6 uncomfortable questions to ask a gastroenterologist

The gastrointestinal system is one of the most important elements in an individual's overall health. Therefore, discussing each aspect, whether it concerns digestion or excretion, is essential. Since one may find it embarrassing to talk about these topics with others, it is best to speak to a gastroenterologist instead. The individual should know that discussing these questions with the expert is normal. When it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms, there's no better place than a health clinic. What is the cause of excessive gas? An individual may pass more gas than usual but neglect to speak about it. However, it is one of the most important processes in gastrointestinal health and should be discussed with an expert. Passing excessive gas could occur due to flatulence - a process where one swallows more air than usual. It could also occur when the person eats food that cannot be digested easily. Excessive gas could occur due to health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome or recurring digestion. And speaking with an expert could help relieve any stress caused by the condition and look for suitable remedies. Why are feces colored unusually differently? Another common topic most people avoid discussing is the unusual color of feces. One should note that it is normal for waste material to have a different shade occasionally because of the food they eat. Eating more leafy green vegetables or taking supplements may cause feces to look more green. Even colorants added to foods like rice could make stools vary in shades. But at other times, an individual may have an upset stomach that could cause stools to turn yellowish-green. The phenomenon may occur when bile is not broken down appropriately in the body. Furthermore, even dark green stools might indicate health complications. In either case, one should consult an expert to identify any anomalies in their health condition. What causes acid reflux? During a visit to a gastroenterologist, one should discuss concerns about poor digestion, such as acid reflux. The symptoms occur when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of the esophagus relaxes. The condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results in stomach acid being pushed back into the esophagus. Some symptoms one may experience and should discuss with the expert are chest pain, heartburn, and breathing difficulties. Is blood in stool concerning? A person might refrain from speaking with an expert even after noticing blood in their stool. One may avoid talking to a healthcare professional because they are worried about the outcome of the diagnosis. On this note, one should be mindful of the factors that could be responsible for blood in stools. A few include ulcers, hemorrhoids, and polyps. Getting a diagnosis may also help identify if the source of the bleeding is due to a disease and if it is in the intestines. Moreover, even if the cause of the bleeding may not be severe, the individual must get an opinion from an expert to avoid any future complications. What has caused abdominal pain? Another common complication that occurs in the gastrointestinal system is abdominal pain. The pain could stem from mild factors such as food allergies, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, and lactose intolerance. However, an individual may also suffer from abdominal pain due to severe factors, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm, appendicitis, bowel blockage, gastroesophageal reflux, and cancer. In either case, developing mild or unbearable pain in the abdomen must be discussed with and diagnosed by an expert to identify the cause and initiate treatments at the earliest. What is the type of test required? All health conditions require a proper diagnosis to be conducted by an expert. But it is a factor that most people fail to discuss with the healthcare provider. Therefore, it is important to ask the expert about the type of tests that would be carried out to diagnose health complications. Usually, a gastroenterologist asks the patient about their current health situation, checks their blood pressure, and records their heart rate to look for unusual signs. The healthcare expert may also conduct a physical examination, such as pressing down on the skin around the abdomen to feel for growths or tenderness. Furthermore, one could also expect additional tests that require swallowing liquid barium. The property highlights areas inside the body that are outlined on a scan. In addition, the test helps look for abnormalities that cannot be assessed with a physical examination. For example, the healthcare professional may also conduct a colonoscopy, enteroscopy, and upper endoscopy to check for health complications.