A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of the digestive system. Doctors of gastroenterology care for patients with stomach pain, and they also manage chronic gut issues. Common digestive disorders include acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease. Here is more information about common digestive disorders and how a gastroenterologist can help:
Functions of Gastroenterology Specialists
Doctors who practice gastroenterology focus on the organs along your gastrointestinal tract. They evaluate the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver. Many patients seek care for chronic heartburn, and others need help with persistent abdominal pain. When you visit a clinic, the doctor reviews your medical history and may perform diagnostic tests, such as an endoscopy, to find the root cause of your discomfort.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition that affects the lower esophageal sphincter. Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, and this process irritates the lining. You might experience a burning sensation in your chest after meals or at night, when the pain tends to worsen. Your doctor can prescribe medications and dietary changes to help reduce flare-ups.
Patients with severe reflux sometimes experience difficulty sleeping and swallowing. Untreated acid reflux sometimes damages the esophagus, and it can lead to more serious health issues over time. If lifestyle and dietary changes do not achieve the desired result, the provider might recommend medication.
Types of Autoimmune Conditions
Digestive autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your gut. This abnormal response causes severe inflammation and damages the digestive tract lining. When a person with the autoimmune condition of celiac disease eats gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. A strict gluten-free diet is the standard treatment, and it helps the intestines heal while preventing further damage.
Inflammatory bowel disease involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Doctors classify this disease into two main types:
- Crohn’s disease: affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: exclusively affects the colon and the rectum.
These conditions can cause severe diarrhea, and patients experience severe abdominal pain. Seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms of these conditions helps you get the care you need. Both conditions require lifelong management, which includes medication and lifestyle changes.
Causes of Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is not normal, and a medical professional can help identify the cause. Several common conditions lead to finding blood in your stool:
- Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the lower rectum that bleed during bowel movements. They are often treatable with dietary changes or medical procedures.
- Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pouches in the colon become infected or inflamed, which may result in bleeding. The condition may be treated with antibiotics and temporary dietary changes.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While IBS does not directly cause bleeding, the straining associated with it can lead to hemorrhoids, which do bleed.
Because bleeding indicates various conditions, you should seek a professional medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Explore Digestive Treatments in Gastroenterology
A gastroenterologist can diagnose complex digestive issues, and they offer treatments for various chronic ailments. Whether you experience acid reflux or autoimmune inflammation, medical professionals provide targeted therapies that decrease symptoms and treat the cause. To learn more about symptoms of and treatments for digestive disorders, consult a gastroenterologist near you.
