You should see a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms like abnormal bowel movements, recurrent heartburn, abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, bloating, or difficulties swallowing.
If your symptoms are recent or minor in degree, you may prefer to first visit your family physician in Vancouver for preliminary testing. They can help you decide whether or not you need to see a specialist.
What is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a physician with focused training in the gastrointestinal tract and liver disease management. The exceptional training that gastroenterologists go through helps provide high-quality, comprehensive care for patients with several gastrointestinal ailments.
Gastroenterologists are considered experts in the subject because they perform the majority of research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and the interpretation of outcomes.
When do you need a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists can perform several procedures and treatments like Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Esophageal and Intestinal Dilation, Sigmoidoscopy, Polypectomy, etc.
Seven Signs That You Should Schedule an Appointment With Your Gastroenterologist
1. Rectal Bleeding
An anal fissure (a tear in the tissue lining the anus), hemorrhoids, or maybe something requiring medical treatment, such as cancer, could be the cause of rectal bleeding.
2. Consistent Heartburn
Heartburn on rare occasions is probably nothing to worry about, but regular heartburn could signal GERD, Barrett's esophagus, and possibly even esophageal cancer.
3. PeriodicColorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for persons aged 45 to 75. Some patients require screening colonoscopies sooner, especially if they have a genetic history of colorectal cancer.
4. Dysphagia
When esophageal pain or trouble swallowing becomes frequent or worsens, a gastroenterologist may perform an upper endoscopy to discover the causes and start treatment.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
An abrupt, quick drop, such as 5% in six to twelve months, could suggest an underlying problem like chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, or peptic ulcer.
6. Abdominal Pain and Bloating
If you have abdominal pain and bloating after almost every meal, or if you have nausea or painful bowel movements, talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a gastroenterologist for more tests.
7. Abnormal Bowel Movements
It can cause problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and excessive gas.
Constipation can be caused by a blockage, neurological difficulties, muscular or hormonal malfunction, nutrition, or other factors if you have less than three bowel movements each week.
Also, if you have watery stools for more than a few days, it could be caused by a microbe, a drug reaction, or other digestive problems like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, etc.
Conclusion
WalkInVirtualClinics is a great virtual care platform for patients, where you can hopefully find the best family doctors in Vancouver. So don't delay any further and connect with our compassionate team of expert doctors to reclaim control of your health.
