Digestion plays an essential role in our overall health and well-being. Keeping your stomach and intestines happy will prevent discomfort and pain and even help you lose a few pounds. Consulting an experienced gastroenterologist is the best way to make sure you’re taking care of your digestive health. Here are a few problems they can treat. 

3 Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist

1. Chronic Digestive Condition

Chronic conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and ulcers. A gastroenterologist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you avoid any uncomfortable symptoms. Since these chronic conditions are often a source of discomfort, an expert’s advice can go a long way toward finding relief.

2. New Digestive Symptoms

If you’re experiencing general discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea, make an appointment with a digestive specialist. This is only necessary if the symptoms aren’t associated with a common condition like food poisoning, menstruation, pregnancy, or flu, which are all known to cause gastrointestinal distress. Using a set of lab tests, physical exams, and imaging, the specialist can pinpoint what is wrong and find ways to treat it. 

3. Routine Screening

Prevention is the often best medicine. People over the ages of 50 should get routine colonoscopies for colon cancer. However, if you have a family history of cancer of any kind, you should begin these screenings at an earlier age. 

If your digestive system needs extra care, visit the gastroenterologists at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY. With over 160 physicians, they have been one of the most trusted health care providers in the area for over a century. Their hospital provides a full range of specialists from cardiologists to podiatrists for all your needs. Visit their website to learn more about the services they offer. Call (518) 725-8621 to schedule an appointment.