A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive system disorders, including acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pancreatitis, liver disease, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Gastroenterologists perform a variety of diagnostic tests, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, capsule endoscopies, stool tests, breath tests, and imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs.
You need to see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss. It's also important to see a gastroenterologist if you have a family history of digestive system disorders or if you have previously been diagnosed with a digestive system disorder.
Before your appointment with a gastroenterologist, it's important to write down your symptoms, medical history, and any medications or supplements you are taking. You should also bring a list of questions to ask the doctor and any relevant medical records or imaging studies.
You can search for gastroenterologists in your area through online directories or by asking your primary care physician for a referral. You can also use the Bissoy telemedicine app to find qualified gastroenterologists in Bangladesh.