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.
You Have Trouble Swallowing
See your gastroenterologist if you have persistent difficulty swallowing or a steadily worsening lump in your throat. Frequent throat pain or swelling are also indications that you should see a gastroenterologist.
If you even have difficulty swallowing water, it could signify a serious condition.
Difficulty swallowing could indicate acid reflux damage to the esophagus, esophagus muscle weakness, a lesion, or anything that causes the esophagus to narrow. These thwart the esophagus ability to transport food or liquids to the stomach.
Your gastroenterologist may perform an upper endoscopy to diagnose the issue.
What Do They Do
A gastroenterologist may perform a number of procedures to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. However, these procedures are not surgical.
Treatment usually involves short-term or long-term medication like Kamagra. Gastroenterologists may, however, refer the patient to a gastrointestinal surgeon if surgery is required.
One of the major procedures performed by the gastroenterologist is endoscopy. It involves the use of narrow flexible tubes with a built-in video camera that can be inserted into the intestinal tract.
This helps the doctor visualise the inside of the tract and effectively diagnose intestinal disorders.
The following non-surgical procedures may be performed to diagnose a gastrointestinal disease:
Don’t Miss: How To Loose Your Stomach
When Should You See An Ent Vs An Upper Gi Doctor For Swallowing Problems
You are having trouble swallowing, and maybe you are also experiencing very bad acid reflux. What kind of doctor do you think you should see? For many, the answer is to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist who specializes in the upper gastrointestinal tract. While they may be able to help you in some instances, it may be that you also need the help of an ENT.
It can be difficult to know which type of doctor best suits your needs, and sometimes you may even need both. In this article we will discuss differences between the two most likely conditions you may have, which are laryngopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Should I See A Gastroenterologist For Ibs
Gastroenterologists are not the best at treating IBS since they are specialists in life threatening digestive conditions. For serious symptoms like severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or severe watery diarrhea, you should see a gastroenterologist in order to rule out other problems.
Once that has happened the gastroenterologist may diagnose you with IBS and may provide you with some type of treatment. If that is not successful in curing your IBS, then you should see an IBS specialist.
Also Check: How To Lose Stomach Rolls
Diagnosis And Treatment By Gastrologist Or Gastroenterologist
The gastrologist, or gastroenterologist, is doing the diagnostic part of stomach-related healing issues. After a brief evaluation of the situation, the patient may be subjected to all possible exams under the guidance of the gastrologist to determine the correct diagnosis. This involves tests such as blood testing, colonoscopy, rectoscope, gastroscopy, among others performed in the hospital or in a well-equipped clinic.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure in patients where a fiber-optic tube is inserted into the large intestine with a camera at the end. A colonoscopy will help physicians identify cancer-causing polyps or lesions. Retinoscopy or proctoscopy is a medical procedure in which the final portion of the digestive system is inserted into the rectum by a slender tube with a camera and a light before disposal. This makes it possible for the gastroenterologist to check the rectum for issues visually. Gastroscopy, conducted by both the gastrologist and the gastroenterologist, is a procedure that enables the doctor to look inside the esophagus , the stomach, and the duodenum first part. The patient swallows a versatile, telescopic camera called a gastroscope and passes into the stomach through the esophagus.
Contact Digestive Disease Specialist, Inc. for the best gastroenterologist in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor’s advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
A Lump In Your Throat
Almost everyone has had a sore throat and difficulty swallowing at some time. When theres a lump that isnt accompanied by flu or cold symptoms, it could be a digestive problem. If there is pain or you have problems swallowing liquids, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. It could be a sign of something serious including esophageal cancer. Keep notes describing the appearance of the problem and any other symptoms that accompany it. The GI doctor will use all of this information to make an accurate diagnosis.
Read Also: Why Would Your Stomach Hurt Every Time You Eat
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.
How Do I Know If I Have Sciatica Or Piriformis Syndrome
Both sciatica and piriformis syndrome cause sciatic nerve pain and have similar symptoms, the causes of the conditions are different.
Piriformis syndrome is caused by anatomic changes in the piriformis muscle. The muscle is located across the femur and outer section of the hips and rotates the hip. The syndrome causes buttock pain or spasms and can irritate and compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatic pain. Unlike sciatica, the pain begins in the buttocks, not the lower back.
On the other hand, sciatica is not a syndrome or condition. Its a variety of symptomsnamely, the sharp pain radiating down one leg, weak legs, lower back pain, and a tingling sensation in the legs and feetcaused by other medical conditions and affects the lower spinal nerves.
You May Like: Does Putting Ice On Your Stomach Help You Lose Weight
Don’t Miss: What Are The Symptoms Of The Stomach Virus Going Around
Dont Ignore These Symptoms
Digestive system symptoms usually dont appear as isolated events. Most often, several occur around the same time. Its the combination along with targeted testing that helps your gastroenterologist make an accurate diagnosis. Some symptoms, when they occur with other symptoms, can signal a severe illness.If you experience any of the conditions below, you should schedule an appointment with a reputable gastroenterologist like our doctors at Manhattan Gastroenterology.
Treatment For Abdominal Pain
Treatment for abdominal pain will depend on the cause. Medications can be prescribed to help alleviate pain and other symptoms, and antibiotics can help to clear up bacterial infections.
Digestive disorders will require medications as well as dietary and lifestyle changes to minimize acid reflux and intestinal inflammation. When the pain is linked to a heart condition, the underlying condition needs to be addressed. This can involve medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as dietary changes to promote heart health.
You can prevent abdominal pain by promoting overall heart and digestive health through the following lifestyle changes:
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet Staying hydrated
Dont Miss: How To Firm Loose Skin On Stomach
Read Also: What Are The Chances Of Surviving Stomach Cancer
When To Call A Doctor About Digestive Problems
Many people get an upset stomach, belly pain, heartburn, or other digestive problems once in a while. But some symptoms should be checked by a doctor. They could be signs of serious medical issues or lead to bigger problems if left untreated.
Itâs a good idea to see your doctor if you have:
- Heartburn that wonât go away or gets worse, or needs more than several weeks of medication for relief.
- Heartburn that makes you throw up frequently. The stomach acid that comes up to your throat can damage your esophagus.
Abdominal Pain Doctorsfind An Expert Close To Youor Online Today
Abdominal pain doctors are those who specialize inthe diagnosis and treatment of causes of abdominal pain. They include gastroenterologist, colorectal surgeons, gynecologists, urologists and pediatricians. You may also need a dietician.
Find one of such experts here.Are you a specialist in any of these fields, post your contact details here for freeand join our effort to reduce suffering from acute and chronic causes ofabdominal pain.
Do you suffer with abdominal pain and arenot sure of who to see? See the different types of abdominal pain experts andthe type of conditions or pain they deal with here. You will then be able tofollow on to seek one of such doctors here.
Worried you might fall into the hands of scammersonline? We have minimize such possibilities by ensuring that we check alldoctors details posted here with the healthcare regulator in their country.Where that was not possible, we will mention it and you decide.
Our list will include doctors from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America. It would be a work in progress, adding to the list as this free service becomes accessible to more doctors.
Also Check: Does Your Stomach Shrink When You Eat Less
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.
Youve Been Feeling Queasy Or Vomiting For A While Now You Cant Seem To Poop And Your Stomach Really Hurts
Your intestines are like plumbing, explains DeVito. When theres a blockage, whatevers in there comes back up because theres nowhere else for it to go. An intestinal blockage can sometimes open up on its own with supportive care , but if its fully obstructed, immediate surgery is required to prevent tissue death. There can be many reasons an obstruction can occur: If you previously had abdominal surgery or infection, internal scarring can stick tissues together and make your intestines twist and kink. A tumor or polyp can also cause an obstruction, as can an untreated hernia and other factors.
Good to know: Abdominal adhesions can cause problems years after abdominal surgery. Theyre less likely to occur after a laparoscopic procedure.
You May Like: How To Test For Stomach Ulcers
What Is The Best Doctor For Intestinal Problems
Have you got a problem affecting your digestive tract? Then you may be wondering what the best doctor is for intestinal problems. The specialist you need to see is called a gastroenterologist.
In this post, we explain what a gastroenterologist is, what conditions they diagnose and the diagnostic tests they use. Plus, why you might need to see them. Read on to learn more about how gut health issues are diagnosed and treated.
How Severe Is Your Abdominal Pain
Most abdominal pain isnt severe. An upset stomach, for example, may cause some pain for a couple of hours before your body works it out. On the other hand, cramping pain is usually the result of bloating and gas, which can be food-related. If you suffer diarrhea with your pain, it may be just a sign that your body is ridding itself of something you ingested. Diarrhea can be serious if it persists.
If your pain is severe and comes in waves starting and stopping repeatedly it may be a sign of kidney stones or other issues. Although usually not life-threatening, kidney stones can result in debilitating pain. Contact your doctor.
Recommended Reading: How Can You Get Ulcers In Your Stomach
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
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
Also Check: What Medicine To Take For Stomach Virus
What Tests Will Help You Reach A Diagnosis
After assessing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will have a better idea of which tests are most likely to lead to a diagnosis. These tests matter because many disorders of the digestive tract have overlapping symptoms and can be misdiagnosed.
Careful testing will help guide your doctor to the correct diagnosis.
Some GI tests are:
- abdominal imaging tests using ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
- barium swallow, or upper GI series, using X-rays to look at your upper GI tract
- upper GI endoscopy to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI tract
- barium enema, an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your lower GI tract
- sigmoidoscopy, a test to check the lower part of your colon
- colonoscopy, a procedure that checks the inside of your entire large intestine
- fecal, urine, and blood analysis
- pancreatic function tests
Further questions to ask about testing:
- Whats the procedure like? Is it invasive? Do I have to do anything to prepare?
- How and when can I expect results?
- Will the results be definitive or is it just to exclude something?
Reasons You Should See A Gastroenterologist
Most people panic or, at best, are apprehensive when their doctor mentions the need to see a specialist for any health condition.
As much as a recommendation to see a gastroenterologist may indicate that your gastrointestinal problem may be a little more complicated than the normal disturbances, this is no reason to be horrified.
Your doctor may recommend a visit to a gastroenterologist due to a number of reasons that are generally in your interest. Here are 12 major reasons why you should see a gastroenterologist.
Read Also: Why Can I Not Lose My Stomach Fat
Abdominal Pain Experts: Let Patients Find You Submit Your Contact & Professional Details Here
Are you a doctor that specializes on any aspect of abdominal pain? Let patients find you. Submit your contact and professional details here. Doctors from the world over are welcome.
No. Not doctors alone. Dieticians, acupuncturists, and regulated alternative medical practitioners are welcome. Don’t worry this is another free service from us, The Abdominal Pain Centre.
Please include your name, qualifications, Registration Number, with your professional regulating body, and as much info as possible about you, your expertise, experience and where you practice as well as what you can offer to patients.
When Is It Time To See A Doctor For Hip Pain
Hip pain is one of the commonest reasons for which patients come to see me. Usually patients with true hip joint pain suffer from pain located in the groin, but they can also have buttock pain, pain on the side of the hip, and pain in the knee below. Pain traveling down the back of the leg from the buttock to below the knee usually indicates a problem in the lower back , and not the hip joint.
When a disease, inflammation, wear and tear, or other issue affects one of these parts, you may experience pain.
Read Also: Why I Have So Much Gas In My Stomach
Read Also: What To Do When Your Head And Stomach Hurts
You Have Frequent Heartburn
As its name suggests, heartburn is a burning pain in the center of your chest. It usually happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Typically, heartburn can be caused by irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, fried foods, and cigarettes.
You should call a gastroenterologist if you have heartburn and develop these signs of a more serious condition:
- Shortness of breath.
- Tarry or bloody bowel movements.
- Dizziness.
- Esophagitis Inflammation of the esophagus lining.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Barretts Esophagus Changes in the tissue of the esophagus lining.
What Can A Gastroenterologist Do For Ibs
Gastroenterologists will likely do several tests, including a colonoscopy and stool test. After they rule out other conditions, they often diagnose IBS. They may prescribe a medication to treat symptoms, but will not fix the cause of the IBS.
A gastroenterologist might test for and treat SIBO. If it doesnt solve your IBS, then you may be out of options from a gastroenterologist. Any dietary advice is likely to center around the latest IBS diet, which most recently has been the fodmaps diet.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Do For Gas In My Stomach