From time to time, we all have digestive issues such as an upset stomach or a change in bowel movements. However, when these concerns become more frequent or noticeably painful, they warrant examination by a medical professional.
Your first action is probably to consult with your primary care physician. Depending on the nature of the problem, your doctor may very well refer you to a gastroenterologist, often referred to as a GI specialist
A GI doctor is a specialist with expertise in disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, as well as other organs such as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. These specialists treat a wide variety of digestive disorders and issues ranging from changes in bowel habits and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, ulcers, and more.
There are numerous symptoms related to the digestive system that require the expert evaluation of a GI specialist. These include:
- Ongoing diarrhea – Many things cause diarrhea, including certain foods, infections, and medications. If your stool is chronically more fluid than solid, however, you should check with a GI specialist as it may indicate a digestive disorder such as IBS, IBD, or a small bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Constipation – Although the frequency of bowel movements differs from person to person, less than three per week – or if your bowel movements are small, extremely hard, or difficult to pass – it is considered constipation. A GI specialist can help determine the cause of your condition and recommend medication and lifestyle changes that will help your bowel movements become more regular.
- Severe or frequent heartburn – Occasional heartburn is nothing to be concerned about. However, if symptoms occur more than a few times per week, it may be a sign of GERD, which can damage the lining of your esophagus over time, leading to difficulty swallowing or painful ulcers and increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer. It is, therefore, imperative that you consult a GI specialist for effective treatment.
- Unusual bloating – If you feel like your belly is full or tight, it could be caused by an issue that results in excess gas production that is being trapped in your colon. Bloating may also be a sign of IBS, SIBO, lactose intolerance, or gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach). A GI specialist can help identify and treat the cause of your bloating.
- Severe or sudden abdominal pain – Consistent and severe abdominal pain may indicate a stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer, gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver disease. A gastroenterologist can diagnosis the cause of your pain and recommend treatment to relieve it.
- Rectal bleeding – If you notice blood in your stool, you may have a hemorrhoid, which can typically be managed with an over-the-counter product. However, if your hemorrhoids do not respond to self-care or become more frequent, you should consult a GI specialist for more advanced treatment. If you see blood in your stool or experience rectal bleeding that accompanies changes on your bowel habits, the color, or the consistency of your stool, it can be a sign of a more serious medical issue, such as colorectal cancer, in which case, seeing a GI specialist is critical.
Also, if you are older than 45 or have a history of colorectal cancer in your family, you should have a colonoscopy every 5 years. A gastroenterologist is specially trained to perform a number of procedures to help diagnose and treat conditions related to the digestive system, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, biopsy, and endoscopic ultrasound.
GI Specialist in Syracuse, New York
At the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University, our board-certified and fellowship trained gastroenterologists are dedicated to the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. We provide outstanding medical care in a comfortable and convenient environment, offering a comprehensive range of gastrointestinal services that include:
- Outpatient gastrointestinal consultations
- Inpatient gastrointestinal consultations
- Irritable bowel disease (IBD) care and ongoing management
- Liver disease treatment
- Research study protocol participation
Please contact your gastroenterology provider directly to schedule an appointment. Or you can email the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu for more information.
