Signs You Need A Gastroenterologist

Our digestive system is made up of several components and organs. They include the esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, and the anus. When something doesn’t work right or there is an issue within your digestive tract, you will know pretty quick. There will be symptoms you cannot ignore. The best person to diagnose the problem is a specialist known as a gastroenterologist, and here are some of the signs you need a gastroenterologist.

Frequent Heartburn

Yes, we all know certain foods will give us heartburn, and we try to avoid those triggers whenever possible. Unfortunately other new symptoms show up that are very uncomfortable. If you begin to have heartburn several times a week, something else might be going on.

One such possibility is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Acid can build up in our stomach and flow back up into our esophagus. This occurs when the junction between our stomach and esophagus is not working properly allowing that acid to reverse flow. The result is foul tasting acid and bile in our mouth as we try to sleep. If this is happening to you, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist.

Diarrhea

We have all had the occasional diarrhea, but if it lasts for several weeks making you weak and accompanied with black, tarry,  or bloody stools, you should be evaluated.  This is especially important if you have fever.

Constipation

Don’t ignore frequent or long-lasting constipation. Many serious issues could be at work. It could be an intestinal blockage or some form of cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss

We all wish we could lose a few pounds, but if you are losing weight without any explanation, there are a few causes that are not favorable. See KU Wichita Gastroenterology to find out why this is happening.

Trouble Swallowing

If it feels like you have a lump in your throat and it’s making it hard to even swallow water, it’s time to see a specialist like KU Wichita Gastroenterology. It could be an obstruction in your esophagus like a cancerous tumor or damage to your esophagus from GERD.

Other Signs You Need A Gastroenterologist

• Abdominal bloating
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Excessive gas
• Yellowing skin and eyes
• Blood in stool

Even if you are not experiencing any issues but are 45 years or older, seeing a gastroenterologist for colon cancer screening is highly recommended.