When should you visit a Gastroenterologist

One of the significant parts of our body includes the digestive system. It is mainly formed by the gastrointestinal tract, which consists of all the organs from the mouth to anus. The primary purpose of this method is to process the food and convert it into energy. The alimentary canal includes the pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach along with small intestines and large intestines.

Stomach

There are many problems that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which can be the cause of embarrassment for many people. These are a few digestive conditions that could affect your alimentary canal:

• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease in simple terms is an allergy to Gluten. Gluten is a protein that is usually present in barley, wheat, etc. A person who is sensitive to gluten, on consuming it can suffer from small intestine problems. The symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, constipation diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. The only way to treat this disease is to have a gluten-free diet.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The digestive system produces acid while digesting the food. This acid often goes back up to the esophagus, which gives a burning sensation in the chest. This feeling is known as acid reflux. Having acid reflux on occasions is standard, while regular acid refluxes could be a matter of concern. Acid reflux further causes symptoms like nausea, pain in upper abdomen, and chest, foul breath or erosion of teeth. GERD requires immediate attention by the doctor.
• Gallstones: Gallbladder is a small part of the body. Its primary purpose is storing and secreting bile for aiding in digestion. Sometimes, if the gallbladder is not cleared or if the bile contains high levels of cholesterol, it can lead to the formation of gallbladder stones. These stones cause pain whenever they interrupt the duct joining the gallbladder and intestines. It can either be treated by dissolving the stone through medications or by surgical removal.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids is the inflammation caused by the end of the digestive tract. This inflammation causes symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Fibre-rich diet along with a lot of water can help subside the symptoms. Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery done to cure this disease.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: As the name suggests, this is a syndrome that causes irritable bowel movements. A person can suffer from constipation to diarrhea to both on the same day. People are also known to suffer from bloating in IBS. IBS can only be treated by avoiding anything that causes the symptoms or gas, for example, dairy or alcohol.

Experiencing any of the above symptoms could indicate that there is a need for a visit to the Gastroenterologist.

Who is a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology is a category of medicine which primarily focuses on the digestive system and the disorders associated with it.

A Gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner that specializes in this field. Their education includes pre-medical and medical knowledge of eight years, followed by internal medicine residency of three years and Gastroenterology fellowship of two-three years.

They are allowed to perform these diagnostic and therapeutic procedures:

• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Liver biopsy

What does your gastroenterologist want you to know?

According to the Best Gastroenterologist in East Bay, Dr. Susan Ng, if symptoms of a gastrointestinal disease are identified early and acted upon, it can prevent illness and reduce the further probable suffering of the patients. So, here is how you can study your symptoms and make an early visit to the doctor if required:

• Change of color of your stool: Your stool can act as a good indicator in knowing about your stomach problems. Keeping a check of the color and smell of the feces is essential. The red stool is a frequent alarm for people, but along with that, you should also keep an eye on black feces as they can also indicate the presence of blood in the stool. The presence of blood in the feces is usually caused by Hemorrhoids, a gastrointestinal problem. However bright blood could be indicative of ulcerative colitis.
• Lump in the throat: It is identified by difficulty in swallowing the food or water through your throat. It is an indication of a gastrointestinal disease. You should also notice if the problem in swallowing is accompanied by hoarseness, coughing or hiccupping.
• Gas: Gas is formed naturally in every person’s body, and it leaves the body in the form of burps and farts. It is nothing to be bothered about unless the fart is produced more frequently than usual or if the odor is foul. You should monitor your eating and drinking habits and consult a Gastroenterologist for any severe complication.

So, save yourself from the hassle that comes with ignoring the signs and get in touch with your Gastroenterologist today!

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenterology
2. http://www.gastro.org/
3. http://www.eastbaygi.com/