Why You Should See a Gastroenterologist
3 min read
There are many conditions that can cause digestive problems. A persistent abdominal ache is an indication that something is amiss. Bloating, diarrhea, and gas are also included in the list. In the event that you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a gastroenterologist. These specialists are trained to treat esophageal, stomach, colon, pancreatic, and liver diseases as well as other diseases related to the digestive system. A Gastroenterologist near me may be able to help you if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Table of Contents
Heartburn
When you have heartburn, you feel pain or burning in your chest or throat. Acid flows back into the esophagus as a result of stomach acid flowing back into the stomach. The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach. It is common to experience heartburn occasionally. Treatments include medications and home remedies. When gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs more frequently than twice a week, the symptoms could be more concerning.
As a result of stomach acid irritating the esophagus, GERD occurs. GERD is more likely to occur in overweight or smoking people. Pregnant women are also more likely to develop the condition. GERD can be treated with a number of medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to breathing problems as well as chronic inflammation of the esophagus.
Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard nuggets produced by the gallbladder, an organ in the belly. Small gallstones may be smaller than a grain of sand, while large ones may be the size of a golf ball. A person may have just one gallstone, which is a very rare occurrence. In some cases, multiple stones of varying sizes can develop. A gallstone could cause pain on your right side if you suddenly feel it. When the gallstones move, the pain will go away. In bile, there is an imbalance between compounds that cause gallstones to form. Bile is produced by the liver in order to digest food. The cause of these imbalances is unknown.
Overweight and pregnant women are more likely than others to develop gallstones. As you age, your chances of developing gallstones also increase. If you have had gallstones before, you are more likely to develop them again. In people with gallstones the gallbladder is often removed to treat the condition. It is sometimes possible to dissolve gallstones with a medical solution.
Lactose Intolerance
After drinking milk or eating dairy products, some people develop unpleasant symptoms. Milk contains lactose, which is a sugar. The body produces lactase to digest milk products such as cheese and yogurt.
These foods, however, are indigestible by lactose-intolerant people because they do not produce enough lactase. There will be gas, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, and stomach cramps. These symptoms are generally associated with dairy consumption for two hours afterward. Their severity depends on the type of dairy product consumed. Tests for lactose intolerance can be done by gastroenterologists. If necessary, your diet may need to be altered and supplements prescribed.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease affects millions of people around the world due to its immune system involvement. The disease requires a gluten-free diet. Grains such as wheat, rye and barley contain gluten, a protein. Gluten is also found in certain supplements, medications, and vitamins. Gluten consumption damages the small bowel in celiac disease patients. Pain and diarrhea are common symptoms. A blood test can usually detect celiac disease. It may also be necessary for the gastroenterologist to examine small intestine samples.
Having an Inflammation of the Bowels
Sometimes, an individual’s immune system misidentifies food or other substances as dangerous bacteria. The immune system attacks healthy tissues as a result. This leads to inflammation in the intestines. Chronic digestive system inflammation results in inflammatory bowel disease. You may also experience diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, and fever, which appear to be separate symptoms. Flares may subside and return during this time.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colic is a large bowel disease. Patients with Crohn’s disease have gastrointestinal problems. IBD is diagnosed using various diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, tissue samples, and stool samples. Additionally, endoscopy may be conducted. Intestines are inspected using a scope equipped with a specialized camera.
