Are you about to visit a gastroenterologist? Well, don’t worry you’re in good hands. Because they specialize in digestive conditions, gastroenterologists treat lots of individuals who have symptoms just like yours.

Before we dive right in, let’s have a quick overview of what gastroenterologists are. 

Gastroenterologists are doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat problems in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver.

What does a gastroenterologist do? 

Gastroenterologists primarily diagnose and treat GI conditions. The digestive disorders and issues that a gastroenterologist treats include:

• gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
• colon polyps
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• hepatitis
• peptic ulcers
• colitis
• gallbladder and biliary tract diseases
• nutritional issues
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• pancreatitis

7 signs that you need to visit a gastroenterologist doctor

Make sure to schedule a visit to a Gastroenterologist if you experience the following symptoms mentioned below:

• Abnormal bowel movements
• Rectal Bleeding 
• Frequent Heartburn
• Prolonged abdominal Pain & Bloating
• Jaundice
• Unexplained Weight Loss 
• Presence of an ulcer

Treatment for liver-related disorders? 

Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. Several liver complications can be treated with lifestyle transformations, such as follows: 

• avoiding or limiting alcohol use 
• doing regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding foods and drinks that contain trans fats 
• Carefully managing your intake of prescription and over-the-counter medications to avoid liver damage

You can minimize the likelihood of contracting viral hepatitis by practising safe sex and not sharing needles.

Other liver problems may be treated with medications or may even require surgery.

When is ERCP required?

For the people who are wondering what an ERCP is, ERCP refers to Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an examination that uses a blend of X-rays and an endoscope. An endoscope is a lighted adjustable tube with an attached camera that is inserted inside your digestive tract.

Gastroenterologists need ERCP to examine and treat problems that affect the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. 

ERCP is required to find the reason for unexplained abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). It may be operated on to get more input if you have pancreatitis or cancer of the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts.

Additional things that may be found with ERCP include:

• Blockages or stones in the bile ducts
• Fluid leakage from the bile or pancreatic ducts
• Blockages or narrowing of the pancreatic ducts
• Tumours
• Infection in the bile ducts

Your doctor may have other reasons to recommend an ERCP.

Why do Gastroenterology doctors recommend endoscopy & colonoscopy very often? 

Physicians will recommend an endoscopy and colonoscopy procedure when needed, based on the signs and symptoms. One is instructed to get a colonoscopy done every 10 years irrespective of general health. The procedures are mandatory in managing one’s health. Especially when an individual is suffering from complications related to the digestive system.
Endoscopy and colonoscopy can both help to detect diseases early for better treatment outcomes. And hence the test is recommended by gastroenterology doctors often. 

Where to find the best gastroenterology doctor in Siliguri? 

Dr Prabhat Ranjan is a practising best gastroenterologist in Siliguri and performs Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopic procedures in Siliguri. He is a visiting consultant Gastroenterologist in Siliguri‘s renowned corporate Hospital. He is an expert of Liver related diseases such as fatty liver, Liver Cirrhosis.

Mahabir Doctor’s Hub, a polyclinic located at Hill Cart Road, Siliguri provides complete multi-speciality care and support to patients with multiple health problems.

With the best gastroenterology Specialist available in Clinic, any person having the symptoms mentioned above, or referred by another physician can simply book an appointment online or by calling us to register their name with a gastroenterology specialist.