4 Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist in Oak Park, IL

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who is an expert in the disorders and diseases which affect the digestive system, this can include the gastrointestinal tract like the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, esophagus, rectum, and anus).
Gastroenterologist are one of the best doctors to see for stomach issues, as they are trained to perform a number of procedures and are often sought out to help diagnose and treat specific conditions using treatments like upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and various endoscopic techniques necessary to visualize the digestive system like endoscopic ultrasounds, and biopsies.

If you are dealing with the following symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with our gastroenterologist:
– Ongoing diarrhea
– Constipation
– Frequent or severe heartburn
– Feeling bloated more than usual
– Sudden or severe abdominal pain
– Rectal bleeding
– Blood within your stool
– Colonoscopy appointment

Digestive disorders affect the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Digestion is the process by which food is converted into body parts such as blood and body fluids. Disorders of the GI tract commonly include diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, colitis, and GERD. These conditions can be acute or chronic and can be caused by many factors. Symptoms of a GI disorder vary depending on the condition. Some people have mild symptoms, while others have more severe symptoms. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder so that you can get the appropriate treatment.

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of a GI disorder. Digestion involves several muscles in the abdomen, which are used to push food through your system. If these muscles are abnormally irritated or strained, it can cause abdominal pain and related symptoms. Common examples of abdominal pain include lower backache and cramping stomach pain. Additionally, constipation causes discomfort in your rectum and anus. This is due to blockage in your rectal structure, which can cause anal irritation or discharge. Additionally, diarrhea causes a lot of abdominal fluid to come out of your body. Other than pain, diarrhea can cause dehydration, weakness, and weight loss as well as nausea and vomiting. Dehydration causes a burning sensation in your mouth and throat, while vomiting causes a lot of excess heaving which can cause blood and stomach contents to be seen in the vomit.

Symptoms of a GI disorder can be very unpleasant- but they’re essential for diagnosis and treatment when necessary. Not all gastrointestinal disorders result in life-threatening symptoms- but some do. People with mild disorders may not recognize that anything is wrong with them at all. However, people with more severe disorders may feel unwell enough to seek medical attention if their condition isn’t life-threatening. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder so that you can get the appropriate treatment!

Gastroenterologist play a specific role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of people with conditions including:
– Colon polyps
– Colon cancer
– Celiac disease
– Hepatitis
– Heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux)
– Gallbladder disease
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Pancreatitis

Procedures that can be performed for these conditions include:
– Endoscopy
– Colonoscopy
– Sigmoidoscopy
– Polypectomy
– Esophageal dilation

Yes, a gastroenterologist can complete and perform an endoscopy, they have extensive training in stomach issues, as well as other areas of training. If you are dealing with any symptoms that are in combination with stomach issues, then contact our clinic Diamond Gastroenterology today to schedule an appointment with our specialists to go over your symptoms, and any testing necessary to diagnose and treat you.

Diamond Gastroenterology is located in Oak Park, IL, and is available to patients that are seeking medical attention from a board-certified medical professional available to diagnose and treat any digestive issues. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL, and Broadview IL.