Reasons to Visit a Gastroenterologist Q&A

There are many reasons why you would need to see a gastroenterologist. Here are some common concerns that would indicate that seeing a gastroenterologist is a good idea.

If you have ongoing diarrhea, you may have one of a few digestive disorders.

Constipation can have various causes that can be difficult to manage on one’s own. A gastroenterologist can recommend courses of action to correct this.

If you have regular or severe heartburn, you may need help from a gastroenterologist. If you have heartburn periodically, you can treat this at home. If you are getting it twice a week or more, then help is advised. Left untreated, this can cause some serious health problems.

If you feel bloated, it is probably due to excessive gas production, hypersensitivity, or gas trapped in your colon. Identifying the cause can bring relief.

If you encounter sudden or severe pain in your abdomen that lasts for hours or if it comes on intensely, this is an indication of something that is not normal. These symptoms can be signs of issues that will require testing and treatment.

If you are bleeding from the rectum or find blood in your stool, these could be causes for concern. If you can identify that it is from a hemorrhoid, you may be able to treat it at home. If it happens with changes in your bowel habits, then see a gastroenterologist.

If it is time for a colonoscopy, it is time to see a gastroenterologist. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or are over 45, it’s time for a screening. These can be lifesavers.

A gastroenterologist will treat issues with the digestive system. These include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Unexplained changes in the bowel, diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool
• Hemorrhoids
• Heartburn
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcers

These are the main concerns that gastroenterologists will treat, but there are other health issues that they can treat as well

The most common symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Indigestion/heartburn
• Blood in the stool
• Bloating/gas
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Change of appetite

An upset stomach can be an inconvenience. If your symptoms last longer, there may be an underlying condition causing the problem. It is important that you don’t ignore the symptoms, especially from the list above. A physical exam can get you on your way to better health.

The 5 most common gastrointestinal diseases are the following:

• Irritable bowel syndrome – This is a problem with the movement of the digestive tract.

• Inflammatory bowel disease – This is basically two diseases, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. These cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

• Acid reflux or GERD – This is a chronic type of heartburn that causes damage to the esophagus.

• Celiac disease – This is an autoimmune condition that affects the digestive tract when gluten is consumed and can lead to damage to the small intestine.

• Diverticulitis – This occurs when small pouches form in the large intestine. These can push through the colon and cause inflammation. They can be very painful.

If you think that you may be having issues with your digestive system, there is a gastroenterologist nearby who is available. Digestive Disease Care DDC has professionals who can diagnose and treat digestive issues. Please call to book an appointment or use the online appointment system. 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.