Digestive health specialists, or gastroenterologists, focus on the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum. Whether you are experiencing minor symptoms or have a serious long-standing disorder, a digestive health specialist can provide the expert care you need.
There are a variety of disorders that can affect the digestive system. Some symptoms can come on suddenly while other symptoms may come on over time. It is always best to visit a digestive health specialist if you have concerns or notice changes in your digestive health, as you may need treatment. Alongside providing diagnosis and treatment for a variety of disorders, digestive health specialists can also help you understand various factors that may influence your digestive health. This can help to reduce the chance of digestive disorders or complications further down the line.
Common reasons to see a digestive health specialist include:
Changes in Bowel Habits
If you notice changes in bowel habits, such as changes in the consistency or frequency of stools, you should have it investigated to rule out more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding can happen for several reasons. The most common causes are hemorrhoids, constipation, or anal fissures. A small amount of one-off bleeding typically goes away without needing treatment, but if you are experiencing heavy rectal bleeding or bleeding that lasts more than a few days, you should see your doctor for further investigation. Rectal bleeding can also occur due to colon cancer. Anyone with a family history of colon cancer and anyone who has not yet had a colonoscopy in the recent years should see a digestive health specialist.
Abdominal Pain or Bloating
Occasional abdominal pain and bloating is not usually a cause for concern, but if you experience persistent symptoms, or if pain is interfering with your daily routine or sleep, you should see a digestive health specialist. Many different factors can cause abdominal pain or bloating, including poor diet, food intolerance, stress and conditions such as stomach ulcers, small bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, which may require treatment and lifestyle modification.
Heartburn (Reflux)
Heartburn, or acid reflux, causes a burning pain in the chest. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Symptoms are often worse after eating, when eating certain types of foods, during the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and isn’t usually cause for concern. However, frequent heartburn, or heartburn that interferes with your day-to-day life may be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical care. Any heartburn that needs regular medications and change in symptoms, new symptoms like difficulty in swallowing need to be evaluated by a digestive disease specialist. Chronic heartburn can lead to conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancers are common types of cancer that begin in the colon or rectum. This type of cancer is often asymptomatic until the disease progresses. Regular colorectal screening tests are an important tool in diagnosing colon cancer in its earliest stage when treatment is most effective. The gastroenterology societies recommend colon cancer screening starting at the age of 45, or younger if you are at higher risk, such as having a family history of colorectal cancer. Lifestyle-related factors, such as poor diet, smoking, excess weight, and lack of physical activity, can also increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a digestive health specialist immediately as they may be a sign of colorectal cancer:
A change in bowel habits, such as intermittent or constant diarrhea and/or constipation, a change in consistency of your stool, or thinner stools
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as pain, cramps, bloating, gas, and nausea
Rectal bleeding/blood in your stool
Feeling like your bowel hasn’t completely emptied
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common as of our food habits change and there is increasing obesity. While obesity is a major risk for fatty liver disease, non-obese people can also have this, especially if they have diabetes and some other risk factors. Fatty liver disease can lead to liver cirrhosis. Please talk to your doctor regarding referral to digestive disease specialist for evaluation and management of fatty liver if you have it.
Hepatitis C and Other Hepatitis Viruses
Hepatitis C is a very common infection involving the liver, which is often chronic and can progress to liver cirrhosis. Over the last decade, there have been significant improvements in the medical therapy of this. Hepatitis C can now be easily treated with oral medications. Screening for hepatitis C infection is recommended for all adults aged 18 or over by the CDC. More periodic testing is recommended in individuals with risk factor for hepatitis C such as use of injecting drugs, blood transfusions, hemodialysis.
Abnormal Weight Loss
Abnormal weight loss can be a sign of digestive issues ranging from celiac disease to cancers of abdomen as well as other organs. Talk to a digestive disease specialist if you have abnormal weight loss.
Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is an irreversible scarring of the liver, which can happen from various causes. It can lead to complications such as life-threatening bleeding, liver cancer and liver failure leading to death. It needs management by digestive health specialist to ensure that the complications of cirrhosis are directed early, when it is treatable and referral for liver transplant is initiated promptly when needed.
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
This can present as severe abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice or with symptoms of malabsorption. If you have a history of pancreatitis or family history of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, then you should talk to digestive disease specialist..
If you are concerned about your digestive health, speak to the experienced gastroenterologists at Upstate Medical University Department of Medicine. We offer a comprehensive range of digestive health services and are dedicated to the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management of patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
Digestive Health Specialists in Syracuse, NY
The friendly staff at the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University (UMU) welcomes your call and looks forward to serving you. Please contact our office through email at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu.
