Is it time to see your gastroenterologist?
While a minor bout of diarrhea or abdominal pain may send you to your primary care doctor, it’s also important to recognize when to turn to a gastroenterologist. After all, your The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX, gastroenterologist Dr. Ilyas Memon specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that impact the entire digestive system. So, when should you swap out that appointment with your general practitioner for one with our gastroenterologist?
While most of us will experience heartburn at some point during our lives, if you find yourself dealing with this gnawing, burning sensation in your chest two or more times a week then it’s time to see a GI doctor. After all, persistent heartburn could be a sign of an underlying disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated this condition could increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
Bleeding of any kind is not normal and it’s important to have rectal bleeding evaluated by our GI team. Oftentimes, rectal bleeding is due to something simple such as a fissure or hemorrhoid. However, bleeding could also be a sign of polyps, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease, so it’s important that you rule out more serious GI problems first.
A random stomachache could just mean that you ate something that didn’t agree with you, or you’re simply experiencing gas. If you continue to experience recurring abdominal pain or bloating you should turn to us to find out what’s going on. Food allergies, stress, Crohn’s disease, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are some of the many things that can cause abdominal pain. These conditions require immediate treatment or long-term care.
Once you turn 50 years old, you’ll need to start turning to your The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX, gastroenterologist for routine colonoscopies. You don’t have to be experiencing symptoms in order to get one. In fact, both men and women over the age of 50 should come in at least once every decade for a colorectal cancer screening, regardless of their risk.
A colonoscopy is the most effective way to catch and remove polyps before they turn cancerous. Don’t put off this important screening. It could save your life!
If you are looking for a gastroenterologist here in The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX, turn to the experts at Greater Houston Gastroenterology. Call Dr. Memon at (281) 783-6459 or (281) 764-9500 to schedule an appointment.