If you have IBS symptoms, gastric pain symptoms or gastric disease symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist doctor to treat the pain and discomfort. The doctor will first ask you about your gastric pain symptoms, write down your medical history and then, based on the level of your pain and discomfort, will ask you to do some tests including checking your heart rate and blood pressure. Based on the results, the doctor will prescribe medication or, in extreme cases, refer you to a doctor who specializes in surgical gastroenterology. However, the latter is usually after a few follow-up visits.

Gastroenterology diseases or any stomach disorders could stem from bacterial infections, family history, poor diet, infections, a bad bowel habit, or in some rare cases, cancer. Typically, gastrointestinal problems include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, piles and hemorrhoids, fistulas, excess gas, abdominal pains, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, perianal hematoma, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue. However, a majority of these problems do not occur in the same order.

Gastroenterology diseases could range from mild to severe, and manageable to chronic. Some of these diseases include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), celiac disease, Jaundice, Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, and ulcers.

A gastroenterology doctor or a stomach specialist will check your symptoms first and then accordingly prescribe medications to keep the symptoms at bay. Only in extreme cases will they refer a patient to a gastro surgeon. Some of the tests are endoscopy, colonoscopy, and a biopsy. They may also ask you to regularly have a full-body health check, and complete blood test. You can either choose to search for a ‘gastro doctor near me’ on the MFine app, or you can choose to consult gastroenterologist online to avoid the hassle of setting up an appointment for preliminary advice.