Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi

Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 08:00 PM

According to Houston Methodist, Houston Methodist gastroenterologist Keri Klausner explains everything you need to know if you’re deciding whether it’s time to see her, including what to expect on your first date.

Q: What does a gastroenterologist do?

A gastroenterologist is an experienced specialist in disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus) and the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.

Digestive disorders and problems treated by gastroenterologists include:

Unexplained changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

– Heartburn

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

– Pancreatitis

– Ulcers

Q: When should you see a gastroenterologist?

Here are seven reasons to see a gastroenterologist:

1: Persistent diarrhoea

From food to infections to certain medications, many things can trigger diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can indicate a few different digestive disorders, including IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, or microbial overgrowth.

2: Constipation

The frequency of bowel movements ultimately varies from person to person, but Dr. Klausner says that fewer than three times a week is considered constipated. If your bowel movements are too infrequent, too hard, or difficult to pass, you may be constipated.

If constipation persists for more than a few weeks, see a gastroenterologist.

3: Frequent or severe heartburn

Occasional heartburn should not be a cause for concern, and the good news is that occasional heartburn can be treated at home.

But if you experience heartburn symptoms more than twice a week, it could be a sign of GERD, which can damage and scar the lining of your esophagus over time.

Chronic acid reflux doesn’t go away on its own, so it’s important to be evaluated by a specialist. If left untreated, GERD can cause permanent damage to the esophagus. This damage can lead to swallowing problems, painful ulcers, and can worsen. A person with esophageal cancer is at risk of infection.

4: Feeling unusually bloated

Bloating, which can feel like your stomach is full or tight, can lead to increased gas production or is often caused by hypersensitivity to gas or gas in the colon.

5: Sudden or severe abdominal pain

Abdominal pain that lasts for several hours or that comes on suddenly and intensely is not normal. Stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, can lead to stomach pain. Especially after eating.

Persistent severe abdominal pain can also be a sign of gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver disease. A gastroenterologist can help diagnose the cause of the pain.

6: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

If you see blood on the toilet paper or when you flush the toilet, it could be due to hemorrhoids, a common problem that can usually be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter products.

If you’re over 45 or have a strong family history of colon cancer, you’ve probably heard your doctor recommend a colonoscopy.

Most people start having colonoscopies at age 45. The frequency will vary based on your results, but if the results are normal and you have no other risk factors, you should have a repeat colonoscopy every 10 years.”