How to Maintain Your Health

Posted on: 22 February 2023

If you're dealing with digestive issues, it's time to visit a gastroenterologist. You might think you should see your primary care physician, but that's not the case. Digestive issues need specialised care. That's where a gastroenterologist comes into the picture. Gastroenterologists provide specialised medical care for all types of digestive issues. If you're not sure your condition requires specialised care, read the list provided below. If you're dealing with any of these conditions, it's time to see your gastroenterologist.

Frequent Gas

It's not uncommon to get a bit of intestinal gas from time to time. You can get intestinal gas from eating the wrong foods. You can also get gas from drinking carbonated beverages. In most cases, that type of gas goes away on its own. If you're dealing with frequent bouts of gas, you might have an underlying medical condition. Severe intestinal gas can stem from Celiac disease or IBD. Your gastroenterologist can diagnose the cause of your frequent intestinal gas. 

Rectal Bleeding

If you've discovered blood coming from your rectal area, the first thing you should do is look at the colour. Bright red blood could come from hemorrhoids. Or, you could have strained too hard during a bowel movement. If your rectal bleeding is darkish brown or black, you need to see a gastroenterologist. Dark rectal bleeding could be a sign of cancer, polyps or irritable bowel disease. 

Abdominal Pain

If you're dealing with severe abdominal pain, don't wait to see the gastroenterologist. This is especially important if you've had the pain for several days. Intense abdominal pain that comes on fast can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Some of those conditions include peptic ulcers, gallstones or liver disease. If your abdominal pain doesn't go away, visit a gastroenterologist immediately. 

Severe Heartburn

If you experience heartburn every day, it's time to see a specialist. It's normal to get heartburn from time to time, especially when you eat spicy foods. But, chronic heartburn can be a sign of a serious medical condition. This is especially true if over-the-counter medications don't relieve the symptoms. Frequent heartburn can be a symptom of GERD. Without treatment, GERD can damage your esophagus. That's why you need to see a gastroenterologist right away. 

Don't take chances with your health. If you're dealing with any of the medical conditions described here, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. 

Reach out to a clinic like Ologist to learn more.