Signs You Should Visit A Gastroenterology Clinic
Digestion problems or complications can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, particularly in children whose immune system isn't fully developed. Therefore, getting immediate medical treatment from a gastroenterologist is essential to solving such issues. But how do you know the right time to visit a gastroenterology clinic? Here are the telltale signs.
Recurring Heartburn
Heartburn is characterized by a burning pain sensation in your chest. The condition usually occurs when the stomach acids back up to the esophagus upon eating spicy foods, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol. Severe heartburn may cause shortness of breath and dizziness. Additionally, recurring heartburn symptoms could indicate more severe conditions like esophagitis, which occurs due to inflammation of the esophagus's lining. Fortunately, a gastroenterology doctor can help diagnose the cause of heartburn and treat the condition appropriately.
Swallowing Difficulty
If you're swallowing solid foods or liquids like water with difficulty, a gastroenterology doctor can help. The difficulty may be due to a lump or lesion in the throat. Also, acid reflux may cause weakening or damage to esophagus muscles causing pain or discomfort when swallowing. A gastroenterologist has adequate skills and equipment to perform an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy test to reveal the causes and offer the correct treatment.
Bloating
Your stomach may experience excessive gas build-up, resulting in bloating. The condition may cause pain, nausea, and painful bowel movements. Similarly, severe bloating may cause your stomach to look larger than usual. Moreover, bloating may be a symptom of diseases like gallstones or ulcerative colitis. A gastroenterology specialist can perform tests on your stomach to reveal the bloating causes and recommend the ideal treatments.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea refers to watery bowel movements due to consuming contaminated water or food. Mild diarrhea may resolve within a few days. However, if you're experiencing severe diarrhea, you may become dehydrated, pass bloody stool, or experience fever. These could be symptoms of severe digestive issues like parasitic infection or ulcerative colitis. Seeing a gastroenterology doctor helps with the early treatment of diarrhea before it manifests into more complicated conditions.
Abnormal Weight Loss
Losing weight through dieting or exercise is healthy. Nevertheless, if you experience unexplained weight loss, you may have an unidentified digestive condition. For instance, your body may not absorb sufficient nutrients and calories, causing drastic weight loss. Gastroenterology visits can help address abnormal weight loss.
The signs that you should visit a gastroenterology clinic include diarrhea, bloating, abnormal weight loss, recurring heartburn, and swallowing difficulties. Consider visiting a gastroenterologist when you notice these indicators.
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