Common Questions to Ask Your GI Specialist

There are many different health conditions, diseases, or other issues that can cause digestive problems, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms that may be experienced. Some of the most common symptoms associated with digestive problems include:

• Bloating of the abdomen
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Pain throughout the abdomen
• Heartburn
• Blood in the stool
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Depending on the cause of the symptoms, the ease at which these symptoms can be managed will vary. While many of these symptoms can be easily managed at home or are not severe, symptoms such as blood in the stool or if any of the symptoms persist, medical care should be sought as soon as possible to ensure that the cause of the symptoms can be addressed. Some digestive problems can lead to further complications or be indicative of a serious health condition, so they should all be taken seriously and brought to a healthcare provider for a professional assessment.

Gastroenterology (GI) doctors specialize in gastrointestinal diseases, making them the qualified healthcare provider to provide accurate diagnoses and treatments for any health concerns regarding the organs included within the digestive tract. The most common reason why someone would be referred to a GI doctor is if they are experiencing symptoms that are most likely indicative of a digestive health disorder, such as unexplained but frequent digestive problems including changes to bowel habits, discomfort or pain within the abdomen, or any other common digestive disorder symptoms.

Your primary care physician may also refer you to a GI doctor if you have developed any polyps or are exhibiting symptoms that may be indicative of a more complex or serious digestive health condition, as a GI doctor will have more experience and knowledge in treating these conditions than most other health care providers.

GI doctors diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions that affect the digestive tract, including gastrointestinal disorders, esophageal disorders, liver diseases, gallbladder disorders, and pancreatic disorders. They are qualified to provide medical care for more complex or severe digestive disorders, including different types of cancer that affect the digestive tract, as well as irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, and ulcers. GI doctors are also qualified to check for food intolerances and allergies, such as celiac disease. Other commonly diagnosed and treated health conditions by GI doctors include:

• Appendicitis
• Colorectal polyps
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Hiatal hernias
• Fatty liver disease
• Toxic or viral hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis
• Cholecystitis

GI doctors are also able to provide preventative care for their patients, offering regular screenings such as colonoscopies and other types of endoscopies to ensure that any conditions are detected as early as possible while providing every patient with recommendations to ensure that they can maintain the health of their digestive system long-term.

GI stands for gastrointestinal, which in medicine includes all of the organs associated with the digestive system all of the way from the mouth to the anus, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and salivary glands. A GI doctor is also known as a gastroenterologist, which is a type of physician who has specialized in the field of gastroenterology to assess, diagnose, and treat any problems that develop within the GI tract. GI doctor and gastroenterologist are synonymous terms referring to this type of specialist who provides essential digestive health care, as well as preventative care and screenings to promote, maintain, and improve the overall health of the gastrointestinal tracts of each patient. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.