Millions of people in the UK currently suffer with gastroenterology symptoms, but never actually see a specialist who can help them.
What is a Gastroenterologist?
A Gastroenterologist helps to diagnose and treat the signs and symptoms of various digestive conditions.
Heartburn
Heartburn is pain or burning in the chest or throat. It occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Many people get heartburn now and then. It goes away on its own or with over-the-counter medicines. But, symptoms that occur more than twice a week could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard nuggets that form in the gallbladder, a small organ in the belly. A gallstone can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. Some people have one large stone. Others develop multiple stones
Of different sizes. Sudden pain on the right side of your abdomen could be a gallstone. Pain from gallstones passes once they move. Gallstones develop because of imbalances in the substances that form bile. That's the digestive liquid made by the liver.
Lactose Intolerance
People who develop uncomfortable symptoms after drinking milk or eating dairy products may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a sugar found in milk. The body produces the protein lactase to help break down milk products, including cheese and yogurt.
But, people with lactose intolerance don't make enough lactase to fully digest even small portions of these foods. This can lead to bloating, belly pain, diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach. Symptoms usually appear up to two hours after eating dairy. They can range from mild to severe. Gastroenterologists can test for lactose intolerance. Treatment may involve dietary supplements and changes to your diet.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a genetic condition that involves the immune system. People with the disorder must avoid eating gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. It may also be found in certain medicines, vitamins and supplements. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by damaging their small intestine. This can cause pain and diarrhea. A blood test can help diagnose celiac disease. A gastroenterologist may also need to examine a sample of the small intestine to look for damage.
Celiac disease is not the same as gluten sensitivity. The conditions share common symptoms. The main difference is that people with gluten sensitivity don't develop damage in their small intestine. Completely avoiding gluten can ease symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. You may need additional treatment for intestinal damage.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Sometimes, a person's immune system mistakes food and other substances in the digestive tract for dangerous germs. It acts against healthy tissue by mistake. This causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes several disorders that trigger chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. The small and large intestines become irritated and swollen, causing severe belly pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, as well as symptoms that seem unrelated, such as fatigue, joint pain, and fever. Symptoms may ease up and then return during a flare.
At Living Care we can offer further tests for all of there conditions: including flexible endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
If you think you might need to see a Gastroenterologist contact us on 0113 249 4655
For more information visit our website https://www.livingcare.co.uk/gastroenterology-private