Three sure signs that you should visit a gastroenterology clinic

Three sure signs that you should visit a gastroenterology clinic

If you have gastrointestinal problems, you need help. A gastroenterology clinic diagnoses and treats a variety of intestinal and stomach problems. If you have any of these signs, you should see a specialist for treatment.

heartburn

The burning feeling that rises from your stomach to either shoot up your throat or settle in your chest just below your breastbone is one of the most common signs of gastrointestinal problems. Heartburn is often a symptom of a common condition known as acid reflux. In addition to this burning sensation, you may have trouble swallowing or experience a dry cough that doesn't go away. Acid reflux also leads to excess saliva and a bad taste in the mouth.

If you don't treat your heartburn, damage can occur. The acid could eat away at your esophagus or even cause stomach ulcers. In rare cases, the acid can cause cancer. A visit to a gastroenterology clinic can stop the damage. In extreme cases, doctors can determine whether surgery is necessary to tighten the muscles between the esophagus and stomach so that the acid cannot flow upwards.

abdominal pain and diarrhea

You don't have to suffer from stomach pain or frequent diarrhea. These indicators, especially together, may be a sign that you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Those who suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the two most common types of IBD, may also suffer from rectal bleeding, which in turn can lead to anemia. Constant pain and diarrhea can also lead to weight loss. To determine whether IBD is the cause of your pain, your doctor will need to perform a series of tests. If you test positive, you will be given a combination of medications, including anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications.

Persistent abdominal pain can be a sign of more than just inflammatory bowel disease. For some, it could be the sign of a stomach ulcer. An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. There are many different causes of ulcers, including alcohol, smoking, bacteria, and overuse of NSAID medications. Those who suffer from excessive stress can also develop an ulcer. Your treatment begins with antibiotics. You also need to eliminate or reduce the conditions that caused the wound in the first place. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary because excessive scar tissue can block the digestive tract.

constipation

Inflammatory bowel disease is just one of the gastrointestinal diseases you may suffer from. Constipation is also a very common problem for which you should visit a gastroenterology clinic. The most common treatment is laxatives. However, the problem with self-medication is that laxatives can be overused, which can have the opposite effect. Remember that every body is different. The movement frequency of your family members may not be the same as yours. This is why it's important to know your normal bowl movements and talk to your doctor if they change.

A gastroenterology clinic has resources to treat intestinal problems. Whether the problems are mild or serious, these doctors can get you on the path to better health.

Inspired by Abigail Aaronson