3 Important Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist

Posted by joshmeth on September 7th, 2017

There are many conditions that can cause problems during digestion. Nagging symptoms, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and others are the few reasons to visit a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor trained to treat conditions that affect the organs of a digestive tract, such as stomach, colon, pancreas, esophagus, and liver. Hence, here’re the few following symptoms that tells when to see a gastroenterologist:

1- Heartburn: Heartburn is basically a pain or burning in the throat or chest. It usually occurs when acid backs up in to the esophagus, a tube that connects mouth with the stomach. Many people get heartburn. Sometimes, it goes away on its own or with the help of medicines. But, symptoms that takes more than a week could be a sign of more serious problem, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. And this disease develops when acid from the stomach irritates the lining of the esophagus. In fact, it is more common among people who are overweight or smoke. Therefore, medication is the therapy used to treat GERD. However, in several case, you may need a surgery. 

2- Gallstones: These are small, hard nuggets that usually form in the gall bladder, a small organ in the belly.  Gallstones can be as tiny or big in size. Also, some people have large stone and others have multiple stones of different sizes. If you experience sudden pain on the right side of your abdomen, it could be a gall stone. Having gall stones become more common with age. So, many people with gall stones undergo surgery and in some cases, medications can help to dissolve the stones. 

3- Lactose Intolerance: People who suffer uncomfortable symptoms after eating dairy products or drinking milk can have lactose intolerance problem. Those people with lactose intolerance issues don’t make enough lactase to fully digest even a small portion of such food. Thus, it leads to belly pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, and gas. And the treatment involves dietary supplements and change in your diet.

Over and all, if you experience any of these above-mentioned symptoms, the well-kept advice is to book doctor appointment online with one of the best gastroenterologists in India through Ask Apollo.