For good overall health and well-being, our gastrointestinal health is quite vital. People often associate the term with stomach or gut issues. In reality, it covers a chain of organs that include the mouth, esophagus, gut, intestines, and anus—together known as the gastrointestinal tract. Diseases that affect our GI tract are on the rise due to modern diet and lifestyle made up of canned food, junk, and irregular eating time. Many such ailments require long-term treatment. With a Bajaj EMI health card, all your medical needs are taken care of hassle-free.
Who is a Gastroenterologist?
A specialist that diagnoses and treats disease and ailments affecting the gastrointestinal tract and liver is known as a gastroenterologist. Usually, they are trained to perform an endoscopy to assess the GI tract and form the opinion accordingly. A gastroenterologist does not perform surgeries and works for the same with a GI surgeon. Common Illnesses treated include celiac disease, cancer of the GI tract, Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), GERD, Stomach ulcers, Pancreatitis, etc. To find the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, go through reviews, experience, and the ailments they treat. Here are five signs that suggest a visit to a gastroenterologist is due now.
Persistent Heartburn
Many people go on taking anta-acids without consulting a doctor daily. It happens because heartburn is quite common. But experiencing heartburn regularly can be due to some other major issue. A person with persistent acid reflux may have Barret’s Esophagus or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD). In severe cases, it may be indicative of an acute disease such as esophageal cancer. Usually, conditions such as GERD are chronic that require lifelong medication. Thus, It is imperative to obtain a correct diagnosis with the help of a specialist and start the effective treatment.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Abnormal bowel movements make a person’s quality of life dissatisfactory. Everyone has a different bowel movement. However, a change in bowel frequency may indicate an underlying health issue. For instance, constipation occurs due to several reasons such as stress, hormonal imbalances, low fiber diet, blockage, etc. Usually, in constipation, bowel movement is less than three times per week. In contrast, watery stools that occur regularly, i.e., diarrhea, may happen due to digestive issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s disease. It may also be because of a virus, lactose intolerance, or a reaction to a medication. Thus, a gastroenterologist visit will clear out the cause.
Blood in Stools
Rectal Bleeding is intimidating and full of discomfort. Generally, blood in your stools means that there is internal bleeding in the digestive tract. The severeness can vary and indicate a specific issue. For instance, hemorrhoids may be the cause of fresh red blood. Even women going through the post-menopause phase may experience bleeding due to thinning of tissues. Usually, the sooner you see the doctor, the more easily curable it is. Sometimes, blood comes out as black, indicating a severe internal digestive issue such as cancer. So, check-in with the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad for quality treatment.
Extreme Flatulence
Passing gas is natural to every living being. But when it turns excessive and comes with other ailments, it becomes an issue. A healthy person passes wind around ten times a day. A frequency of more than this daily suggests excessive flatulence. Flatulence can occur due to swallowing air frequently while eating or due to a diet that consists of foods that time to digest, such as beans, milk, etc. If these are not the causes of excess gas, then a medical condition is behind the issue. Digestive problems such as gastroenteritis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance may be the culprit.
Weight Fluctuation
An unexplained loss or gain in weight is suspicious and should be checked with a doctor. Many people get happy with weight loss, but it can be a sign of a medical condition. Similarly, weight gain may not be due to poor diet habits; it can suggest ailments such as hypothyroidism or ascites. Either way, one should consult a gastroenterologist to find the root cause and treating the same. It will also help in ruling out the possibility of colon cancer or any other acute disease. The doctor may suggest endoscopy or drug therapy for treating the fluctuation.
Conclusion
A Gastroenterologist is an expert on the GI tract and the diseases that impact it. So, a person should consult one if they experience any of the above signs regularly. Some of these treatments may be hefty and continue for a long time. With the Bajaj EMI health card, an individual can tackle the financial aspect tension-free. Also, you can see a GI doctor if you want to lose or gain a few pounds as they would provide science-backed authentic solutions. The above signs are not exhaustive. Therefore it is advisable to check with a GI doctor in case of any digestive issue.
