Why Do We Need A Gastroenterologist?
by Premier Hospitals | March 28, 2019 |
A gastroenterologist is a doctor specialized in treating diseases of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. His training allows him to have a thorough understanding of food movement through the digestive tract followed by its physical and chemical breakdown (digestion). He also understands the absorption of nutrients, removal of waste products and the function of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder as important organs aiding various functions of the human body.
Some of the medical conditions that the gastroenterologist specializes in treating affect the following parts of the digestive tract:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Biliary system (gallbladder and bile ducts)
Why Do We need a Gastroenterologist?
Your primary care doctor may often refer you to a gastroenterologist, depending on the severity of your condition. However, you might also need a gastroenterologist if you
- Have any of the digestive health disorders
- Are in a need of colon or stomach cancer screening
Digestive health disorders requiring a Gastroenterologist's opinion
It may be time to check in with a gastroenterologist if you notice any of the following symptoms and conditions:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Colorectal cancer or stomach [gastric] cancer or pancreatic cancer or liver cancer
- Constipation
- Bloating, gas and diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Diverticular disease and other diseases of the colon
- Gallbladder disease
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - food coming back up after you swallow
- Hemorrhoids
- Hiatal hernias
- Inflammation in the digestive tract (e.g., gastritis)
- Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, jaundice)
- Malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, lactose intolerance)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ulcers
- Unexplained weight loss or Lethargy
Heartburn
Heartburn is a condition resulting in pain or a burning session in the throat and in the chest. It occurs when the acid present in the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. This condition can often be managed with over the counter medications. However, If you experience the condition quite often, then this could be an indication of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and you must see a gastroenterologist.
Gallstones
Gallstones are the small or large pellets that form inside the gallbladder. People suffering from gallstones may have either one big stone or they have multiple stones of different sizes. If you have gallstones, you may have a sudden bout of intense pain on the right side of the abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disease disrupting a person’s day-to-day life but does not cause any permanent damage to the digestive system. The common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include:
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Severe, chronic abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding
When to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist?
Pediatric gastroenterologists provide treatment for the following conditions among children:- Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergies or intolerance
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Short bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
- Acute or chronic abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic or severe diarrhea
- Pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatitis
- Nutritional problems such as malnutrition, failure to thrive, and obesity
- Feeding disorders
A pediatric gastroenterologist performs diagnostic tests of a child’s digestive system. He uses endoscopes, to examine the inside of the digestive tract or obtain tissue samples. Some interventions that may be needed in a child with nutritional problems include:
- Placement and management of feeding tubes
- Intravenous nutrition
- Diagnosing and treating infants
- Diagnosing and treating children and teens with liver disease
