The significance of gut health has been hotly debated in recent times. Whereas popular belief is that the word ‘gut’ is a synonym for the stomach, it refers to your whole digestive system, including the stomach, esophagus, large and small intestine, and associated organs. Moreover, the gut harbors over 40 trillion bacteria and contains your immune system, rendering it a primary measure of your general health. As you would expect, any issue with this intricate system could impact your quality of life. Luckily for you, whatever gastroenterological condition you have, you can find the best GI doctors to diagnose and manage it professionally. Meanwhile, here are seven typical reasons to consult a gastroenterologist.
1) Heartburn
You might dismiss heartburn as the effects of consuming spicy foods or a typical aging sign, while it might be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn that persists for over several weeks necessitates a look by a gastroenterology expert. OTC drugs could offer relief from heartburn, but if you take them twice or more per week, you must visit a doctor. A gastroenterologist may inspect your upper digestive tract with an endoscope to determine the cause of your symptoms and design a care plan for you.
2) Chronic Bloating or Stomach Discomfort
While virtually everybody experiences bloating and stomach pain from time to time, constant or chronic concerns might disrupt your everyday life. Typical reasons for these concerns include ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Your gastroenterologist may assist you in determining the cause of your condition following a series of tests and evaluations.
3) Food Intolerances and Allergies
Food intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities may cause various unpleasant effects, including diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach pain. A gastroenterologist may test for concerns like celiac illness or lactose intolerance and establish a care plan for these illnesses.
4) Tightness in the Throat
Throat pain and trouble swallowing are frequent symptoms of flu or cold. Nevertheless, it may signal a digestive issue if you feel a throat lump without other viral symptoms, including a cough, congestion, or a runny nose.
5) Shifts in Bowel Habits
Suppose you detect variations in your bowel movements, including stool consistency or frequency. In that case, it will be advisable to contact a gastroenterologist to exclude a more serious digestive disorder.
6) Rectal Hemorrhage
When looking at the issue of bowels, rectal hemorrhage is always deemed unusual. Typically, hemorrhoids are the reason for blood in the stool or toilet paper. Nonetheless, a GI specialist may examine your circumstances to determine if there is a more underlying concern.
7) Preventive Screenings
While most gastroenterological concerns display symptoms, issues like colon cancer can easily go unnoticed. For such concerns, your gastroenterologist may screen warning signs, thanks to advancements in medical technology. According to the American Center for Disease Prevention, patients with an average risk of colon cancer should have colorectal screenings beginning 50 years and extending until 75 years. Screenings might entail imaging scans, stool samples, and a colonoscopy.
It is always better to err on the side of caution than regret! If you observe anything that seems out of the ordinary or endures problems linked to the digestive system that worsen with time, do not ignore visiting a gastroenterologist immediately. For years, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and this expert team at GastroDoxs PLLC have been helping patients across Houston, TX, address a full scope of gastroenterological symptoms. To discover how these specialists can help address your concerns, schedule a consultation through mobile or book online today.