If you’re experiencing discomfort like belly pain, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, or notice blood in your stool, you might be wondering about GI doctors. Having a gastroenterologist, often referred to as a “GI doctor,” can be incredibly helpful in these situations.
Let’s delve into what GI doctors do and highlight the warning signs that indicate it’s time to consult one.
Decoding GI Doctors: Specialists of the Digestive System
GI is an abbreviation for gastrointestinal. Therefore, GI doctors are gastroenterologists – medical experts who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting your gastrointestinal tract, also known as the digestive tract. These specialists are dedicated to the health of all organs involved in the crucial processes of digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
The gastrointestinal tract is a remarkably complex system. It functions tirelessly, day and night, often without us giving it a second thought – until a problem arises. The organs that comprise your GI tract include:
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Colon and rectum
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Bile ducts
- Liver
Disruptions in any part of this intricate digestive system can manifest in various symptoms, most notably stomach pain and discomfort. Furthermore, GI issues can hinder your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, impacting your overall health and well-being.
Recognizing Warning Signs: When to See a GI Doctor
Many common gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroenteritis (often referred to as a stomach bug) or occasional, mild heartburn, usually resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, persistent, recurring, or new and unusual GI symptoms warrant attention from a specialist.
Here are key warning signs that suggest you should seek evaluation from a GI doctor:
- Changes in Bowel Habits: While dietary changes can influence bowel movements, any significant and persistent alteration in your bowel habits should be discussed with a GI doctor. This could signal changes within your digestive tract that need investigation.
- Persistent Digestive Discomfort: Constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, or bloating that doesn’t subside or progressively worsens are reasons to consult a GI specialist. They can conduct tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of these symptoms.
- Severe or Nighttime Heartburn: Heartburn, characterized by a burning sensation in your chest or throat, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. If heartburn is severe, frequent, or disrupts your sleep, a GI doctor can investigate the reasons for acid reflux and assess the health of your esophagus.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Trouble swallowing can impede normal eating and drinking and elevate the risk of choking. GI doctors can examine your throat and esophagus to identify the cause of swallowing difficulties.
- Blood in the Stool (Hematochezia or Melena): While blood in the stool can stem from various conditions, many of which are not serious, it’s never normal. It’s crucial to have a GI expert evaluate any rectal bleeding. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia can indicate microscopic bleeding in the GI tract, even without visible blood in the stool, necessitating further investigation.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense belly pain is a significant warning sign of potential problems within your gastrointestinal system. If you experience severe, intermittent pain, schedule an appointment with a GI doctor. However, if you have severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever, seek immediate medical attention at the emergency department.
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Jaundice: Unintentional weight loss or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) can be indicators of cancer within the GI tract. Prompt evaluation by a specialist is essential in these cases.
Dr. Sultan Mahmood, a gastroenterologist at Northern Gastroenterology-UPMC, emphasizes the rising incidence of GI diseases, particularly colon cancer, even among younger populations. He advises, “It’s best to not ignore your symptoms as early diagnosis and treatment can potentially save patients from complicated surgeries and expensive treatments down the road.”
Management of Chronic Gastrointestinal Conditions
For individuals diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, regular follow-up appointments with a GI doctor are crucial. These specialists play a vital role in monitoring your condition, adjusting medications as needed, and ensuring optimal disease management.
GI doctors routinely manage a range of chronic conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Celiac Disease
- Diverticulosis
- Gallbladder Disease
- Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer
- Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer
Dr. Mahmood highlights the advancements in GI treatments, stating, “Rapid advancements in the medical field have introduced innovative organ-sparing and minimally invasive treatment modalities for a range of conditions, encompassing achalasia, gastroparesis, early esophageal and stomach cancer, as well as complex colon polyps. As a progressive health care institution, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of medical innovation, providing our patients with access to these cutting-edge treatment options.”
The GI Doctor’s Role in Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer, affecting the colon or rectum, is a prevalent cancer among adults. However, it is often preventable through regular screening and highly treatable when detected early.
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Consequently, most GI doctors recommend initiating screening at age 50. Individuals with higher risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, may require earlier and more frequent screening. Knowing your family history and personal risk factors is important.
Several colorectal cancer screening tests are available, and your GI doctor can recommend the most suitable option based on your age and risk profile. Common screening methods include:
- Colonoscopy: A procedure where a GI doctor uses an endoscope to visualize the entire colon.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A less invasive approach using CT scans to create images of the colon.
- Stool Tests: Tests that analyze stool samples for blood or specific gene changes associated with cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure where an endoscope is used to examine only the lower portion of the colon.
GI doctors are essential members of your healthcare team, particularly for digestive health. The gastroenterologists at UPMC possess comprehensive expertise in managing all facets of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. They are available to provide expert care for both new and ongoing digestive health concerns.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 5, 2020, and was last reviewed on August 2, 2023.
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About Digestive Disorders
UPMC Digestive Health Care provides comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, from initial diagnosis to advanced treatments. Whether you are dealing with a common or complex digestive issue, their specialists are equipped to help. Upon referral from your primary physician, they coordinate necessary testing and treatment plans. For complex conditions, UPMC offers referrals to specialized digestive health centers of excellence. Find a GI doctor near you.
