Constant employment, haste, poor ecology, the presence of fast food in the diet, uncontrolled, often unjustified intake of drugs (especially painkillers) lead to the fact that most people nowadays are increasingly faced with diseases of the digestive tract.
This problem is faced not only by adults, but even by children. It is important to respond to stomach pains in time and consult a specialist in this field. Which doctor heals the stomach and when it is urgent to seek help - everyone should know.
Which doctor specializes in the digestive tract
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who treats the stomach. His responsibilities include establishing an accurate diagnosis by examining the patient, as well as prescribing treatment to eliminate the ailment.
Therefore, gastroenterology is a science that explores the functioning of the human digestive organs, revealing the norm or the presence of pathological processes.
When a patient first encounters diseases of the digestive system, he often does not know who should be addressed with this problem. A therapist comes to the rescue, who will explain which doctor heals the stomach, and will give direction to a narrower specialist in this activity.
Gastroenterologists are divided into several types:
- Coloproctologist: deals with diseases of the rectum, as well as diseases of the large intestine;
- hepatologist: specializes in the treatment of diseases of the liver, biliary tract, as well as the gall bladder by diagnosing, examining tests and interviewing the patient;
- proctologist: treats diseases of the rectum (often patients who have problems with the presence of hemorrhoids, polyps, anal fissures) turn to him.
A gastroenterologist surgeon is another important specialist in this field. He deals with patients who need surgery due to the presence of pathologies that cannot be treated conservatively. The doctor performs operations to eliminate intestinal bleeding, abdominal hernia, intestinal obstruction, adhesive bowel disease, etc.
Children's specialist of the gastrointestinal tract
The child has a stomach ache, which doctor treats such diseases? It is logical that in addition to adult gastroenterologists, there are also children. The child’s body is different from the adult, therefore a narrower specialist should deal with such patients. This doctor deals with children from birth to adulthood.
Currently, more and more children have a problem with the gastrointestinal tract due to improper nutrition, the use of harmful foods and drinks: chips, lemonade, crackers and much more that the child wants so much.
But it is worth noting that in addition to acquired diseases of the stomach, there are also congenital anomalies that require timely treatment and treatment: intestinal polyposis, tracheoesophageal fistula, atresia of the esophagus, stenosis of the converter, and more.
The important point is that the disease detected on time is almost always cured, but the neglected form leads to the fact that it acquires a chronic permanent character.
The most common reason for visiting a pediatric gastroenterologist with newborn babies is considered to be severe colic, this is often a temporary, passing phenomenon that requires taking medications that help gas escape and normalize the intestinal microflora.
What diseases do gastroenterology specialists deal with?
Specialists in this category treat the digestive tract. A person can have problems, starting with the esophagus, where chewed food gets, ending with diseases in the rectum. The patient needs to contact this specialist if problems such as:
- pathology in the work of sphincters, which are located between the border of the stomach and esophagus;
- diseases of the esophagus: the presence of polyps, achalasia, dilation of the veins in the esophagus, diverticula;
- diseases in the stomach: ulcer, gastritis, papillitis, erosion, tumors, polyps;
- diseases in the pancreas: pancreatic necrosis, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, cysts, oncology;
- pathology in the duodenum 12;
- diseases that occur in the spleen: cyst, abscess, malignant neoplasms;
- pathology of the rectum and in the anus;
- intestinal diseases: colitis, duodenitis, adhesions, enteritis, obstruction, ulcer, flatulence, tumors, worms, dysbiosis;
- various diseases of the liver, pathology in the gallbladder and biliary tract: cholecystitis, hepatitis, Gilbert's syndrome, oncology, cirrhosis, curvature of the biliary tract.
When should I see a doctor?
Having dealt with the question of which doctor treats the stomach and intestines, then the patient should know the specific symptoms for which a visit to the gastroenterology department is necessary. These symptoms include:
- heartburn;
- frequent burping;
- frequent persistent hiccups;
- a sharp set in weight or its rapid decline;
- severe gas formation, bloating;
- nausea that does not go away for a long time;
- stool disorders (constipation, indigestion);
- the presence of persistent severity in the abdomen;
- bitterness in the mouth;
- pain that occurs on an empty stomach;
- specific odor from the mouth;
- pain arising from eating;
- plaque in a language that has uncharacteristic signs (high density, yellow, white, a large amount);
- intestinal cramps;
- changes in stool color that are not related to food intake and more.
If a person does not have direct symptoms indicating gastrointestinal diseases, but there is a rash on the body that is not related to an infectious origin, then a gastroenterologist will also help him. Having dealt with the question of which doctor treats the stomach, you should know that he also deals with patients who have metabolic disorders and improper absorption of mineral nutrients. The presence of this pathology is indicated by a sharp deterioration in hair, teeth, skin, rapid weight gain or loss.
Symptoms of severe conditions accompanied by pain in the stomach
Conditions in which you should immediately seek help from a doctor:
- severe piercing pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
- persistent nausea, vomiting;
- dull pain, abdominal cramps;
- severe repeated vomiting;
- the presence of gastrointestinal pain and fever;
- in children: refusal to eat, pale skin, refusal to drink, general weakness.
Gastric ulcer: symptoms and signs
If a person is concerned about pain in the stomach, which wakes him up even in a dream, heartburn and frustration, as well as vomiting and anemia, this indicates that he has a stomach ulcer. Which doctor treats this disease? A gastroenterologist deals with this type of health problem. Experts note that most often an ulcer does not bother a person much until it completely destroys the intestinal wall, which leads to perforation, damage to blood vessels, and the most dangerous - to internal bleeding. Such complications are extreme.
You can’t joke with a stomach ulcer, if left untreated, this disease can lead to a very poor outcome. Therefore, a person needs to be careful about the symptoms that indicate the presence of an ulcer:
- burning, aching pains in the abdomen, namely between the navel and the chest;
- causeless torment from hunger;
- dull pain in the gastrointestinal tract ;
- bloating, belching.
In advanced cases, when a person has developed bleeding, he will feel constant fatigue, weakness. The presence of blood in the stool and vomit indicates severe bleeding. In this case, the stool will have impurities of mucus, its color varies from black to red.
Gastritis: Causes of Symptoms
Inflammation of gastritis is promoted not only by improper nutrition, ecology, but also by the presence of various irritants and bacteria in the human body.
Main reasons:
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can settle in the human stomach.
- Environmental and chemical irritants that adversely affect the gastric mucosa. This includes cigarette smoke, alcohol, painkillers and antipyretic drugs.
- Various viral infections that trigger gastritis attacks.
Which doctor treats gastritis and how? A gastroenterologist is a doctor with a special skill and training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The risk group for these diseases includes people who abuse alcohol, smoke, regularly take painkillers and antipyretic drugs, as well as those whose age is more than 60 years.
The symptoms of gastritis include:
- frequent pain between the lower ribs and the navel;
- discomfort in the abdominal cavity;
- nausea, vomiting;
- loss of appetite;
- constant feeling of overeating, bloating, belching;
- in severe form, there may be stool and vomiting with an admixture of blood.
Features of gastroenterology
Which doctor treats the stomach and pancreas and when to seek help? Of course, if a person has previously had a similar illness, then he will immediately turn to a gastroenterologist. But when he first encounters gastrointestinal diseases, he first goes to the therapist, who will already refer him to a narrower specialist. Which doctor treats the stomach and pancreas, and how does this happen? A competent gastroenterologist is currently in great demand. His primary task is to determine the most accurate diagnosis of the patient. For this, the patient is prescribed a number of tests and studies. After the doctor is convinced of the correctness of the established diagnosis, he prescribes treatment. It will depend on the specifics of the disease.
Methods of treatment in gastroenterology
Treat treatment methods:
- medication;
- physiotherapeutic;
- special diet;
- the right way of life;
- if necessary, surgery.
Which doctor treats the stomach if a person has signs of infectious poisoning? In this case, you should contact the infectious disease specialist. If the patient's condition is serious, the patient is a child or an elderly person, then first of all it is necessary to call an ambulance and, if necessary, be hospitalized in a hospital.