Gastroenterologists, or GI doctors, treat issues affecting the large and small intestines, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and stomach. They offer treatment solutions, including lifestyle changes, medications, surgeries, and more. Here is more information about what a GI doctor does:
Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic issue that causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It may be caused by infections or stress, and requires professional treatment to prevent disruptions in your everyday schedule. A gastroenterologist will help treat this condition by offering dietary recommendations.
Eliminating foods that cause digestive distress will help reduce the pain or discomfort associated with IBS. The food sensitivities will vary from person to person, but a few common trigger foods include dairy, caffeine, gluten, and spicy or fried foods. Your GI doctor may also prescribe medications to help alleviate discomfort from your IBS symptoms.
Addresses Abdominal Pain
Individuals may experience temporary abdominal pain from the stomach flu, food poisoning, or constipation. A GI doctor may prescribe pain relief medications or antibiotics to treat your condition. Long-term abdominal pain may be a result of Celiac disease, ulcers, diverticulitis, and various other issues.
To diagnose what is causing your pain, the gastroenterologist will complete a blood test, stool sample, or body scan. Once they have determined the source of your discomfort, they offer appropriate treatment solutions. Treatments may involve taking anti-inflammatory medications, avoiding certain foods, exercising more regularly, or undergoing surgery.
Manages Colon Cancer
Colon cancer occurs from abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. Symptoms manifest as pain in the abdomen, blood in the stool, and whole-body fatigue. A quick diagnosis is necessary to prevent the cancer from continuing to grow and worsen.
A GI doctor evaluates your symptoms and may perform a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera into your rectum, and the camera allows the GI doctor to look for abnormal tissue growth or inflammation. Colon cancer is treated with surgery to remove the tissue growth or medications like chemotherapy.
Handles Acid Reflux
Acid reflux causes a burning sensation in your throat and mouth. This is because stomach acid flows the wrong way up your esophagus.
The acid can cause a sore throat, a sour taste in your mouth, and burning in the chest. Long-term acid reflux leads to inflammation in your esophagus, erosion of dental enamel, and even esophageal cancer. Reflux can be exacerbated by smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and eating overly greasy foods.
If non-surgical treatments, like lifestyle and diet changes, do not work, the GI doctor may recommend surgery. Severe reflux can be treated with fundoplication, where the doctor will sew the top of the stomach around the esophageal sphincter to reinforce the muscle and eliminate issues stemming from reflux.
Schedule an Appointment With a Gastroenterologist
GI doctors address a wide variety of issues affecting your digestive system. If you experience frequent abdominal discomfort, blood in your stool, or heartburn, schedule an appointment with a GI specialist. They will provide you with effective treatment options to help reduce or eliminate the source of your pain.