Do you know that sixty-two million Americans suffer from a digestive condition each year? The statistics should trigger you to become more responsible in ensuring your digestive system functions at its optimum state. The digestive system stretches from the mouth to the anus. You should avoid downplaying persistent symptoms such as heartburn. Some specialists are trained to diagnose and treat all digestive system conditions called gastroenterologists. The GastroDoxs Center in Cypress has the best GI doctors. Therefore in this article, you will learn more about a healthy digestive system.
How Do You Tell You Have Digestive Issues?
If your digestive system is functioning abnormally, you will experience certain symptoms that are not easy to ignore. The digestive system is responsible for food digestion, absorption, and removal of wastes. Some symptoms tell you that you need to see gastroenterologists urgently. They include;
1. Change in bowel movements
If you do not pass stool, as usual, because of poor eating habits, you should consult gastroenterologists immediately. Also, change in bowel movements can exist because of constipation, making it difficult and painful to pass stool. Also, it is a danger to consistently diarrhea because you will get dehydrated and lose important nutrients. Bloating and passing gas are signs that your digestive system has an issue. If the above changes in bowel movement persist and worsen, visit a gastroenterologist.
2. Heartburn
If you experience chronic heartburn that only gets worse or the heartburn gets worse at night, therefore, preventing you from sleeping, you should go for a check-up. Persistent heartburn is a sign of gastroesophageal reflux.
3. Inability to Swallow
Having difficulty swallowing food and drinks can point to a serious issue in your esophagus or throat. If you are choking more when eating, you should have your throat and esophagus checked by gastroenterologists.
4. Bloody stool
If, after a bowel movement, you notice blood in the stool, you should seek medical services. Blood in your stool can mean that you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
5. Unbearable belly pain
Stomach ache that is either persistent or intermittent can mean that you have a serious digestive issue. Seek the services of gastroenterologists immediately if the stomach ache is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Role of A Gastroenterologist
The specialist diagnoses different digestive conditions and offers treatment. Gastroenterologists also undertake to prevent patients from suffering from chronic gastrointestinal conditions through preventative medicine. Some of the conditions diagnosed and treated include; abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, dysphagia, rectal bleeding, and acid reflux. The specialist also conducts diagnostic tests and screening, such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.
Due to the increased population suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, people must understand the conditions’ common symptoms. Understanding the symptoms will seek timely medical interventions before things get out of hand. The gastroenterologists advise patients of different gastrointestinal conditions and treatments available. It would help if you did not allow digestive conditions to remain untreated because they deny your important body nutrients resulting from the digestive process. Make a call to book an appointment at GatroDoxs today.
