4 Reasons You Might Need to Visit a Gastroenterologist

When we experience frequent digestive issues, including changes in our bowel habits or abdominal discomfort, someone may tell us to visit a gastroenterologist in Edmond, OK. Gastroenterologists are often referred to as GI doctors.

Sometimes you may get confused about whether your health problem requires seeing an expert. Or worse, you may not wonder what a gastroenterologist is. That’s why we have discussed in this article what these GI specialists do along with the signs that indicate you need to seek medical attention ASAP.

What Are GI Doctors?

GI stands for gastrointestinal, and GI doctors provide treatments related to the digestive tract. They mainly care for the organs involved in the absorption, digestion, and elimination of food. Our GI tract is highly complex. Most of us don’t pay attention to gastrointestinal problems unless it is too severe. The organs in the GI tract include the stomach, esophagus, gallbladder, small intestine, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, colon, and rectum.

What Areas Do the Experts Treat?

A gastroenterologist mainly treats issues which affect our digestive system. The following problems are a few of the common ones;

• Hemorrhoids

• Sudden change in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

• Pancreatitis

• Ulcers

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Heartburn

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Inflammatory bowel disease

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

1. Constipation

Typically, the frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. But doctors consider the frequency of less than two every week as constipation. Bowel movement that is difficult to pass, small amounts or very hard stool, is also a sign of constipation.

Remember that various underlying reasons are responsible for constipation, and it is nearly impossible to treat it at home. The medical experts will try to figure out the causes and recommend changing your lifestyle and medications to solve the issue.

2. Rectal Bleeding

It is another sign that indicates you should see a gastroenterologist right now! You may notice blood in your stool due to various causes. It can be anything from a small tear to potential cancer. In that case, going to your doctor can be the best thing you can do to eliminate the pain.

3. Heartburn

Many people these days experience heartburn because of acid reflux. It feels like a sharp pain in the heart that can go from mildly annoying to fairly dangerous in a matter of minutes. Only a gastroenterologist can determine what causes frequent heartburns. They will then recommend medications that ease the symptoms.

4. Feeling Bloated All the Time

You may notice your friends and family often complaining that their belly is full and they don’t have any space to eat. Excessive gas production can be the reason behind this problem. It might be a sign that you need to take them to a gastroenterologist.

Constipation can also cause bloating because the fecal waste stays in the colon for longer. It can also signify lactose intolerance, gastroparesis, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

The Belly Rules the Mind

In most cases, the first and most significant mistake to make is to ignore digestive problems until they become major issues that affect our daily lifestyle. Seeing an experienced GI doctor is a crucial part of your healthcare team.

The gastroenterologists at the digestive Disease Specialists, INC, Edmond, OK have expertise in all sorts of gastrointestinal disorders. We would be happy to help and get you out of this condition.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.