of unseen digestive problems. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel condition that causes rapid weight loss and abdominal cramping, among other issues. Your family history, age, and smoking habits can impact whether or not you develop this disease. Long-term damage will occur if this condition is not quickly treated. Complications include bowel obstructions, ulcers, anal fissures, and colon cancer. A gastroenterologist prescribes anti-inflammatory medications to help treat pain and may recommend immunosuppressants for extreme cases.
Seek Help From a Gastroenterologist Today
Gastroenterologists address a variety of issues affecting the large and small intestines, liver, stomach, pancreas, and gallbladder. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your abdominal area, reach out to a healthcare specialist. They will diagnose your condition and help you come up with a suitable treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
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