Several conditions can cause discomfort in our digestive system. Chronic pain or symptoms like diarrhea or bloating that doesn’t seem to go away are, in most cases, the apex of some severe conditions we may not know that we’re having. In such cases, seeing a gastro specialist is usually your best option to detect and treat a specific problem and avoid further complications down the line.
Who is a Gastro Specialist?
A gastro specialist is a doctor who is specifically trained to diagnose and treat complications that impact the gastro intestinal system’s (GI) vital organs. These organs include the colon, liver, stomach, pancreas, and esophagus.
If you’re unsure whether seeing a gastro specialist in Singapore is the right option, are some reasons to consider.
- If your General Practitioner recommends that you see a Gastroenterologist
Depending on the signs your GP or family doctor may have noticed or changes, they might have noticed if you went for your routine medical checkup, they might advise that you see a reputed gastro specialist in Singapore. Therefore, you will need to visit your gastroenterologist’s clinic with the GP’s reports or referral letter.
During your appointment, the gastro specialist will ask a couple of questions to see the possible causes of the discomfort in your gastro intestinal system. They may also recommend a few tests depending on their observation for diagnosis and rule out other illnesses.
- If you Notice Awkward Digestive Symptoms
If it is your first time experiencing a few strange digestive symptoms that you have not seen before, it is prudent that you book an appointment with your gastro specialist immediately. Ideally, you should not assume the symptoms if they persist or continue getting intense.
On your appointment, the specialist will do a quick physical exam to determine the appropriate tests for you to discover the cause of your symptoms. They will then make appropriate decisions on the next course of action based on the lab results, physical exam, or imaging sessions.
If the doctor determines that the symptoms are for a common, easy to treat condition such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), they will prescribe appropriate medications, for example, antibiotics, to control it. They may also recommend a hospital stay if it is a condition that requires in-patient medical care.
- If Your Age requires that you go for Regular Screening for Colorectal Cancer (Ideally 50 years+)
Colorectal cancer is one of the most occurring cancers in both men and women. This illness manifests itself in symptoms that can be so frustrating.
The symptoms may range from a change in stool consistency, rectal bleeding and persistent abdominal cramping or pain. Therefore, if you see these symptoms, make a point of seeing your doctor for a thorough medical assessment and screening (if that will be necessary) to begin treating it early.
The same applies to old age. If you’re past 50 years, you’re more vulnerable to the disease, so it would be better if you go for regular colorectal cancer screening. Just like the other common forms of cancer, the earlier you detect this disease, the better.
- If you Experience Esophageal Pain
Pain or discomfort that makes it difficult to swallow or inability to swallow could also be a red flag for a condition that requires immediate medical care. If the difficulty in swallowing or esophageal pain is persistent or intensifies with time, you will need to visit an experienced gastroenterologist in Singapore for a quick exam. They will do an upper endoscopy procedure to determine the real cause of all the pain and difficulty before administering any treatment.
- Frequent Heartburn
You’ll experience heartburn when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. Usually, mild heartburn should resolve on its own, or you may need a few OTC medications to solve it.
However, if it persists or you get the symptoms more frequently, like more than two times in one week, you may be dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is even a more complicated condition. An appointment with your doctor will help you determine if this is the problem so they can create a treatment plan for you.
What Conditions does a Gastro Specialist Treat?
Since gastro specialists are trained to diagnose and treat complications of the Gastro-Intestinal (GI) system, they can treat all the parts of this system for both men and women. Real quick, your GI system is responsible for;
- Absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat
- Digesting and moving food and
- Eliminating waste released in your body
A gastro specialist will therefore treat you of any of these conditions;
- Ulcers
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis C
- Bloody stool
- Acid Reflux
- Polyps
- Pancreatitis
- IBS
- Hemorrhoids
- Colorectal cancer
Wrapping Up
You should not assume any strange symptoms in your digestive system. Acting fast can not only save you from a deadly disease but also help you avoid paying hefty fees for different treatments. Book a quick appointment today with us, and feel free to explain your complications or symptoms so we can help you find a quick way out.
Author Bio:
Written by Meghan Hale, a content writer at Pearl Lemon. You’ll find me yelling at my dog to stop barking, whether it be at the neighbours or on a long afternoon walk.