What exactly is a gastroenterologist and how can you tell when it’s time to visit the gastroenterologist? A gastroenterologist is a specialist in the field of digestive health and issues that affect digestion, the stomach and bowels. It is also a specialist in other organs associated with the digestive tract in general.
Many things happen during the time that food is ingested into your mouth and is removed into your body in the form of waste. The pancreas, liver, stomach, and esophagus contribute to the process of digestion. Sometimes, your digestion changes might be minor reactions to new medications, foods or stress-related situations. Certain symptoms could indicate something more serious and needs to be investigated. How do you determine when it is time to visit GI consultants and what to do if the symptoms disappear?
It’s always good to have any new signs assessed. Certain symptoms require more treatment than others. The signs below need immediate attention by an GI specialist. Here are seven signs that you must visit a gastroenterologist.
A Lump in Your Throat
Most people have experienced throat sore and trouble swallowing at one time. If you notice a lump that’s not accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms it could be a digestive issue. If you feel discomfort or problems taking liquids in, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. This could be a sign of something more serious like cancer of the esophageal tract. Keep a note of the appearance of the issue and any other symptoms that are associated with it. Your GI specialist will utilize all of the information provided to determine the correct diagnosis.
Blood in Your Stool
There is nothing more terrifying than the sight of the blood in your stool following a bowel movement. Red blood that is visible on toilet paper isn’t quite as significant as the black stools. Red blood on the toilet paper may result from hemorrhoids. Women who are postmenopausal may be prone to bleeding from thin tissue. If the blood appears to have an appearance of black It is an indication that something is occurring within your digestive system.
If you experience recurrent signs of bleeding from your rectal area, other symptoms that are associated with it or are 40 or older, you should be examined. Inform your gastroenterologist of all the symptoms you’ve encountered and the frequency at which they occur.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are not life-threatening however they can be difficult for some. Although most hemorrhoids are located in the exterior of the anus and are simple to treat, internal hemorrhoids are more difficult to treat. Specialists in GI can treat internal hemorrhoids in colonoscopy procedures.
Unexplained Weight Loss
A lot of us fantasize about losing weight with little effort. When unproven weight loss occurs is usually the result of health issues. Other conditions can cause you to begin losing weight, however, conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease make seeing the GI doctor an ideal starting point. They are also able to determine the severity of conditions like stomach, pancreatic as well as colon cancer.
Excessive Gas
Everybody experiences gas, but when it is accompanied by other negative effects, it could be a health risk. There could be reasons to worry if the gas smells especially unpleasant, or you suffer from abdominal discomfort, unanswered weight loss or changes in your bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
Your Clothes Are Too Tight
The majority of us are able to tell that we’ve put on some pounds. The clothes you wear may not be as comfortable and loose as normal. If a shift in your fit occurs suddenly, it’s likely an indication of bloating, not weight growth. In itself, bloating may not be an issue. If you are experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain , bloody stool, you should consult your gastroenterologist. The food allergy, the reflux and gallstones are a few of the possible reasons. It’s recommended to get your symptoms examined by a gastroenterologist in order to determine if you have a serious condition and seek treatment to reduce your symptoms.
Read Article : 5 Best Ways To Prevent Injuries While Exercising
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD is a cause of heartburn, and can make it difficult to eat your most loved food items. If your heartburn persists for more than a couple of weeks, it is time to consult an GI doctor. Most often the doctor will utilize endoscopy to look at the upper portion of your digestive tract to determine the cause of your discomfort. Another reason to consult an GI specialist is for routine examinations of the digestive tract.
When To See A Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists are knowledgeable of the entire digestive tract as well as the diseases and conditions which affect it. The doctors of GI Associates are board-certified in gastroenterology after accumulating at minimum six years of experience following medical school. They’ve received their training in some of the top leading universities within the United States, and this diversification allows our doctor to gain access to numerous sources of expertise as well as high-quality consultations and opinions without the need to travel outside central Mississippi. Don’t feel embarrassed to have your medical conditions assessed. Call GI consultants in Irvine to make an appointment now.
