Understanding Your Digestive Health

Diagnosing Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

If you have unexplained or frequent digestive issues, such as abdominal discomfort or changes to your bowel habits, your primary care physician may refer you to see a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor. But if you've never seen a GI before, you may be unsure whether your symptoms really warrant seeing a specialist.

WHAT IS A GASTROENTEROLOGIST?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat disorders that affect your gastrointestinal tract and liver. “The GI tract is essentially the passageway that food follows in your body and all the organs that make up the digestive system,” said Dr. Arturo Bravo, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “Because every individual and their GI issue is unique, it is important to see a specialist for a detailed assessment.”

The digestive disorders and issues that a gastroenterologist treats can be classified in two ways: functional or structural.

Functional GI disorders are the most common and are usually easily treatable. Common symptoms can include constipation, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea.

“ Treatments for functional disorders tend to be focused on lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising and stress management,” said Bravo.

Structural GI disorders are more serious in nature and are caused by abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. Common examples of structural GI disorders include colitis, strictures, stenosis, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, colon polyps and colon cancer.

Based on your symptoms, your gastroenterologist can perform a procedure to help diagnose and treat these digestive conditions. This could include an upper endoscopy to visually examine the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, a colonoscopy to examine the large intestine, a biopsy, or other endoscopic techniques needed to visualize the digestive system.

GI specialists will work with you to understand your symptoms and determine the type of disorder you have, which will result in finding you the right treatment options.

At Your Gi Appointment

At your first appointment, your gastroenterologist will:

■ Ask you about your digestive symptoms and medical history.

■ Discuss any tests, screenings or procedures that may be needed.

■ Recommend any lifestyle changes or medications that can help relieve your symptoms.

“ To make the most of your appointment, come with a list of your symptoms so that you don't forget to ask about any of the issues you're having,” Bravo suggested.

Through this initial evaluation, your doctor will start the process of discovering the cause of your digestive issues and begin addressing your symptoms. If your condition is chronic, your specialist will discuss how best to manage your condition over time. They may also talk to you about additional testing if your symptoms don't improve. •

DON’T IGNORE THESE GI SYMPTOMS

GI issues can be difficult to diagnose as well as treat, so it’s important to listen to your body and talk to a doctor about your symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms regularly, make an appointment to talk to your primary care physician.

■ Abdominal pain or bloating

■ Changes in bowel habits

■ Constipation

■ Diarrhea

■ Difficulty controlling bowel movement urges

■ Excessive gas or belching

■ Heartburn

■ Loss of appetite

■ Rectal bleeding

■ Unexplained weight loss

■ Vomiting

Tame Your Tummy Troubles

At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, our doctors work with you to solve the mystery of GI problems. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ gastroenterology or call 713.790.3333 to find a gastroenterologist near you.