Which Doctor to Consult for Stomach Pain? Minor stomach problems can come and go but persistent stomach issues might discomfort your health. If you have severe digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, you need to consult your physician first. Your doctor may recommend the exact treatment for the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder of your digestive system. Meanwhile, doctor’s appointments can be hectic and a bit stressful. When you get fully dependent on your doctor, it may create a hurdle for forthcoming events like booking another appointment, consulting a doctor for medications, and going through a long queue for the regular checkup. You can simply learn to manage your symptoms and get a quality of life.
Some sensitive concerns like that involve the problem with the gastrointestinal tract requires consulting the physician at its primary step. In such a case, you can trust only those physicians who have got quality stars for their work and are approved. Your doctor may help you treat fully intestinal problems, issues with the pancreas, stomach, liver, colon, and rectum. The best stomach doctor will help you fully treat all these symptoms. A gastroenterologist may help you lead more accurate detection of the issue with your stomach and the complications that have remained there within a few or less time spent in the hospital.
When to see a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical professional who is a specialist in certain conditions like what affects the organs and the structure of the digestive system. A gastroenterologist analyzes, treats, and takes care of people going through a range of gut-related illnesses. This may include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. Subsequently, a gastroenterologist provides medication for the internal system of a human being.
Gastroenterology is related to the field of medication that helps to function and treat the disease related to the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system. Gastroenterology involved the:
- The liver
- The removal of waste from the body
- The movement of food material through the stomach and intestines
- The gastrointestinal organs
- The digestion and absorption of nutrients
What is a gastroenterologist?
To become a gastroenterologist, a physician or doctor must have completed the 3-year internal medicine residency after pursuing medical school. They must have undertaken 2-3 years of intense and specialized training that must call for a fellowship or any other kind of internship.
After becoming qualified for becoming a successful gastroenterologist, they must have possessed an association of working with any health professional who must have taken care of people and must have understood the subject.
- A gastroenterologist may work with:
- A radiologist who specializes in imaging,
- Hepatologist who specializes in live and related treatments
- An oncologist who specializes in cancer
A best stomach doctor plays a role in diagnosing, analyzing, treating, and managing the conditions related to various conditions that further involves the procedure like:
Endoscopy
While doing endoscopy, it may require inserting a small camera that attaches a long thin tube called an endoscope that helps to look inside the body.
The endoscope is inserted through the mouth, down the throat, and the esophagus that further sends back the screen to monitor the system.
A gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopy to investigate the symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding
- Persistent heartburn
- Problems related to swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Extreme weight loss
Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy
Such procedures are similar to endoscopy but require gastroenterologists to insert tubes into the rectum rather than the mouth. A gastroenterologist may see the entire colon and rectum while performing a colonoscopy. On the other hand, a sigmoidoscopy only allows a gastroenterologist to examine the rectum and lower colon. During such procedures, a gastroenterologist might look for:
- An early sign of cancer in color or rectum
- Changes in the habits of bowel movement
- Causes of any specific symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, and unexplained weight loss
Polypectomy
While performing a polypectomy, a gastroenterologist may remove one or more polyps from the lining of the bowel. Polyps are the noncancerous material that helps in the growth of the colon. They are very common and get affected by 30% in adults over the age of 50 in the United States.
A gastroenterologist may either detach the polyps utilizing wire loop forceps or may also use an electric current to burn them while performing a colonoscopy.
Esophageal dilation
During esophageal dilation, a gastroenterologist may work on stretching the area of the esophagus. This may get affected by the acid reflux that may further narrow it and make it hard for a person to swallow food.
This may also get worsen due to other issues like layers of excess tissue, scarring from radiation treatment, and cancer of the esophagus. Such conditions may lead to the same problem. A Gastroenterologist is then required to stretch the tube, utilizing a plastic dilator or inflating a balloon. While performing the procedure, a gastroenterologist may sedate the person and, alternatively, may apply a local anesthetic spray to the back of the person’s throat.
Q: What causes stomach pain?
A: Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including gastrointestinal disorders, infections, inflammation, ulcers, and other medical conditions.
Q: How can I know which doctor to see for my stomach pain?
A: Depending on the severity and type of stomach pain you are experiencing, you may want to consult with a gastroenterologist, internal medicine physician, family medicine physician, or an emergency medicine physician.
Q: What is a gastroenterologist?
A: A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
Q: What is an internal medicine physician?
A: An internal medicine physician is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of medical conditions, including those that may be causing your stomach pain.
Q: What is a family medicine physician?
A: A family medicine physician is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions, including stomach pain. They can also provide ongoing care for your overall health.
Q: When should I go to the emergency room for stomach pain?
A: If your stomach pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or rapid heartbeat, you may need to visit an emergency department. An emergency medicine physician can evaluate your symptoms and provide immediate treatment if necessary.
Q: Should I consult with my primary care physician before seeing a specialist for my stomach pain?
A: It is generally recommended to consult with your primary care physician first, who can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you need to see a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
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