When most people have a health issue, their first response is to visit their primary care doctor. Making such a step is crucial in saving a life. Remember, if mismanaged, even a slight health issue can result in complications or even death.
However, do not assume your general physician can deal with every ailment. Some conditions will require the attention of specialists for proper medication. Here are signs you need to visit a gastroenterologist.
Severe Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pains are a common symptom that exposes a problem in your digestive system. Sometimes, the pain can subside once you ingest painkillers. However, don't take the matter lightly if the pain turns persistent and chronic.
The severe pains prove the underlying condition is serious. If painkillers don’t help, rush to the best gastroenterologist in Texas. The specialist will detect the source of the pain and cure it. That will give you permanent relief.
Recommendation by Your Doctor
Although your family doctor can manage ailments, they cannot effectively treat some conditions. There are health matters that will be dealt with appropriately by a specialist. That includes health problems affecting the digestive tract.
If your doctor fails to eradicate digestive issues, he will refer you to a gastroenterologist. The gastro doctors have specialized in dealing with digestive disorders. They know effective medications for each digestion issue.
Abnormal Bowel Movement
According to experts, bowel movements should occur between three times a day to three times a week. It will also depend on the amount of food you ingest. So, if you cannot achieve up to three bowel movements in a week, you have constipation.
Also, people with more than three bowel movements weekly have diarrhoea. These are both abnormal and require the attention of a gastro doctor in Texas. These irregular bowel movements indicate a problem with the GI tract.
Rectal Bleeding
Seeing blood in your stool can cause your heart to skip a beat. Since it is an abnormal occurrence, it signifies the presence of an issue in your GI system. To know the exact cause of bleeding, visit a gastroenterologist for a thorough examination. These specialists have the equipment to detect the cause of this condition.
According to gastro doctors, rectal bleeding can be caused by polyps in large intestines, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Rectal cancer can also signify the presence of rectal or colon cancer. That is why you must visit a specialist for an examination.
Difficulty in Swallowing
You have a problem with your GI tract if you have difficulty swallowing food. This symptom points to issues such as esophageal cancer or GERD. Also, a throat lump accompanied by a runny nose, congestion and cough are symptoms of GI system disorders.
Once you detect these symptoms, quickly visit a GI doctor. While visiting the specialist, you can also diagnose and treat C-Diff Colitis San Antonio to improve your gut’s health.