Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when a sudden medical issue warrants a trip to the doctor. Take the occasional gastrointestinal (GI) problem, for example. At some point, we all experience bouts of indigestion, heartburn, or irregular bowel movements – usually triggered by bad eating habits.
However, there are definite telltale signs and symptoms that something is wrong in your GI tract that requires the expert diagnosis and treatment of a gastroenterologist. Unlike your primary care physician, these specialists can analyze your digestive issue, pinpoint its cause, and provide effective treatment for a wide range of disorders involving the stomach, gallbladder, colon, lover, bile ducts, or pancreas.
Let’s review the common signs and symptoms that necessitate a consultation with a GI specialist.
12 Signs It’s Time to Consult a GI Specialist
At the first sign of a digestive problem, you should visit your regular physician for preliminary testing. Depending on those results, you will be referred to a GI specialist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- A change in the quality or regularity of your bowel movements, as these may indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, or celiac disease.
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week (constipation). Your condition may be due to blockage, a neurological issue, muscular or hormonal malfunction, diet, or other factors that need to be identified and treated.
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days. It could be caused by a number of factors, including a virus, parasite/bacteria, lactose intolerance, reaction to medication(s), or another digestive disorder, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Excessive gas, which could be a sign of lactose intolerance or a chronic intestinal condition, such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
- Prolonged periods of light-colored stool, which could indicate any number of conditions, including gallbladder disease, liver or pancreatic issues, or problems with the bile ducts.
- Rectal bleeding, which may be caused by an anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or possibly cancer.
- Painful and frequent heartburn, which suggests a digestive issue such as gastroesophageal (acid) reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer.
- Prolonged or persistent abdominal pain or bloating after practically every meal or accompanied by nausea or painful bowel movements.
- Peptic ulcers,caused by bacterial infection or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, on the lining of your stomach, small intestine, or esophagus.
- Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to become yellow due to an excessive buildup of bilirubin in your blood. It is typically related to blood or liver issues such as gallstones, hemolytic anemia, inflamed bile ducts, or alcohol-induced liver damage.
- Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, which may be caused by acid reflux, achalasia (in which the esophagus muscles fail to contract properly and do not propel food down to the stomach), certain cancers, or a neurological disorder.
- Sudden and unexpected weight loss – such as 5 percent within six to 12 months – which can indicate any number of underlying conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, a peptic ulcer, or ulcerative colitis.
GI Specialist in Syracuse, New York
Whatever gastrointestinal issues you may be experiencing, the GI specialists at the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University offer a wide range of expert diagnostic and therapeutic services at our locations. We are committed to providing excellent medical care, including but not limited to:
- Outpatient gastrointestinal consultations
- Inpatient gastrointestinal consultations
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment
- Treatment and ongoing management of irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver disease treatment
- Research study protocol participation
To schedule an appointment, please contact your gastroenterology provider directly. You can also email the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu for more information.
