The frequency at which you should see a GI doctor will depend on your needs and medical history. Some people with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease, may need to see a GI doctor regularly for ongoing management and monitoring of their condition. Others may only need to see a GI doctor if they have symptoms or develop a new condition.

For people with no known gastrointestinal issues, it is generally recommended to schedule a routine check-up every 5 years. However, if you experience any symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding or persistent vomiting, it’s best to consult a GI doctor immediately. In addition, if you are older than 50, you should schedule a colon cancer screening. If you have a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, or if you have known risk factors for gastrointestinal cancer, it is advised that you be screened more frequently.

Gastroenterologists, or GI doctors, are specialists who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.

Some of the most common diseases and conditions that GI doctors treat include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Peptic ulcers – Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine are known as peptic ulcers.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – IBD describes a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the gut, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – IBS is a condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal cancers – GI cancers include colon, rectal, stomach and esophageal cancer.

Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other symptoms, is known as pancreatitis.

Gallstones – Gallstones are deposits of cholesterol or other substances which form in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

Hemorrhoids – This condition is characterized by swollen blood vessels in the rectal area.

Lactose intolerance – Difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, is known as lactose intolerance.

GI doctors perform a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and stool tests, to help diagnose and monitor these conditions. After diagnosis, GI doctors will develop a treatment plan that is effective for your condition.

A gastroenterologist and a GI doctor are the same thing. Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions related to the GI tract. Such conditions affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who have completed extensivce training and education in this field. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases related to the GI tract, such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.

They also perform a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and stool tests, to help diagnose and monitor these conditions.

The most common symptom of GI disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but some of the most common symptoms include:

– Abdominal pain or cramping
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Gas and bloating
– Nausea and vomiting
– Heartburn and acid reflux
– Loss of appetite
– Unexpected weight loss
– Blood in the stool

The above symptoms can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, or may have very mild symptoms, even if they have a serious condition. It is always recommended to consult a GI doctor if you have concerns or are experiencing any unusual symptoms that persist.

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando FL. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, Hunters Creek FL, and surrounding areas.