When you go about your daily life, going to a doctor, let alone a specialist like a gastroenterologist, is probably not on your mind. However, you may actually need to see a specialist in gastroenterology without even knowing it. Gastroenterologists are experts in the digestive system, including the stomach, esophagus, intestines, and even the liver. Get to know some instances in which you should definitely contact and see a gastroenterologist. Then, you can be sure you are taking care of your gastrointestinal health as well as possible going forward.
You Have Frequent Stomach Aches
If you have frequent bouts of stomach aches or nausea, it is important to know that this is not normal. You should not be feeling unwell like that unless you have an illness like a stomach flu or food poisoning.
Getting frequent bouts of stomach aches and nausea could be a sign that something is not functioning right in your gastrointestinal (GI) system. The exact cause of these issues can vary from a food allergy to a more serious condition like ulcers, celiac disease, or a wide variety of other conditions. A gastroenterologist will be able to run tests and ask you the appropriate questions to get to the bottom of your symptoms and potential underlying condition.
You Have Frequent Problems With Diarrhea
Just like frequent stomach aches and nausea, frequent problems with diarrhea are not normal. You should not be having diarrhea at all, let alone on a regular basis. This can be a sign of numerous health conditions.
One of the most common causes of frequent diarrhea is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS can be treated with changes to your diet, medication, and other lifestyle and medical interventions. However, you should see a gastroenterologist to confirm whether or not this is indeed the cause of your frequent diarrhea.
You Are Often Constipated
On the other end of the spectrum, regular constipation is also not normal for anyone. If you are regularly constipated, you could have issues with your bowels (intestines) that need to be addressed. You may even have developed a partial blockage that will need to be removed to get your GI system back on track. Constipation can also be a sign of numerous chronic conditions, including IBS and celiac disease.
You Struggle With Heartburn
Heartburn is never any fun. If you have heartburn on a fairly regular basis, you should see a gastroenterologist. They can help you develop a plan for dealing with and treating the condition to reduce the severity and frequency of your heartburn instances. They can also determine if you have another condition that is causing your heartburn.
Now that you know when you should see a gastroenterologist, you can schedule your first gastroenterology appointment right away if you deal with any of these issues.
