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When Should You Consult a Gastroenterology Doctor?

Gastroenterology / October 15, 2023 / 3 minutes read.

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on health problems related to the digestive system. The digestive system involves a complex process from the intake of food to its digestion, absorption, and elimination. Digestive system problems can manifest with many different symptoms, and these symptoms may require people to consult a gastroenterology doctor.

Here are common symptoms that require people to consult a gastroenterology doctor:

1. Abdominal Pain: Chronic or severe abdominal pain can be a sign of digestive system problems. Abdominal pain can be a sign of many different conditions such as stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder problems, or intestinal inflammation.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Frequently experiencing nausea and vomiting can be an indicator of stomach problems or digestive system infections.

3. Diarrhea or Constipation: Chronic diarrhea or constipation problems can be a sign of digestive system problems. These symptoms can include a range of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or digestive system infections.

4. Gas and Bloating: Constantly experiencing excessive gas accumulation and bloating can be a result of digestive system problems. These symptoms can be associated with conditions such as food intolerances, lactose intolerance, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

5. Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath can indicate stomach ulcers, reflux disease, or other digestive system problems.

6. Swallowing Difficulty: Experiencing difficulty eating or swallowing can be a sign of problems such as esophageal problems or esophageal narrowing.

7. Weight Loss: Sudden or unintentional weight loss can be a sign of serious health problems such as digestive system cancers, Crohn’s disease, or colon polyps.

8. Reflux: Reflux experienced as a result of constant backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus can be a result of stomach ulcers or reflux disease.

9. Digestive Problems: Experiencing problems related to the digestion or absorption of food can indicate digestive system diseases such as malabsorption syndromes or pancreatic problems.

10. Skin Problems: Itching, rashes, or lesions on the skin can be associated with some digestive system diseases. For example, there may be a relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and skin problems.

11. Bloody Stool: Seeing blood in stool can be associated with anorectal problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions.

12. Digestive System Infections: Can indicate digestive system infections along with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

13. Liver and Gallbladder Problems: Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or abnormal results in liver function tests can be signs of liver or gallbladder diseases.

14. Colon Cancer Signs: Symptoms such as long-term constipation, bloody stool, or weight loss can increase the risk of colon cancer.

15. Family History: Family history is important for evaluating genetic predispositions such as digestive system diseases. People with a family history of digestive system problems should consult a gastroenterology doctor for regular check-ups and screenings.

In conclusion, if any of the symptoms mentioned above are experienced by anyone or if these symptoms become persistent, it is important to consult a gastroenterology doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent digestive system problems from leading to more serious complications and improve quality of life. Additionally, sharing your concerns about any health problem with your doctor is the best way to get expert advice.

By: Prof. Dr. Hakan Demirci
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