Everyone gets a stomachache now and then. But, if you have stomach problems often, it might be more than just a case of occasionally eating bad food. Ignoring these issues can lead to bigger health problems and affect your everyday life. In this article, we will look at why you should see a gastroenterologist for your digestive problems and how they can help you.
What is a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists diagnose, treat, and prevent issues with the digestive system.
They are experts in finding and addressing problems in the stomach, intestines, and other parts of the digestive system.
What Conditions Can a Gastroenterologist Help With?
Gastroenterologists can help with many digestive or gastroenterology disorders. Here are some common ones:
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD develops when stomach acid goes up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other problems. If left untreated, it can harm the esophagus.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach requires too much time to empty completely. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and feeling full too quickly.
It can also make it difficult to control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a form inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes ulcers and swelling in the colon and rectum. Symptoms include diarrhea, often with blood, and stomach pain.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition in which eating gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) damages the small intestine.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach pain, and unwanted weight loss. It can also lead to long-term digestive health problems.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer starts in the colon or rectum. It often develops when small growths called polyps become cancerous. If not found early, it can spread and become life-threatening.
Regular screenings, like colonoscopies, can help find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
Treatments They Can Help With
Seeing a gastroenterologist for digestive issues can help you manage symptoms and improve your health. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Gastroenterologists use many different treatments to help patients feel better.
Here are some ways they address digestive problems:
Lifestyle Advice
Gastroenterologists assess patients’ lifestyle habits, such as what they eat, when they eat, how active they are, their overall weight and health, their stress levels, and their sleeping habits. Based on this information, they recommend lifestyle changes that support better digestive health.
Medicines
Gastroenterologists often prescribe medicines to help control symptoms, such as antacids for heartburn or antibiotics for infections.
Dietary Changes
Eating the right foods can make a big difference in your digestive health. One of the most effective tools gastroenterologists use to help patients is reviewing and recommending changes to patients’ diets. This can help manage conditions like acid reflux, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Endoscopy
An endoscopy involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the digestive system. This helps doctors see what is going on inside and take samples for testing, if needed.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves examining the colon using a tiny camera inserted through the rectum. It helps find polyps, which can cause cancer if not removed.
Surgery
In some cases, patients may need surgery. This could be to remove a part of a damaged intestine or to tackle severe cases of conditions like ulcerative colitis.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
You should think about seeing a gastroenterologist if you have any of these symptoms for longer than a few days:
1. Stomach Pain
If you have persistent stomach pain, it could be a sign of something serious. It is important to find out what is causing it.
2. Trouble Swallowing
Having trouble swallowing can be more than just uncomfortable. It might mean there is a problem in your esophagus or throat.
3. Blood in Stool
Seeing blood when you go to the bathroom isn’t normal. It can be a sign of bleeding in your digestive system. A gastroenterologist can examine you to find the underlying cause and address it.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unwanted weight loss can mean your body is not absorbing nutrients properly. A gastroenterologist can help find out why this is happening and address it effectively.
5. Severe Heartburn
Heartburn that does not get better with over-the-counter medicines might be GERD. A gastroenterologist can provide effective treatment and lifestyle advice to help you manage this issue.
The Best Gastroenterologist Near Me in New Jersey
If you have digestive problems, do not wait to get help. Seeing a gastroenterologist can give you answers and relief. Your health is essential, so take the first step to feeling better today. A trusted doctor can help make sure you get the proper treatment for your condition, needs, and preferences.
Are you looking for the best gastroenterologist near you? If so, look no further than Hudson MD Group’s board-certified gastroenterologists. If you have any questions about how we can help you, reach out to us at (973) 705-4914. You can also use our secure appointment request form to book a consultation at our office near you.
Let us take care of your digestive system. We look forward to serving you!
