5 Signs That You May Need to See a Gastroenterologist

5 Signs That You May Need to See a Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is someone that specializes in ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract. This is your entire digestive system, from your stomach, through your intestines and right down to your colon, rectum and anus. It’s the system that your body uses to process food and expel the waste your body doesn’t need.

If you keep yourself healthy and eat a decent diet, then your gastrointestinal system can tick along quite happily, but even with the healthiest person things can still go wrong.

Here are 5 signs that you need to see a gastroenterologist.

You have blood in your stool

If you have blood in your stool, please do not immediately panic. Although blood in your stool means that you must see a gastroenterologist, it does not automatically mean that something is significantly wrong. There are lots of reasons why you might observe blood in your stool, and not of all them are serious, but the presence of blood in your stool or if your stool is black and sticky are both reasons that you must see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

You are constipated

Most people pass stool once per day, but if you are experiencing only around three bowel movements per week, then this is a sign that you may be constipated. Constipation could be the result of poor dietary choices, but it also may be due to a gastrointestinal problem, so if it persists, you will need to get it checked out.

You have hemorrhoids

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids then you may feel a little embarrassed, but there is no reason to be. Hemorrhoids are nothing more than distended veins in the rectum that can appear out of the anus. Hemorrhoids can affect all ages, even children. They are easily treated, so instead of suffering in silence, get them treated as soon as possible!

You have stomach problems that won’t go away

Everyone suffers from stomach problems now and again. The digestive system is a sensitive one so complaints such as heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, excessive gas and constipation are all ‘problems’ that everyone experiences from time to time, and are easily curable via over-the-counter medicines.

However, if your symptoms continue for extended periods and non-prescription medicines are not helping, then you should go and see a gastroenterologist.

You are over fifty

Colon cancer is one of the biggest killers in the United States. Colon cancer starts as small polyps in the lining of the rectum. A gastroenterologist uses a colonoscopy to check for polyps and painlessly removes them, so they do not have the chance to turn cancerous.

If you are over fifty then regular colon screenings could save your life.

If you would like to learn a little more about the services offered here at Great Lakes Gastroenterology, please feel free to get in contact with us at any time that’s convenient. You can call us at (440) 205-1225, or you are always welcome to contact us via email using our online contact form.