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When should you see a GI specialist?

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healthcareAre you planning to see GI specialists near Florida? However, if you are suffering from any digestive symptoms like pain in the stomach it is recommended that you should consult your doctor first because they will be the one to decide whether you need a GI specialist or not. But if you are experiencing severe GI issues or you don’t have a doctor you can directly ask a gastroenterologist.

Nonetheless, in this article, we will be listing the signs when you should see a GI specialist. But before we tackle those signs let us first define what gastroenterologist is.

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists specialize in treating and diagnosing GI ailments in both men and women. These specialists, on the other hand, execute endoscopic procedures, wherein they utilize instruments to check the GI tract in order or make an analysis. But, GI specialist does not perform surgery, instead, they are seeking assistance from GI surgeon.

Conditions Treated by Gastroenterologist

  • Colon cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Bloody Stool
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Jaundice
  • Hepatitis C
  • IBS
  • Ulcers
  • Acid Reflux

Signs You Need to See a GI Specialist

  1. Heartburn

If you are experiencing regular heartburn for six months and PPI or proton pump inhibitor is not working, then there is a higher chance that you need a treatment for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

  1. Rectal Bleeding (for women)

When you see a blood on toilet paper or in the toilet do not overlook it. Actually, the common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids and all types of bleeding are abnormal and unsafe. So if you experience this symptom don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or GI specialist to avoid severe underlying causes.

  1. Lump in the Throat

If you’re having a hard time swallowing foods and water like it used to, make sure to get it check particularly if the approaches get more extreme over time. Because there is a possibility that it could be a sign of esophageal cancer.

  1. There is a change in your bowel routines

When you notice a change in your bowel routines, visiting a gastroenterologist is a good idea to make sure that it will not cause severe digestive conditions.

Other Signs that you need to see a GI Specialist

  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Dark Urine
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of weight and appetite
  • Belching or Excessive Gas
  • Digestive tract inflammation
  • Nausea
  • Ulcers

These are only some of the many common signs of gastrointestinal disease. On the other hand, even though you did not experience any of the mentioned signs above you should still consult your doctor for the reason that some gastrointestinal diseases are asymptomatic. In other words, it is not showing or producing any symptoms.

Conclusion

By exercising regularly, eating healthy and nutritious food, as well as avoiding foods that will damage your system, gastrointestinal diseases can be prevented. Aside from those, you should also visit a GI specialist for regular checkup and treatment especially if you experience some of the symptoms mentioned above or you are currently experiencing severe GI issues.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.