When Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Stomach Problems?
Everyone experiences an occasional stomachache, episode of heartburn, or change in bowel habits. But when digestive symptoms keep coming back, become more severe, or begin affecting your daily life, it may be time to see a gastroenterologist.
A gastroenterologist specializes in conditions affecting the digestive system and can help determine whether persistent symptoms are related to diet, a chronic digestive condition, or another underlying issue.
What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?
Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Common reasons patients see a gastroenterologist include:
Persistent abdominal pain
Acid reflux and heartburn
Changes in bowel habits
Chronic constipation
Chronic diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Difficulty swallowing
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Colon polyps
Colorectal cancer screening
Gastroenterologists also perform procedures such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy when further evaluation is necessary.
When Is Abdominal Pain a Reason to See a Gastroenterologist?
Occasional mild abdominal discomfort can have many causes.
However, abdominal pain that repeatedly returns, lasts for an extended period, becomes progressively worse, or occurs with other gastrointestinal symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The location, frequency, severity, and timing of your pain can all provide important information about its possible cause.
When Should You See a Doctor for Heartburn?
Occasional heartburn is common.
Frequent acid reflux, however, may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD.
Consider discussing your symptoms with a gastroenterologist if you frequently experience:
Heartburn
Acid or food coming back into your throat
Chest or upper abdominal discomfort
Chronic cough
Difficulty swallowing
A sensation of food getting stuck
Persistent reflux can irritate the esophagus and should not simply be managed indefinitely without understanding its cause.
What Changes in Bowel Habits Should You Pay Attention To?
Your normal bowel habits are unique to you, so a meaningful change from your usual pattern can be important.
Talk to your healthcare provider about persistent changes such as:
New constipation
Frequent diarrhea
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Blood in the stool
Significant changes in stool appearance
A persistent feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowels
A short-term change may be related to food, stress, illness, medication, or travel. Changes that continue should be evaluated.
Do You Need a Gastroenterologist Even If You Don't Have Symptoms?
Yes.
One of the most important reasons to see a gastroenterologist has nothing to do with digestive symptoms: colorectal cancer screening.
Average-risk adults generally begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Some people may need to begin earlier based on their personal or family history and other risk factors.
A gastroenterologist can help determine which screening approach and schedule are appropriate for you.
What Happens at Your First Gastroenterology Appointment?
Your first appointment usually begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, medications, diet, previous testing, and family history.
Depending on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend laboratory testing, imaging, medication, dietary changes, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, or another diagnostic approach.
Not everyone who visits a gastroenterologist needs a procedure.
The goal is to understand your symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.
Finding a Gastroenterologist in Fresh Meadows, Queens
If digestive symptoms are persistent or something simply feels different from your normal, it may be worth having them evaluated rather than continuing to manage them on your own.
Dr. David Beyda provides comprehensive gastroenterology care from his office in Fresh Meadows, Queens. He evaluates conditions including GERD, IBS, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and other gastrointestinal concerns.
When a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy is medically appropriate, Dr. Beyda performs these procedures at Rego Park Endoscopy Center.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Beyda to discuss your digestive health concerns and determine the appropriate next steps.