Stomach Specialist Q&A
At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, Dr. Vinay Katukuri, MD our board-certified gastroenterologist can effectively diagnose and treat conditions such as bloating and indigestion. Determining when to see a doctor for stomach problems is a personal decision and individuals do not need to wait until symptoms are severe to do so. However, when stomach problems are a significant concern, including when symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily life it becomes particularly important to seek care. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando FL.


Table of Contents:
What is a stomach specialist called?
What are the most common stomach problems?
Under what circumstances should an individual visit a doctor concerning stomach problems?
What are the signs that you need to see a GI doctor?
How does a gastroenterologist check your stomach?
A stomach specialist is known as a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are physicians who have specialized training and expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions concerning the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The GI tract encompasses the stomach, esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, small intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, rectum, and more. At Advanced Gastroenterology, gastroenterologists are well-equipped to manage a wide range of digestive disorders, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with access to a wide range of state-of-the-art care.
There are a wide range of potential stomach problems an individual can experience. These typically include a variety of gastrointestinal issues that can affect individuals of all ages. Stomach problems can vary in degrees of severity and range from acute and transient to complex and chronic concerns necessitating treatment by a gastroenterologist.
Stomach problems can often be divided into functional gastrointestinal disorders and structural gastrointestinal disorders. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are not associated with a clear physical cause detectable by standard testing methods.
On the other hand, structural gastrointestinal disorders are problems that are the result of actual physical changes affecting the GI tract. Among the most common stomach problems are acid reflux, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. Other common stomach problems include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Determining when to see a doctor for stomach problems is a personal decision and individuals do not need to wait until symptoms are severe to do so. However, when stomach problems are a significant concern, including when symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily life it becomes particularly important to seek care.
Common indicators that warrant medical attention include chronic abdominal pain, significant changes in bowel habits, weight fluctuation, and blood in either the stool or vomit. Additionally, if over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes fail to alleviate symptoms, it is important to seek professional evaluation.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications that may be associated with more severe stomach problems, and improve quality of life. If symptoms are sudden and severe, such as intense abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or signs of dehydration, immediate medical attention is necessary.
There are various signs that it is time to see a GI doctor. Many of which are associated with ongoing, severe, or complex GI problems. These include persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and frequent heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to over-the-counter medications.
Additionally, weight fluctuations and blood in the stool are significant indicators that require specialist evaluation. Gastroenterologists at Advanced Gastroenterology are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of GI conditions, ensuring comprehensive care for these symptoms.
Other signs that may necessitate a visit to a GI doctor include severe bloating, and fatigue that may be related to gastrointestinal issues. If you have a family history of GI diseases regular screenings and check-ups with a gastroenterologist are typically advisable for early detection and prevention and improved health outcomes.
Gastroenterologists use a variety of diagnostic procedures to check the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. One common method is an endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
This procedure allows the gastroenterologist to directly visualize the lining of the digestive tract and take biopsies if necessary. Another diagnostic tool is an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, which provides detailed pictures of the stomach and surrounding organs.
For certain conditions, a gastroenterologist might also order additional specialized tests. Advanced Gastroenterology has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic stomach health services.
Stomach specialist services are available at Advanced Gastroenterology. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando FL. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Could FL, Meadow Woods FL, Williamsburg FL, Hunters Creek FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, and surrounding areas.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Colonoscopy
▸ GERD/Acid Reflux
▸ Colon Cancer
▸ Digestive Problems
▸ Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
▸ PEG Tube Placement
▸ Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
▸ Small Bowel Endoscopy
▸ Esophageal/Mucosal Endoscopy
▸ Radiofrequency Ablation
▸ ERCP
▸ EUS and FNA
▸ Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
▸ Pseudocyst Drainage
▸ Stricture Dilation
▸ Fistula Management
▸ Weight Loss Program
▸ Hemorrhoid Banding