Everyone experiences digestive problems occasionally, but some symptoms can indicate that you should seek help from a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist treats the digestive system.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can indicate something is wrong with the digestive tract. It can range from gas and bloating to ulcers or urinary infections. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like cancer. If you have persistent abdominal pain, seeing a gastroenterologist is important to get the right diagnosis. Your doctor will want to know what kind of pain you are feeling, where it is, and how long it has been there. They may do a physical exam and take notes to help make an accurate diagnosis.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Diarrhea is a common problem that may arise from eating foods that don’t agree with your stomach, a virus, or medications. An occasional bout of diarrhea isn’t caused for concern, but if you have chronic diarrhea, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a specialist trained in disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus). They are also experts in bowel cancer, colorectal cancer, and other digestive conditions. During an exam, a gastroenterologist will use a stethoscope and palpate the areas of your abdominal cavity to check for abnormal growths, pain, or other issues. Gastroenterology Of The Rockies can perform diagnostic procedures such as a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. They may recommend additional tests as well.
Rectal Bleeding
One indication that anything could be wrong with your gastrointestinal (GI) system is bleeding from your rectum or anus. Getting medical help for this symptom is important because it can be a sign of cancer or another serious condition. Rectal bleeding is a common symptom caused by various conditions, including hemorrhoids and constipation. Hemorrhoids usually heal independently, but constipation and anal fissures often need treatment by a doctor to stop bleeding. Blood from stools can range from bright red to black or tarry. It’s also sometimes combined with mucus. It can make it difficult to tell whether the bleeding is coming from your rectum, colon or upper GI tract.
Abdominal Discomfort with Eating
Stomach discomfort is one of the signs and symptoms of digestive issues people experience most frequently. While stomach pain is often not harmful, it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your digestive system and may necessitate the care of a gastroenterologist. A dangerous medical condition may be present if your abdomen pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a sudden desire to use the restroom. If this feeling is repeated or persists after eating, see your doctor immediately. A gastrointestinal (GI) specialist is trained to diagnose and treat digestive problems and certain forms of cancer. In some cases, they will conduct an endoscopy to examine the lining of your intestines and other areas of your digestive tract.
Food Allergies
When your immune system incorrectly interprets the proteins in a particular meal as harmful, a food allergy occurs. It releases chemicals like histamine, which causes a range of symptoms. Food allergies affect about 50 million Americans and can develop at any age. Some patients may experience a potentially fatal allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis in addition to mild to severe symptoms. Food allergies can be treated with epinephrine, a hormone that can relieve symptoms and help you breathe. If you have an allergy, it’s important to always carry a supply of epinephrine with you.
