Stomach Pain Which Doctor To Consult
What does a gastroenterologist do? – A gastroenterologist is a specialist with expertise in the disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system — which includes the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus) as well as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts and gallbladder.
Unexplained changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation and blood in the stool Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heartburn Hemorrhoids Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Pancreatitis Ulcers
“Gastroenterologists are trained to perform a number of procedures used to help diagnose and treat these conditions, such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy and the various endoscopic techniques needed to visualize the digestive system, including endoscopic ultrasound,” explains Dr. Glassner.
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How do you get checked for stomach pain?
Tests for abdominal pain – Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your digestive system and other organs. These tests may include X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, barium enema or endoscopy,
How do I know if my stomach problem is serious?
An upset stomach can throw off your routine, but at what point do you say “enough is enough”? – Considering more than 40% of the global population suffer from a digestive disease or condition, it’s common to experience symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
While many of these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter products or a change in diet, there could be a more serious issue and it’s hard to tell if it’s passing or chronic. If you’re unsure whether or not you should see a doctor, here are some signs that your digestive issues may require medical intervention: #1: Persistent symptoms If you’ve been experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for more than a few days or weeks with no sign of improvement, it is important to see a doctor.
Persistent symptoms could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s possible you could have a GI infection, such as E. coli or C. difficile. These pathogens can wreak havoc on your digestive system and require urgent medical care, so you can receive antibiotics and eliminate these bacteria effectively.
- 2: Severe symptoms If you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- These symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction.
- If pain does not go away for the over-the-counter medications or keeps returning, that’s a sign there’s something wrong.
#3: Weight loss Unexpected weight loss can be a sign of a digestive issue, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. If you have experienced significant weight loss and have not made any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it is important to see a doctor.
- 4: Changes in bowel habits If you experience sudden changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor.
- These changes could be a sign of a digestive issue, such as IBD or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- 5: Fever: If you have a fever in addition to GI symptoms, it could be a sign of viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever and GI symptoms.
What is the difference between gastroenterologist and gastrointestinal?
Differences Between Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal – The words gastroenterology and gastrointestinal have similar meanings but are not the same. Gastroenterology is a noun that refers to the medical specialty focused on the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal is an adjective, usually used to refer to the digestive tract as a whole.
Which test is best for gastroenterology?
Overview – A gastric condition is one that involves the stomach and other nearby organs that are part of the digestive process. Diagnosing and screening for a gastric condition can be challenging and time-consuming because many stomach and digestive disorders share a lot of the same symptoms.
After reviewing symptoms and conducting a physical exam and possibly blood tests, the gastrointestinal (GI) health care team may order diagnostic tests that allow for closer examination of the throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, biliary tract, pancreas and gallbladder.
Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.
What does a damaged stomach feel like?
Symptoms – The signs and symptoms of gastritis include:
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating Nausea Vomiting A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
Gastritis doesn’t always cause signs and symptoms.
How long should a bad stomach ache last?
Most stomach aches are not anything serious and will go away after a few days.
