Should you see a specialist for gut and other gastrointestinal issues?
People face gastrointestinal or other digestive issues now and then. Most of the time symptoms improve on their own or with over-the-counter remedies. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s likely time to contact your primary care physician. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist who specializes in digestive health issues for further evaluation and treatment. Some of the common early signs and symptoms for gastrointestinal issues are episodes of choking, persistent vomiting or nausea, chronic diarrhea, heartburn (acid reflux) etc.
Other digestive diseases include:
- Gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholangitis
- Rectal problems, such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctitis, and rectal prolapse
- Esophagus problems, such as stricture (narrowing) and achalasia and esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia
- Colon cancer
Who is a Gastroenterologist?
When one considers the human gastrointestinal system, many are tempted to limit it to the stomach and intestines. In reality, gastroenterology examines the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Other providers involved in the treatment of digestive diseases can include: Nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs), nutritionists or dietitians, primary care doctors, radiologists, surgeons.
If you can’t find a pattern among what you’re eating, and the basics of eating more fiber, drinking water, exercising, and starting a prebiotic and probiotic routine haven’t helped, then you should visit a specialist.
Tests for digestive problems can include colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound.
Many surgical procedures are performed on the digestive tract. These include procedures done using endoscopy, laparoscopy, and open surgery. Organ transplants can be performed on the liver, pancreas, and small intestine.
One should see a gastroenterologist for a screening colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50. Depending on your family history and other potential risk factors, you may need earlier or more regular screening. Talk to your doctor about the best schedule for you. Colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat.