When to See a Stomach Specialist for Your Symptoms?

Patients suffering from gastroparesis may experience persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating, heartburn, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue. Altered bowel movements and fluctuations in blood sugar levels can also occur, particularly affecting individuals with diabetes.

Additionally, the emotional toll of stomach failure should not be underestimated. Many individuals report increased levels of anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, and social isolation due to the ongoing physical discomfort and disruption to daily life.

Even more serious signs of this condition can include electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and jaundice, indicating potential damage to other organs like the liver.

At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we understand how significantly the quality of life of an individual may be affected by these symptoms. That’s why we’re committed to offering effective treatments aimed at managing the symptoms of stomach failure and improving the overall well-being of our patients.

If you’re in Central Florida and experiencing persistent or severe stomach issues such as severe or persistent vomiting, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal tenderness, or difficulty swallowing, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. These signs could indicate more severe conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even cancer—all conditions that our skilled team can manage and treat.

Unrelenting stomach pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter medications could indicate a more serious problem like an ulcer or gallstones, conditions that Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida is experienced in diagnosing and treating.

Severe vomiting that causes dehydration prevents you from keeping food or liquids down, or is accompanied by blood or bile is a cause for concern. Similarly, the presence of blood in your stool can indicate inflammation or bleeding in the digestive tract.

We understand the importance of addressing changes in bowel habits such as sudden changes in bowel frequency, consistency, or blood in the stool. Visit us if you have been suffering from diarrhea or constipation for more than a few days.

Difficulty swallowing, which can indicate a blockage or other esophageal issues, should also be brought to our attention. The same goes for prolonged nausea and vomiting lasting more than 24 hours, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Lastly, if you’re pregnant and experiencing stomach problems, or if you’ve been taking over-the-counter medications for your stomach problems that are not helping or causing unwanted side effects, you should seek medical attention at our practice.

At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, we categorize the conditions we diagnose and treat into several categories:

• Functional disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (indigestion), and GERD, which disrupt normal digestive function without causing visible damage or inflammation.

• Inflammatory disorders: Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and Crohn’s disease, which involve inflammation in the digestive system.

• Infectious disorders: Conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that infect the stomach, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, norovirus infection, and Campylobacter jejuni infection.

• Structural disorders: Conditions involving abnormal growths or changes in the structure of the stomach, such as gastric polyps, gastric cancer, and achalasia.

• Motility disorders: Situations that impact the flow of food and liquids through the digestive tract, such as gastroparesis, pyloric stenosis, and Hirschsprung’s disease.

Our gastroenterologists are also skilled in managing pancreatitis, liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, gallstones, and hemorrhoids. We can detect and manage various types of cancers that affect the digestive system, such as stomach (gastric) cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer. We also diagnose and treat conditions that cause difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, and conditions that lead to unexplained weight loss or malnutrition.

Visiting a gastroenterologist for the first time is a crucial step in comprehending and addressing any digestive issues you may be experiencing. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care and expertise for your digestive health.

Upon your arrival at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, you will receive assistance from our helpful team with the registration procedure. You could be requested to submit a urine sample and will need to complete some paperwork. Please bring your medical history and insurance card.

Our specialist gastroenterologists will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history. This includes any past surgeries, chronic diseases, current medications, and your family’s medical history. Be ready to talk about your symptoms in depth. If you have been maintaining a food diary, this can also be very helpful.

Dr. Vinay Katukuri, MD, will conduct a physical examination, which may focus on your abdomen, depending on your symptoms. They will look for signs such as bloating, tenderness, or pain in the stomach area. The doctor may also check your skin, eyes, and mouth.

Based on your symptoms and medical history, the specialist may recommend additional diagnostic tests. These could include blood tests, stool tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures allow our specialists to visualize and assess any abnormalities in your digestive tract. For your comfort, sedation may be provided during these procedures.

Following the interpretation of your medical history, physical examination, and test results, our specialist will devise a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. This could involve lifestyle changes, medications, or, in some cases, further investigations or referrals to other specialists. The doctor will provide a detailed diagnosis and discuss any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

At Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida, your health is our priority. The thought of visiting a gastroenterologist may be daunting, but rest assured that we are here to help diagnose your issue accurately and provide the best possible care for your digestive health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you 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.