Tuesday, March 19, 2024

What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Stomach Problems

Is Pain Down The Leg Sciatica

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If you have pain that begins in your lower back, spreads to one side, and then shoots down one buttock ultimately traveling down the back of your leg you may be experiencing sciatica.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body, is compressed. This usually happens by a direct traumatic injury , a medical condition , or a spinal condition .

Should I Be Taking Medicine

Sometimes medicine can help. Your doctor might suggest that you take an antidepressant. This kind of medicine might help your pain even if you aren’t depressed.

Narcotic medicines will not cure your problem and can be addictive. These medicines also have side effects, like constipation, sleepiness and poor memory. These side effects might make you feel worse.

When Should I See A Gi Doctor

Adults and children see this type of specialist for gut-related symptoms or diseases, such as:

Starting at age 50, people with an average risk for colon and rectal cancer may see a GI doc for routine colonoscopies to check for signs of cancer.

If you have certain liver conditions, you may see a hepatologist. Thats a gastroenterologist with special training in liver diseases.

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You Have Intense Stomach Cramps In Your Lower Abdomen But You Feel Better After You Poop

This can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome , a disorder thats related to how your brain and gut work together , the NIDDK says. Basically, IBS can cause your gut to be more sensitive and change how the muscles in your bowel contract, the NIDDK explains. That can lead to myriad issues, like persistent stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and more. With IBS, the abdominal cramping is usually in the lower abdomenand often improves after completing bowel movements, Dr. Tripathi says. IBS is a chronic disorder, but its symptoms can come and go, the NIDDK says.

Stomach cramps that recede post-poop can also sometimes be a sign of good old-fashioned constipation. Since IBS can cause constipation , the lines are a little blurred here. If these symptoms havent been an issue for you in the past, theres a chance youre just dealing with regular constipation, Dr. Tripathi says. But if this is a recurrent thing for you, definitely mention that to your doctor and ask if it could be a sign of IBS based on other symptoms you may or may not have.

Living Well With Sciatica

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Many people find that having sciatica is a pain in the butt literally and figuratively. It can stop you from doing everything you want to do, and that often limits activity and can lead to being more sedentarya ripple effect that can have negative impacts on all aspects of your health. If youre experiencing even minor symptoms, get checked by your doctor, suggests Dr. Abitbol.

The longer it goes on, the more difficult it is to treat, so there is no point in waiting to see if it gets better even though your symptoms are worsening, he says, adding that if youve gone for six months or longer, and your symptoms are getting worse, even surgery may not be as gratifying as it could have been at an earlier point. Dr. Abitbol suggests that to prevent issues related to prolonged compression, address the problem as soon as you can.

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What About My Care When My Gastroenterologist Is Away For A Weekend Or Meeting

The answer to this question varies with circumstances. If you are being treated by a Gastroenterologist as well as your personal physician, the latter can handle your case in the absence of the former. However, if the Gastroenterologist has been treating you exclusively, you should call the office for direction. One of our three Gastroenterologists is available for emergencies 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

When You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Generally, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a condition that is characterized by a number of symptoms including abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.

IBS actually does not lead to any permanent damage or serious health condition, but it can reduce the quality of life significantly.

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What Doctor To See For Sciatica

Trying to figure out what doctor to see for sciatica pain? Sciatica can be debilitating. Whether you have back pain, leg pain or both, here are some ways to find treatment.

Sciatica is the term used to describe pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve, located in your lower back, is formed by a bundling of nerves that emerge from the lower lumbar region of the spine.

The sciatic nerve is the major neural pathway between your brain and your legs and feet. If the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated, the pain can radiate down the nerve and cause pain or tingling in your legs.

It may be hard to determine what doctor should treat your sciatica since the pain is felt in various locations. Taking a closer look at the causes of sciatica pain can help us determine the appropriate specialist to treat it.

Can An Orthopedic Doctor Treat Sciatica

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Orthopedic. For a small percentage of sciatica cases, orthopedic surgery may be the best option available for relief, such as a discectomy or laminectomy, both of which removes the source of the pain of sciatica, from herniated discs to bone spurs to other tissues creating pressure against the nerves.

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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.

The Pain Came On Pretty Quickly And Youre Vomiting

This could also be a sign of foodborne illness like salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, or E.coli. Its really no surprise that if you eat something off, your body might pull an Exorcist in response.

But these symptoms can also happen due to acute gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, Priyam V. Tripathi, M.D., M.P.H., a gastroenterologist at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, tells SELF. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says, noting that the viral form of gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States. While it can be hard to tell the difference between food poisoning and the stomach flu , one key differentiator is that gastroenteritis usually doesnt cause bloody diarrhea, while food poisoning often does, as SELF previously explained.

The good news is that gastroenteritis usually goes away on its own, Dr. Tripathi says. But, she adds, if youre struggling to keep fluids down , its definitely time to see a doctor.

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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.

Who To See: Primary Care Physician

Stomach Ache &  Abdominal Pain: Types &  Treatment

Best option for: Initial treatment and tests obtaining a specialist referral leveraging an established medical history with your PCP

When to see them: If you’ve been going to the same primary care physician for years, they’re the ideal first stop as they’re familiar with your medical record and general lifestyle. If your insurance requires a referral for a specialist, this will also be your initial go-to.

What to expect: Your PCP will review your medical and medication history, and ask about patterns in your gut symptoms, mental state, diet, and exercise.

So, it can be extremely helpful for them if you have a food journal that’s tracked how you feel after each meal.

A PCP may run lab tests to rule out basic underlying issues . If your symptoms are fairly straightforward, they can also recommend certain trial therapies to attempt to treat you so you don’t need to see a specialist.

How to find one: Search providers via your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, the cheapest option for a PCP is often telemedicine services.

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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

This type of surgeon has completed specialized training to treat injuries, diseases and birth defects in both bone and soft tissues of the face, mouth and jaws. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats such problems as sleep apnea, for example, and performs revisions of disproportionate upper and lower jaws in children and adults. The latter procedure helps improve speaking, eating and chewing. It can also help alleviate temporomandibular joint dysfunction and sleep apnea.

Sciatica Treatment At Home

Many cases of sciatica will resolve in a few days. If you experience sciatica symptoms, you can:

  • Rest: Decreasing your activity can help minimize additional irritation of the sciatic nerve and give the area time to heal. Bedrest, however, is not recommended. Its best to get up and move around gently. Avoid any movements that lead to increased pain.

  • Stretch: Stretching exercises of the low back can help relieve nerve compression. Avoid twisting the back. Aim for slow, gradual stretches.

  • Use cold packs: Applying an ice pack to the irritated area can provide some relief. You can ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, a few times per day. Cold therapy is most helpful soon after symptoms begin.

  • Apply heat: If your symptoms have persisted for more than two or three days, try heat instead of cold. Use a heating pad or hot packs.

  • Take anti-inflammatory medication: Ibuprofen and naproxen are over-the-counter medicines that relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

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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.

Family Physician Internist Or General Practitioner

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Most people first bring their medical concerns to a primary care physician. There are three main types of primary care physician:

Family Physician

Family physicians treat patients of any age and gender. They often specialize in treating children, women, or the elderly.

Internist

Internists typically treat adults and usually work in clinics and hospitals. They are trained in treating all of the body’s major organ systems.

General Practitioner

General practitioners often decide whether patients can be treated generally, or whether they need a specialist. General practitioners treat patients of all ages and genders.

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Who Is The Best Doctor For Spine Surgery

Many years ago, neurosurgeons were primarily responsible for spine surgery, but in the past 20 to 25 years spine surgery has evolved so that both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons specialize in spine surgery, and for most of the typical spine operations both types of surgeons are equally well qualified.

Sudden Change In Bowel Habit

As an adult, you must have understood your bowel habit. Normally, some minor factors may trigger sudden changes, but normalcy will generally be restored after few days.

The use of behind-the-counter medications can equally improve symptoms. If, however, the change in bowel habit continues after a long while and does not respond to simple medication or the prescription of your physician, there may need to book an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

Note that the changes we are emphasizing may be in the form of lack of bowel movement or increase in the frequency of bowel movement. Such sudden changes should be taken seriously if they persist.

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What Is A Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that normally contains it. Most hernias occur within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips.

The most common forms of hernia are:

  • Inguinal hernia: In men, the inguinal canal is a passageway for the spermatic cord and blood vessels leading to the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains the round ligament that gives support for the womb. In an inguinal hernia, fatty tissue or a part of the intestine pokes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. This is the most common type of hernia, and affects men more often than women.
  • Femoral hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Femoral hernias are much less common than inguinal hernias and mainly affect older women.
  • Umbilical hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the navel .
  • Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm .

Other types of hernias include:

How To Become A Gastroenterologist

Visual Guide to Stomach Ulcers

GI doctors graduate from medical school, like other doctors. Then they do a hospital residency for 3 years. While there, they get training in general internal medicine. Next comes a 3-year fellowship. As fellows, they:

  • Learn from experts in their field
  • Treat patients
  • Provide health and disease prevention recommendations

They also get special training in:

  • Endoscopy

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When You Have Chronic Unexplained Medical Problems

See related article on somatizing patients.

People with chronic unexplained medical problems may have a condition that is called somatization. These people are usually more sensitive than the average person to changes in the way their body works. If you have this condition, you may have pain or other symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms last for years. This is a common problem, but people working in health care don’t fully understand it yet.

We do know that chronic unexplained medical problems are not dangerous to you even though they cause you great discomfort. We also know that the problem is not all in your head. We know that your symptoms are real, and that they cause real problems in your life.

Why You Should Avoid Back Surgery

One of the primary reasons why back surgery should be avoided is the risk. All surgeries carry the risk of infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve injury. Not to mention many people dont like being put under general anesthesia or that they may have to use potentially addictive pills to manage the pain after surgery.29 2020 .

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The Pain Is Pretty Intense And Accompanied By Bloody Diarrhea

Unfortunately for you , this could be one of a few things. If these symptoms came out of nowhere, they could be a sign of foodborne illness like salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, or E.coli. And, as if you dont have enough on your plate between the pain and the bloody poop, foodborne illness will usually also cause other symptoms like fever, Mindy Lee, M.D., a gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, tells SELF. Some important questions to ask yourself, per Dr. Lee: Did you eat anything recently that you suspect might have been contaminated? Do you know of anyone else who ate the same thing and now has similar symptoms? If you split an order of shrimp wontons with a friend who also happens to have developed similar stomach issues, thats worth noting. In any case, even though food poisoning often goes away within a few days, according to the Mayo Clinic, seeing blood in your poop is as good a reason as any to ask your doctor what might be up.

Which Specialist Should You See For Gut Problems

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If you’re suffering bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, knowing which expert to turn to can be an absolute minefield.

Everyone you know will have an opinion about whether Western or traditional medicine is best and pretty soon you’ll be tempted to throw your hands in the air because finding the right clinician is just too overwhelming.

To help you understand the difference between philosophies, we spoke to leading experts in each field to ask them how they help treat gut issues.

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