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4 Major Signs It's Time To Visit A Gastroenterology Surgeon

17 November 2021 by Julia Gregory

Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the stomach, intestines, and esophagus. They treat conditions such as ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and gallstones. Patients can also turn to gastroenterology surgeons for surgical procedures that help alleviate symptoms of other gastrointestinal issues or improve overall health.

When Should You See A Gastroenterology Surgeon?

When the discomfort you feel is too much to ignore, it may be time to seek help from gastroenterology surgeons. The gut is made up of the intestines, colon, spleen, liver, appendix, and pancreas. All these play a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption.

The stomach and intestines do a lot of work, including digesting food and absorbing nutrients that will nourish every organ in the body. When there's a problem, such as too much acid, it can cause pain and discomfort and even be life-threatening if not diagnosed quickly.

Sometimes symptoms seem minor, such as feeling bloated after a meal, burping a lot, or even heartburn. But if symptoms worsen or don't go away, it may be time to see a gastroenterologist – someone with special training to treat digestive tract issues.

Here are four key signs that might indicate that you should contact a gastroenterologist:

Blood in Your Stool

Sometimes, bowel-related problems can result in bleeding that may be visible on your toilet paper or smeared on the toilet bowl itself. Bleeding doesn't mean there has to be a serious underlying condition, as sometimes it's as simple as hemorrhoids (inflamed veins around the anus). However, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology surgeon for the correct diagnosis.

Persistent Diarrhea or Constipation

If you experience persistent diarrhea or constipation, this might suggest something wrong along the gastrointestinal tract. There can be many causes of these types of issues, so it's best to see a gastroenterologist sooner rather than later to find out what the problem might be.

Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss is one of the most common symptoms that people ignore or don't see as a potential problem. If you are losing weight for no apparent reason, it could be something to do with your diet. However, there may be other causes, and it's important to see a gastroenterology surgeon urgently.

A Nagging Cough That Doesn't Go Away

Coughing problems can sometimes indicate acid reflux disease (GERD). While a cough can also be traced back to allergies or other health problems, it's important to seek out the opinion of a gastroenterologist if your symptoms last for more than three weeks.

The Bottom Line

Every day, gastroenterology surgeons see patients who have complaints that range from acid reflux to abdominal pain. If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor about how gastroenterology surgeons can help.

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