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5 questions to ask a gastroenterologist

The digestion and excretion processes are vital for maintaining our overall health. Yet complications with the gastrointestinal system, such as constipation and gas, are least discussed. And this is because people are primarily uncomfortable talking about their gastrointestinal health. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist could address any queries one may have about gastrointestinal health and also recommend remedies and treatment methods. So here are a few questions that one can ask their gastroenterologist.

What is the cause of excessive gas?
One of the most common factors in gastrointestinal health that most people do not talk about is passing too much gas. The condition could occur due to flatulence, i.e., swallowing more air than usual or eating food that is difficult to digest. Gasses may also build up when the body digests food and needs to get rid of it through flatulence or belching. However, too much gas could also occur because of health problems such as recurring indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD). So one is better off speaking to an expert who will help them diagnose the condition.

Are unusually colored feces normal?
An individual might find that the color of their feces is different occasionally and worry about it. But it is normal for the color of one’s stools to vary in shades based on the types of food they eat. For example, feces may appear green if the individual has had a meal rich in leafy vegetables or taken supplements. But dark green stools may also be triggered by factors like stress, requiring an expert’s opinion.

Is rectal bleeding a sign of a severe disease?
Sometimes one may notice blood in stools, which is alarming; however, they might be embarrassed to talk about it. There are a range of factors that may cause rectal bleeding, including polyps, hemorrhoids, or ulcers. While the cause of the bleeding might not be severe, it is vital to locate the source by getting a thorough diagnosis. The expert will help determine if the origin is in the intestines and if a disease causes it.

Why is there severe stomach pain?
Individuals may also experience severe pain in their bellies that may not go away. For example, the pain might be triggered by various health complications, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. However, such developments indicate something unusual about gastrointestinal health that should be diagnosed by a GI expert immediately.

Will invasive tests be required?
Most complications that one has with digestive health may require an expert’s opinion. However, these conditions could be diagnosed based on the gastroenterologist’s questions about one’s health. They may also check one’s blood pressure and heart rate to assess whether there are any unusual signs to look for. For example, the expert may conduct a physical exam that includes pressing down on the skin around the belly and feeling for any masses or tenderness. Additional testing may include swallowing liquid barium to highlight areas in the body during a scan. Other diagnostic methods required to identify a health condition might include a colonoscopy, an upper endoscopy, and an enteroscopy.

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