A gastroenterologist should be consulted if you are experiencing persistent digestive discomfort or unexplained symptoms related to your stomach, intestines, or the entire digestive system.In medicine, gastroenterologist is a fully trained medical doctor who is responsible for the provision of care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the digestive system; disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gall bladder. To keep your digestive system healthy and avoid potentially dangerous illnesses, you must be aware of the warning signals that indicate you need to see a gastroenterologist. In this blog, we’ll consider some common symptoms that indicate that it may be the time for a gastroenterologist consultation.
1. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain that is serious or ongoing should not be ignored, even when mild or unstable stomach discomfort is common. If you experience stomach or abdominal pain for several days or weeks, it can indicate a digestive problem that needs to be treated by a doctor. The source of the pain could be gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or gallbladder stone ulcers. The cause can be diagnosed and the appropriate course of action recommended by a gastroenterologist.
2. High levels of acid reflux or heartburn
Acid reflux or heartburn are common after a big meal. However, if heartburn persists more than twice a week, it could be caused by GERD, a condition in which stomach acid frequently flows into the esophagus. Continuous acid reflux may lead to more serious side effects, including ulcers, esophageal cancer, or damage to the wall of the esophagus.A gastroenterologist can help you control and treat GERD with medication, lifestyle changes, and even surgery.
3. Loss of Weight
If you lose weight without changing your diet or exercise diet plan, it could be a sign of a digestive problem or a more severe health medical condition. Gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or even GI tract cancer are often associated with unexpected weight loss. To evaluate the cause of the weight loss, a gastroenterologist can use imaging, tests, and a complete medical history.
4. Swallowing Issues
Common difficulty swallowing, or swallowing disorders, may be a sign of a serious esophageal issue, such as inflammation, blockage, or physical issues. Additionally, dysphagia can be a sign of more serious illnesses like esophageal cancer. It’s important to consult a gastroenterologist if this issue becomes worse or persists because they can perform tests like an endoscopy or barium swallow to determine the cause.
5. Constipation or Severe Discharge
Numerous gastrointestinal conditions, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be indicated by constipation and frequent or continuous diarrhea.If you experience irregular bowel movements, especially if there is blood, mucus, or extreme discomfort, you must see a gastroenterologist. A GI specialist can help identify the underlying cause and provide therapeutic options to manage the symptoms.
6. Blood in Vomit or Stool
Vomiting or having blood in your stool is a serious symptom that you should never avoid. Bleeding can be a sign of conditions, wounds, tumors, and possibly colon cancer. You need to get medical attention right away if you vomit blood or notice blood in your stool (bright red or dark, tarry stools). A gastroenterologist may perform tests such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy to determine the source of the bleeding and provide appropriate care.
7. Excessive Gas and Swelling
Pain or changes in bowel movements, along with long or severe constipation, may indicate a digestive problem, even while irregular swelling and gas are typical. Frequently, some of the symptoms of SIBO are gas and bloating, and these ailments may also be attributed to food allergies and IBS. When a patient presents any complications, a gastroenterologist advises dietary changes and therapies that enhance the complications to find the cause of the problem.
8. Feeling tired and uncomfortable
Constant fatigue or chronic nausea without a clear reason may be associated with a gastrointestinal disorder. For instance, chronic fatigue and nausea may result from gastroparesis, celiac disease, or chronic liver disease. It’s worthwhile to see a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive assessment if you have these symptoms in addition to others, such as unexpected weight loss or digestive discomfort.
9. GI Conditions in the Family History
You should take extra care to check your digestive health if you have a family history of gastrointestinal conditions like liver disease, Crohn’s disease, or colorectal cancer. In particular, people with a family history of these illnesses often undergo preventive care and early diagnosis by a gastroenterologist. Such examinations can improve the effectiveness of the treatment and may reveal potential issues.
10. Skin problems or joint pain
Certain digestive diseases, such as celiac disease and IBD, can cause chronic symptoms such as skin rashes or joint pain in addition to digestive issues. Such symptoms could be indications of an inflammatory or autoimmune disease that requires certain attention if associated with GI problems.
Why is Medical Trust Hospital the best gastroenterology facility in Kochi?
The Medical Trust Hospital is appropriate for the management of gastrointestinal illness because it has experienced staff and facilities. Some of the conditions through which gastroenterologists do diagnose and treat include the following; heartburn, ulcers, colitis, liver disease and even inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease. Thus, through the usage of endoscopy, imaging equipment and other diagnostic apparatus, the hospital might ensure accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment.
The patients at Medical Trust Hospital are treated in an individual way that suits them, considering immediate relief and their long-term management. The hospitals offer the finest care for every gastrointestinal problem that has been taken care of up to date regarding the latest medicinal advances and treatment procedures.
To offer the best possible care for digestive health, the best place would be Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi as it has professional care, advanced technology, and a patient-centric approach.