When you experience digestive distress, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. They can effectively treat your issues and prevent them from recurring.
A gastroenterologist will ask you a series of questions to gain an understanding of your condition and create an appropriate treatment plan. They may also perform physical examinations to confirm their diagnosis.
Liver Diseases
The liver is an organ that processes blood and eliminates toxins while also helping regulate body metabolism. Diseases affecting the liver can result in serious health complications for individuals.
Viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and inherited disorders can all hurt the liver. While some of these conditions can be managed with medication, others cannot be helped.
Some of these diseases may lead to cirrhosis or permanent liver scarring. This is a potentially lethal condition that requires medical intervention for treatment.
Fatty liver is a condition that can wreak havoc on the organ. This condition may be brought on by heavy alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an autoimmune disease that makes the bile ducts in your liver difficult to function, making digestion more challenging and leading to potential liver cancer. Although this form of cancer is rare, it may occur if you have hepatitis or take long-acting birth control pills.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Digestive disorders affect millions of people each year, causing pain, bloating, and other symptoms that can drastically reduce an individual’s quality of life.
Gastrointestinal disorders can present with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, so you must see a GI doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, these diseases can be avoided through healthy living and regular screenings.
The gastrointestinal system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and accessory organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. These organs help break down food into energy for body storage while eliminating toxins.
Digestive Problems
The digestive system is the body’s primary mechanism for breaking down food, providing nutrients to cells, and eliminating waste. It traverses the body, including the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.
Digestive issues can manifest at any point in the digestive tract and may be caused by various health conditions. While some symptoms may improve on their own or with over-the-counter medicines, others require further evaluation for diagnosis and treatment.
Gastroenterologists may recommend specialized tests such as upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, or ERCP to manage symptoms. They may also prescribe medications or suggest changes in diet to help manage symptoms.
Stomachaches, heartburn, or bloating that won’t go away can be uncomfortable and painful. Not only does this make it difficult to sleep, eat or work, but the condition should also be addressed promptly to minimize its potential adverse effects.
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition that can lead to various health complications, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Furthermore, it increases your risk for stroke.
A gastroenterologist can assist in getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for obesity. They will ask many questions about your eating habits and lifestyle and perform tests to rule out other causes for the symptoms you are experiencing.
He will assess your vital functions by taking your heart rate and blood pressure, listening to the chest and lungs, and testing for sugar and cholesterol levels.
A gastroenterologist may prescribe certain medications to help manage your weight. They can also suggest changes in eating and exercise habits for maximum weight management success.