When to See a Stomach Specialist for Your Symptoms?
You should consider seeing a specialist for stomach problems when your symptoms are severe, persistent, or more complex than those typically handled by a primary care physician. When symptoms persist for several days or weeks without improvement, it may indicate a more serious issue requiring specialized care. At Digestive Disease Care, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for various digestive issues. Whether you’re experiencing persistent pain, discomfort, or other concerning symptoms, our specialists are here to help you find relief and improve your digestive health. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.
Table of Contents:
What conditions do stomach specialists diagnose and treat?
When should you see a specialist for stomach problems?
Can a stomach specialist help with food intolerances and allergies?
What should I expect during my first appointment with a stomach specialist?
Stomach specialists, also known as gastroenterologists, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the stomach and intestines. People often visit gastroenterologists when they need specialized care for conditions that are complex, severe, or chronic.
Commonly treated gastrointestinal diseases include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, and colorectal polyps. These specialists also address liver diseases such as toxic or viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.
Additionally, gastroenterologists treat esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and swallowing difficulties, as well as pancreatic and gallbladder diseases like pancreatitis and gallstones. At Digestive Disease Care, stomach specialists provide each patient access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services which are individualized to each patient’s specific circumstances.
You should consider seeing a specialist for stomach problems when your symptoms are severe, persistent, or more complex than those typically handled by a primary care physician. Common symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation often resolve with simple remedies like dietary changes or over-the-counter medications.
However, when these symptoms persist for several days or weeks without improvement, it may indicate a more serious issue requiring specialized care. It’s important to seek medical attention from a stomach specialist, like those at Digestive Disease Care, if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or vomiting.
These symptoms can signal serious underlying conditions that need prompt diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, if you notice changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or if gastrointestinal symptoms are accompanied by fever, it’s essential to consult a specialist to prevent complications and receive appropriate care.
A stomach specialist can help with a wide range of stomach concerns including food intolerances and allergies. Food allergies involve an immune response to specific foods, causing symptoms such as rashes, swelling, stomach pain, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, primarily affect the digestive system and cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea but do not involve the immune system. Despite these differences, both conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care can run various tests to diagnose food allergies and intolerances accurately. They provide information on which foods may trigger adverse reactions, where these foods might be found, and how to manage the condition through avoidance and dietary adjustments. By identifying the specific triggers, specialists can help patients live more comfortably and safely.
During your first appointment with a stomach specialist at Digestive Disease Care, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose and treat your condition effectively. The visit typically begins with a review of your medical history and a physical examination, including checking your heart rate and blood pressure.
The specialist will typically also inquire regarding any medications an individual is using, allergies, and any questions or concerns regarding their stomach health. If your visit is due to unidentified symptoms, the doctor will inquire about the nature of your symptoms, including the location and severity of pain, its duration, and any known triggers.
The gastroenterologist will perform a physical exam, which may involve pressing on the stomach area to check for tenderness or masses and listening for bowel sounds. Depending on your symptoms, additional tests such as blood tests, stool tests, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, or procedures like endoscopy may be ordered to diagnose the problem accurately.
Once the issue is identified, a customized treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and improve your health outcomes.
Stomach specialists are available at Digestive Disease Care. Visit us online to learn more about our services and to meet our team of leading healthcare providers! We also encourage everyone to sign up for our special offers so that you can spend less and feel better! We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, 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.
Additional Services You May Like
Additional Services You May Like
- Abdominal Pain
- Acid Reflux
- Barretts Esophagus
- Bloated Stomach
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Celiac Disease
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy
- Constipation
- Crohns Disease
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulitis
- Esophageal PH Monitoring
- Fatty Liver
- Fibroscan
- Gallstones
- Gastroenterologist
- Gastric Chest Pain
- Gluten Intolerance
- Hemorrhoid
- Hemorrhoid Banding
- Hepatitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Lactose Intolerance
- Pancreatitis
- Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Stomach
- Ulcerative Colitis
- GI Urgent Care