Which Doctor To Consult For Abdominal Pain
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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Should I see a gastroenterologist for abdominal pain?
How to Know if Stomach Pain is Serious
Abdominal Pain & Bloating – Prolonged or persistent abdominal pain or bloating may be reasons to see a gastroenterologist, particularly if symptoms re-emerge after nearly every meal or are accompanied by nausea or painful bowel movements. Note: Read ” Pain Locator: Where Does It Hurt? ” to learn more about abdominal pain and what it could mean for your health.
Should I go to the DR for stomach pain?
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Severe abdominal pain may be an emergency. If your pain is sudden and severe, or if it occurs with any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:
Persistent vomiting and nausea Constipation (especially with vomiting) Vomiting blood Bleeding from the bowels Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Severe tenderness when touching your abdomen Yellowish skin and eyes Abdominal swelling Lasts for several days If you are pregnant or think you might be
What do doctors do if you have abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain treatment – Depending on the cause of your abdominal pain, your doctor may prescribe medication such as antacids, acetaminophen or other over-the-counter medicines. Stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can irritate the stomach.
Do blood tests show digestive problems?
Many digestive conditions cause symptoms that are similar, but the treatment for the conditions can be very different. As a result, your provider may need to perform testing — including blood tests — to confirm a diagnosis. Blood tests can show levels of specific substances in the blood.
How will a gastroenterologist diagnose you?
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.
Why am I so worried my stomach hurts?
Why does stress cause stomach pain or GI discomfort? – We know through research there is a strong connection between our brain and our gut through the central nervous system. The enteric nervous system — an out-branching of the central nervous system — serves the GI tract, making a direct connection between our brain and gastrointestinal system.
- That connection can cause normal physiologic processes to be interpreted as painful under stressful or anxiety-provoking situations.
- When we’re stressed, hormones and neurotransmitters are released in the body.
- This can negatively impact gut motility, or the way our intestines and stomach squeeze and move waste through the body.
Also, stress can affect the delicate balance of bacteria in our gut, causing GI discomfort. People experiencing chronic stress may also eat more or eat unhealthy foods with a higher amount of natural and artificial sugar that is poorly digested and causes GI distress.
What happens when your stomach hurts everyday?
Copied! Everyone gets a stomach ache — or abdominal pain — from time to time. Usually, stomach pains are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion, Frequent or recurring sharp stomach pain often is due to stress and worry, even in children.
How does a gastroenterologist look at your stomach?
An upper gastrointestinal (or GI) endoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine, called the duodenum. The esophagus is the tube that carries food to your stomach. The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube that bends.
Can a gastrologist do endoscopy?
Who does my upper endoscopy? – Most often, a gastroenterologist will do an upper endoscopy in a doctor’s office, GI clinic, or hospital. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the GI tract. Many other specialists can perform an upper endoscopy as well.
What are some gastrointestinal problems?
Some common problems include heartburn, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance. Other digestive diseases include: Gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholangitis. Rectal problems, such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctitis, and rectal prolapse.
Does a gastroenterologist deal with stomach issues?
A gastroenterologist is a specialist in gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterologists treat all the organs in your digestive system, including your GI tract (esophagus, stomach and intestines) and biliary organs (your liver, bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder.)
