There may be various reasons you should visit a gastroenterologist, a specialist that diagnoses and treats digestive system disorders and conditions. This doctor can also help treat ailments that may occur in various parts of your body. These include your stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon and rectum, liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. 

Below are the nine most common symptoms that are clear signs you should schedule an appointment with a gastroenterology specialist. 

1. You’re constipated
Difficulty passing stool and having less than three bowel movements a week is the obvious sign that you’re experiencing constipation. This condition is prevalent in the older population and those with dehydration or a diet that lacks fiber. 

2. You have diarrhea 
In contrast to constipation, diarrhea means watery, loose, and potentially more frequent bowel movements. You may experience abdominal cramps or notice watery stools when using a restroom. It’s crucial to understand that these common symptoms may signal a dangerous underlying problem like IBS. 

3. To schedule a colonoscopy
It’s not necessary to be experiencing symptoms to visit a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterology specialist can also help you stay current with your colonoscopy exams, which are necessary to be done every 5 to 10 years if you’re over 50. 

4. You suspect you have gallstones
If you experience abdominal pain, the main cause of it may be gallstones or stones and lumps that form in your gallbladder when your digestive fluid hardens. Gallstones may occur due to a chemical imbalance in your gallbladder. This condition can result in persistent pain that can occur suddenly and acutely. If you experience consistently severe pain in your gallbladder, consider seeing a gastroenterologist as it can mean that you require gallbladder removal surgery. 

5. Your belly swells after eating
If you regularly experience bloating after eating or even feel pain in your stomach, it may be something that you consume regularly that is causing it. Common causes of bloating include eating too much, eating too fast, high fiber intake, swallowing air, alcohol consumption, and lactose intolerance. A gastroenterology specialist will help you determine the precise culprit and start appropriate treatment. 

6. Cancer screenings
It’s important for older individuals to regularly undergo gastrointestinal cancer screenings after a specific age. These include screenings for intestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, and so on. 

7. You suspect you have an ulcer
Ulcers are open wounds that form on the inside lining of your stomach and in your small intestine. They can lead to burning stomach aches. Every time you eat food, your stomach acid will make the pain worse. Having an empty stomach can also worsen your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like antacids can reduce or prevent the secretion of stomach acid, helping you relieve pain. If medications fail to provide results, you might want to consult a gastroenterologist. 

8. Bloody stool
Blood in the stool is typically a major sign that something is wrong. If you experience any bleeding from your rectum or see blood in your stool, consult a digestion specialist immediately, or ask for a referral from your physician. 

9. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels in your rectum become irritated and swell. Hemorrhoids may cause blood in your poop, pain during bowel movements, and itching. This condition may be triggered by obesity, pregnancy, anal sex, and low fiber intake. Hemorrhoid symptoms often subside on their own. If they don’t, a gastroenterology specialist can treat them quickly and effectively. 

The bottom line
If you’re dealing with any of the aforementioned symptoms, don’t let them get worse and consult a gastroenterologist to determine their proper cause and start appropriate treatment. Remember that timely medical care is essential to prevent irreversible damage to your digestive system.