Most asked questions in Gastroenterology
Patient FAQs
Here is a list of questions and symptoms most asked to me. Read more about it. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me on my WhatsApp, through the Contact Page, or an appointment
When to see a Gastroenterologist ?
01.
Blood in Vomit
This needs urgent medical attention of a gastroenterologist. Could be because of Gastrointestinal Bleeding, varices, peptic ulcers, sever gastritis, or other reasons. Call me urgently if you are showing this symptom.
02.
Blood in Stool
Another urgent symptom is the occurrence of blood in stool. This can be because of hemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, IBD, or it could also be the beginning of colo-rectal cancer. Call urgently if you are showing this symptom, do not wait or try something else
03.
Weight-loss or Loss of Appetite
Sudden weight loss can be because of many reasons, and some of them could be because of GI Issues. In some cases, sudden weight-loss is an early indicator of stomach cancer. It could also be because of other issues related to lungs, heart, kidney, type-1 diabetes, or side-effects of certain medication. Book a visit with me to find and determine why its happening & what to do
04.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Also called Dysphagia, it can be a sign of many underlying issues, like Achalasia, GERD, Esophagal Stricture, and other issues. If you are experiencing this for more than 2 days, drop me a text.
05.
Abdominal Pain
A sensation of discomfort or distress in and around the stomach area. Could be because of indigestion, gastroenteritis, GERD, ulcers, gallstones, appendicitis, IBS or IBD or many other reasons
06.
Jaundice
A lot of misinformation is spread over about Jaundice. Please do not use over-the-counter medicines without proper professional medical attention from a gastroenterologist or hepatologist
07.
Heartburn, Acid Reflux
Heartburn or acid reflux is a common condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often with the feeling that the stomach acid is jumping up into the esophagus. It can be a symptom of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
08.
Severe Bowel Habits
Severe changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea, can be symptoms of various underlying conditions. These changes may indicate gastrointestinal issues that require evaluation and treatment, like IBS, IBD, Gastroenteritis, Colon cancer
09.
Fatigue, Nausea or Vomit
Chronic fatigue, nausea, or vomiting can be symptoms of many medical issues. If unexplained for a long time or slightly suspect it could be stomach-related issues, be on a safer side & seek a consultation with a Gastro Doc. Don’t go for quick-relief OTC meds as they might mask a serious illness & provide you just temporary relief
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Questions about Gastroenterology
The term Gastroenterology can be broken down into 2 parts :
Gastro : which is derived from the Greek word “gaster” which means stomach or belly. In a medical context, “gastro” is commonly used to refer to the stomach and the digestive system as a whole.
Enterology : which is derived from the Greek word “enteron”, which means intestine.
The hereditary nature of various GI conditions varies depending on the specific conditions. Some GI disorders have components that can run in families, and others can be mostly due to environmental or lifestyle factors. Some GI conditions are most possible to be because of some genetic :
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) : Conditions like Chron’s Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis might be because of heredity.
- Celiac Disease : If a parents, sibling or child has Celiac Disease, there’s an increased risk for other family members too.
- Hemochromatosis : This disorder causes body to absorb too much iron from the diet, causing an iron overload.
- Pancreatitis :
For your specific condition, please consult a gastroenterologist or genetic counselor. We can help you with more personalized information based on your family’s medical history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have concerns about the hereditary nature of a GI Condition, schedule an appointment with me to discuss your concerns and undergo appropriate screenings or tests if necessary.
You deserve a doctor who is a specialist in these fields
Common fears about visiting a gastro doc
- The Fear of Pain : Concerns about experiencing pain during procedures such as endoscopy or colonoscopy.
What I do about it: I discuss pain management options along with my patients, let them express their concerns and make arrangements in such a way that the entire procedure is painless
- The Fear of Embarrassment : Patients may feel shy about discussing personal and potentially embarrassing digestive issues.
What I do about it: Professional open communication goes a long way.
How can I maintain a healthy digestive system?
Maintaining a healthy digestive system involves adopting lifestyle habits that support optimal digestion. I’ve extensively covered this part in my GI Care series, so make sure you visit it. Here are some simple tips :
- Have a structured, balanced Diet
- Stay Hydrated
- Limit alcohol & caffeine
- Avoid smoking
- Get adequate sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Chew your food well
- Avoid overeating, control your portion size
- Say no to oily stuff, and processed foods
Check Conditions Page
Explore all digestive health conditions on my dedicated conditions page. From common concerns to specialized issues, find insights, & symptoms, and treatment options for you
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Our location
Shushrusha Citizens Co-operative Hospital, Ranade Road, Dadar (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028, INDIA
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm
Contact
Phone: +91 8369 066 987
gastrodocsaiprasad@gmail.com