Before you can find out when to see a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX, you need to know what a gastroenterologist is. A gastroenterologist treats conditions of the upper and lower GI system. Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology provides a variety of tests and treatments to help diagnose and then get you back on the road to health.
You Have Severe Heartburn
Almost everyone has felt it, that burning sensation in your chest, the feeling that the content of your stomach is coming back up. If you have heartburn more than 2 days a week, it may have progressed to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you have abdominal pain along with GERD you may have gastritis. In order to diagnose these conditions correctly, your gastroenterologist will probably want to do an endoscopy to see what is happening to your esophagus.
You Have Bloody Stools
Bloody stools can be very scary. It is important to let your gastroenterologist know if you are bleeding from the rectum. If the blood is bright red, this is slightly less worrisome. It is most likely hemorrhoids that have become irritated or inflamed. But it can also be a sign of colon or rectal cancer, so getting seen by a doctor is vital.
If your stool is black, it is usually blood that comes from the digestive tract. It can be an indication of a stomach ulcer or if you are taking an iron supplement, this can be the cause. You need to get your gastroenterologist to figure it out.
Change in Your Bowel Habits
If you have out-of-control diarrhea or constipation, it can be very uncomfortable. Changes in bowel habits can be caused by many things, including IBS or your diet. Talking to your doctor can help you to determine what is going on and how to proceed. If it is impacting your life, don't let it go untreated. See your gastroenterologist in Katy, TX asap.
You Are Due for a Colonoscopy
If you are an average person at normal risk for colon cancer, you should schedule your base colonoscopy by the age of 45. After that, if nothing is found, you will be back every 10 years. If something was found, it could be back a lot sooner. If you are at high risk for colon cancer due to family history, you may start at an earlier age to get your colonoscopy.
When you need to see a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX, Dr. Marks of Premier Gastroenterology provides the treatments and the services that you are looking for. Contact our office at (281) 392-0425 to make an appointment.