What Are Signs That You Need To See A Gi Doctor
First, if you have severe abdominal pain, please call 911, as it may be serious and even life-threatening. If you dont have severe abdominal pain, then you can see a GI doctor like one of ours here at Vanguard Gastroenterology.
You should see a GI doctor if you have minor symptoms and you think you might have a problem with your stomach or digestive system. See a GI doctor if you have symptoms like:
- Minor abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing that you cant explain
- Blood in your stool
- Any problems with digesting food properly
- Bloating
- Bleeding
- Incontinence
Also, if youre 50 years old or older, you may need to start seeing a doctor like a GI doctor regularly. This is because men and women at this age have a higher risk of getting colon cancer.
See A Gastroenterologist In London
Looking for the best gastroenterologist in London? Dr Sarmed Sami is a leading London gastroenterologist, who is rated as excellent on Doctify.
Based at London Gastroenterology Centre, Dr Sami sees patients with a range of digestive health issues. Do you have symptoms you want to get checked out? Book an appointment today.
Signs You Need To See A Gi Doctor
- 7 Signs You Need To See A GI Doctor
What does a gastroenterologist do and how do you know when it’s time to see a gastro doctor? A gastroenterologist is an expert in digestive health and issues related to the stomach, intestines, and bowels, but also includes a number of other organs related to the entire digestive tract.
A lot happens between the time food enters your mouth until it is excreted from your body as waste. Your liver, pancreas, esophagus, and stomach all play a role in the digestive process. Sometimes changes in your digestion may be a minor response to new foods, medications, or stressful situations. Certain symptoms may indicate something more serious that needs to be checked out. How do you know when to see a GI doctor and when to let symptoms pass?
Its always a good idea to get any new symptoms evaluated. Some require faster attention than others. The symptoms below require immediate attention from a GI specialist. Here are 7 signs you need to see a gastroenterologist:
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In General What Conditions Do Gastroenterologists Treat
Gastroenterologists can evaluate for and treat a wide variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease , gastroesophageal reflux disease , celiac disease, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and more. GI doctors also routinely perform screenings for colon cancer.
My area of specialty is in prevention and early detection of cancers such as colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer. I enjoy helping patients, especially those with a family history, understand their risk for cancer while offering genetic testing, screening and more.
Overall, its important for patients to openly discuss stress and GI symptoms with their doctors. Primary care doctors can help manage stress and treat symptoms, but in some cases it may be necessary to see a gastroenterologist to evaluate for other conditions.
Signs You Should See A Gastroenterologist
If youre experiencing unusual digestive issues or new pain and discomfort in your digestive tract, its best not to ignore them. While it may be tempting to wait and see if they go away or diminish, but this is a gamble you shouldnt take. The condition may become worse or even life-threatening.
A gastroenterologist is an expert in gastrointestinal ailments and is trained to diagnose and treat them. Here are 11 signs that you should see a gastroenterologist.
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Youve Been Suffering Bouts Of Crampy Pain On Your Upper Right Sideand Now The Discomfort Is Moving Into Your Back
This scenario could mean you have gallstones. Little pebbles formed of cholesterol or bilirubin , gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ballso you can see how the larger variety might clog up the passages that lead from your gallbladder. That can cause sudden and rapidly worsening pain in the center or upper right part of your abdomen, which can radiate to your back and be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, jaundice, or a fever. If the gallstone makes it to the liver or pancreatic duct, it can cause liver dysfunction or pancreatitis. These kinds of conditions often require hospitalization, and you may need your gallbladder taken out, warns DeVito.
Good to know: Pain in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen can also signal hepatitisinflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virusor a kidney infection. Never ignore a bladder infection, which can spread to the kidneys and cause lasting damage. Kidney stones also can cause RUQ pain, but no one needs a nudge to get help for that problem, which is sometimes described as more agonizing than childbirth.
What Is Gastrointestinal Surgery
Gastrointestinal surgery is a treatment for diseases of the parts of the body involved in digestion. This includes the esophagus , stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. It also includes the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Surgery may be used to remove a cancerous or noncancerous growth or damaged part of the body, such as the intestine. It may also be used to repair a problem like a hernia . Minor surgical procedures are used to screen and diagnose problems of the digestive system.
Below are gastrointestinal conditions that may be treated with surgery:
A surgical procedure called an endoscopy is used to screen and diagnose problems of the digestive system. The doctor puts a long, thin tube with a tiny camera into the body to see inside. If the problem is with the stomach or esophagus, the doctor puts the scope through the esophagus. To check for colon cancer or other problems of the intestines, the doctor puts the scope through the anus into the intestine.
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Difference Between Gastrologist And Gastroenterologist
It can be difficult to pronounce some medical phrases. Gastroenterology, the medical branch that focuses on the digestive tract, is a prime instance. It is simple to see why it is called gastrology by an error by many individuals.
Gastrology has a medical definition: it is the study of illnesses of the stomach and the stomach. But today it’s not a medical specialty in the U.S. A gastroenterologist is the sort of doctor you would see for stomach issues, not a gastrologist.
Does A Gastroenterologist Perform Surgery
A Gastroenterologist does not perform surgery. His work is limited to diagnosis and medical treatment. However, under the broad classification of surgery, Gastroenterologists do perform such procedures as liver biopsy and endoscopic examinations of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel. Also, the Gastroenterologist frequently works with surgeons before and after an operation in helping select the best operation for a particular patient, and in providing follow-up care relevant to the particular digestive disorder.
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What To Do When You Have Stomach Problems From Anxiety
While the best way for you to stop your stomach problems is to cure your anxiety, there are some strategies that you can try to implement that may reduce some of the symptoms. These include:
- Breathing Exercises There are relaxation exercises that focus on the idea of breathing more efficiently. When your stomach problems are caused by hyperventilation or air swallowing, slow and controlled breathing can be not only calming but also reduce the likelihood of further air swallowing symptoms.
- Healthier Diet Even though anxiety is going to create some stomach problems no matter what you eat, the reality is that foods that are hard to digest are always going to put some strain and stress on your stomach. When combined with anxiety, they’ll be more likely to get much worse. Healthier eating can be a much more effective way to ensure that you aren’t suffering from as many stomach problems.
- Exercise Exercise can temporarily create more stomach problems because exercise increases stomach acid. But eventually, exercise should help you control your anxiety better, and possibly improve your hormonal balance. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, providing far more benefits than simply muscle mass and a healthy heart.
Your Clothes Are Too Tight
Most of us can tell if weve picked up a few pounds. Your clothes might not feel as loose and comfortable as normal. When a change in fit happens suddenly, its probably bloating instead of weight gain. By itself, bloating might not be a problem. When you have other symptoms like abdominal pain or bloody stool, then you need to see your gastroenterologist. Food allergies, reflux, and gallstones are just some of the possible causes. It’s best to have your symptoms checked out by a gastroenterologist to rule out serious conditions and get treatment to help alleviate your symptoms.
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Reasons You May Need To See A Gastroenterologist
One interesting aspect of gastroenterology is that often many of the disorders and conditions covered by the branch have very similar symptoms. This means that it can be difficult to self-diagnose after the onset of new symptoms. For instance, a bout of diarrhea could be caused by eating contaminated food, but it could also be caused by a more serious disease. The same could be said for constipation or bloating or any number of other common gastrointestinal symptoms. It is precisely because of this ambiguity that making an appointment with a GI doctor is recommended any time you experience abnormal symptoms that last longer than a week or so. Below are some reasons that you might need to seek help from a gastroenterologist:
How Gastroenterologists Help With Gerd
The key to treating your GERD: a board-certified gastroenterologist
If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, a specialist can help. GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barretts esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.
A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . Our gastroenterologists are fellowship-trained and qualified to diagnose GERD and help develop a meet your treatment plan.
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Where Can I Find A Stomach Specialist In New York Ny
You can find one here at Vanguard Gastroenterology! Go ahead and read about our professionals, or for a consultation with one of the professionals. During a consultation, well provide an evaluation and tell you more about the tests and treatments we can provide. Well also make sure youre very comfortable with your stomach specialist and our procedures at Vanguard Gastroenterology.
We look forward to your visit with us! We serve patients from New York NY, Midtown NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, East Elmhurst NY, Ridgewood NY, Valley Stream NY, and Staten Island NY.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES YOU MAY NEED
You Have Persistent Pain With Chronic Diarrhea Or Constipation
Recurrent abdominal pain, accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or both, is not necessarily terribly worrisome: These are hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome , which is unpleasant for many and a true blight for some, but not actually dangerous. The best reason to take these symptoms to a doctor is that they can be managed. If you have diarrhea, we have medication to slow you down, DeVito says. If you have constipation, we have medication to make you go. Your provider can also help you figure out your triggerswhich may be specific foods, like dairy or gluten. Stress is another common trigger clinicians often recommend exercise and mindfulness meditation, among other remedies.
But those common symptoms are not so benign if theyre paired with bloody bowel movements, weight loss, night sweats, or other whole-body symptoms. That set of issues suggests a much more serious condition known as inflammatory bowel disease . Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, two of the most common forms of IBD, can cause life-threatening complicationsamong other things, they increase the risk of colon cancer. So its important to be under a doctors care.
Good to know: Low-dose antidepressants can be helpful for people with IBS. Thats not necessarily because sufferers are depressed, but because the medications help calm the intestines.
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Symptoms Related To Normal Stomach Issues
Normal stomach issues typically come along with certain symptoms.
- Stomach Ache With Bloating: Normally, gas passes through the anus. Stomach aches with bloating can occur when gas is trapped in your digestive system. Its a common problem that can be easily treated with an over-the-counter medicine that relieves gas. Dietary changes can also help relieve gas buildup.
- Sudden Stomach Cramps With Diarrhea: If you experience stomach cramps along with diarrhea, you may have a stomach virus. Also known as gastroenteritis, its a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. Gastroenteritis should improve without treatment after several days.
You’re Due For A Colonoscopy
If you’re over the age of 45 or have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, you’ve probably heard your doctor recommend a colonoscopy.
“Most people begin having screening colonoscopies at age 45,” says Dr. Glassner. “From there, the frequency varies based on your results but if the findings are normal and you have no other risk factors, you only need to repeat a colonoscopy every 10 years.”
And while a colonoscopy might sound uncomfortable, it can save your life. Early detection of colorectal cancer is important when caught early, it can lead to less aggressive treatment and better chance of survival.
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Are You Seeing The Right Specialist
Sometimes the frustration of a misdiagnosis or being undiagnosed stems from the fact that a patient is seeing the wrong kind of specialist, one who doesn’t understand the body system the patient’s real medical problem stems from.
Consider Lydia, who complained of stomach pains for several weeks. She visited her primary care doctor who referred her to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a specialist who takes care of our digestive systemseverything from the stomach through the intestines through the colon.
The gastroenterologist sent Lydia for some tests, and when the results came back, he told Lydia he didn’t see any problems. He prescribed a drug to help control the nausea, and Lydia went home, hoping the nausea would go away.
Weeks went by, and Lydia’s stomach upset continued to get worse. She returned to the gastroenterologist who ran more tests, but he still was not able to identify her problem. She returned to her primary care doctor who told her he couldn’t find anything either.
At the point where she began to dehydrate from vomiting, Lydia’s husband took her to the emergency room. A CT scan revealed ovarian cancer.
The primary care doctor had missed it. The gastroenterologist had missed it. Both were focused on the digestive system and stomach upset and didn’t consider a problem that might stem from Lydia’s female reproductive system.
What Procedures Can A Gastroenterologist Do
A gastroenterologist can perform various nonsurgical procedures, such as
- Endoscopy: This involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to look inside the gut. The procedure may be coupled with an ultrasound to further enhance the diagnostic potential of the procedure. Endoscopy helps examine the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure involves the examination of the large bowel to diagnose conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, colon polyps and colon cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: This is a procedure to examine the inside of the sigmoid colon .
- Liver biopsy: This involves collecting a small tissue sample from a diseased area in the liver, which is sent to the lab for examination under a microscope.
Digestive disorders affect approximately one out of every five Americans. Digestive symptoms should not be ignored. Talk with your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing discomfort. People suffering from frequent digestive issues and not experiencing relief after using over-the-counter medicines or getting treatment from a general physician need to visit a gastroenterologist immediately.
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When To See A Doctor For Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be a sign of serious illness. It can be caused by appendicitis, abdominal aortic , ectopic pregnancy, or even a perforated colon, for example. These are emergency situations that require immediate medical care. Go to your local emergency department as soon as possible if you:
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Have blood in your stool or urine
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Canât touch your abdomen because itâs too tender
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Are pregnant
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Had a trauma or injury to the abdomen within the previous few days
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Are unable to stand up straight because of severe pain
You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if the pain has lasted more than a few days, you havenât had a bowel movement for more than a few days, or you have pain when you urinate.