When should I be alarmed about Gastrointestinal Problems?
The gastrointestinal tract or the GI consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Like all other parts of the body, the GI tract can also be affected by serious illnesses requiring specialized medical care.
Any issue/disorder/condition affecting these parts is generally termed as gastrointestinal disorders, and these can directly impact the digestion, immunity, and overall health of an individual.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some of these gastrointestinal conditions might require specialized care. So in case you experience discomfort or experience signs of digestive health disorders, it might be good to search for a specialist. Nanavati Max Hospital has some of the best gastro surgeons in Mumbai.
While a primary care doctor or a general practitioner (GP) can help with common problems like constipation and diarrhea, a gastro-specialist can offer more specialized advice. If the situation gets acute or chronic, it’s time to consult one.
Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
There is a general tendency to take some health issues casually. As far as gastro-disorders are concerned, people tend to brush these off as stomach disorders or digestive problems.
However, certain signs must be taken seriously, as they might require timely intervention to prevent further deterioration of health. You should immediately consult a gastro specialist if you experience any of the following conditions-
- Continued abdominal pain or bloating
- Experiencing excessive gas or belching
- Loss of appetite or weight and experiencing lethargy
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits, hard to control bowel movements
- Change in color of stool/urine
- Acid reflux
- Rectal bleeding
Specific Symptoms related to Serious Gastro-Related Health Conditions
The severity of gastrointestinal disorders can be understood from the fact that something that appears as mere bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can indicate diseases like Celiac Disease and lactose intolerance. Weight loss and consistent abdominal pain might be due to Crohn’s disease.
Sometimes there are chances of cancer (polyps and colorectal), Peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. So if there are symptoms that seem severe or chronic, seek specialized consultation, even if it be online consultation with a gastro surgeon in Mumbai.
The symptoms that need consideration are listed below-
| Symptom(s) | Disorder |
|
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) |
Rashes
|
Celiac disease |
|
Crohn’s Disease |
|
Diarrhea |
|
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon |
|
Hemorrhoids (external and internal) and anal fissures |
|
Lactose intolerance |
|
Ulcerative Colitis |
Treatment for Gastrointestinal Problems
Visiting a gastro-specialist helps detect the condition and facilitates appropriate, timely, and effective treatment. While such interventions help reduce complications, it also implies that you’ll have to spend less time and money on treatment as the detection and treatment have begun on time. Various routes of treatment adopted by any good gastro surgeon in Mumbai or gastro-specialists are:
- Medication- use of supplements, laxatives, antibiotics, electrolyte solutions, antacids, etc
- Diet and lifestyle changes to improve gut-health
- Colonoscopy
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in case of cancers
Summing Up
Some conditions don’t show early symptoms and are discovered through a colonoscopy. These include Diverticular disease, Polyps, and colorectal cancer. Most forms of colorectal cancers don’t show symptoms.
It is advisable to visit a gastro specialist regularly for timely screening. When the symptoms become evident, there should be no delay in approaching the specialist. Hospitals like Nanavati Max Hospital are super-specialty hospitals and have the best gastro surgeons in Mumbai on their panel. Also, read our new blogs.
