Many people are unsure about whether they should see a doctor for their abdominal pain because it does not seem serious until they start suffering additional symptoms.
Pain in the abdomen most often begins with painful or difficult swallowing. Many people experience heartburn and reflux as food, water or stomach acid flows backward through the esophagus after eating food, even if it is a small amount. Sometimes this reflux causes a chronic cough. The abdomen may become distended or bloated causing the patient to feel full.
When the symptoms are sporadic, you may not take them seriously. Occasional heartburn is common. You may not realize your condition is chronic until you start having symptoms that are more serious.
Individuals should take notice of any changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, pain and constipation. In some cases, there is an alteration in the consistency and appearance of the stool, which may include bleeding. Other symptoms to note are vomiting blood or a substance that looks like black coffee grounds and is a sign of the presence of blood that is altered. The urine changes color to a dark yellow. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must realize they are serious. Soon, you may begin to lose weight and feel tired most of the time.
If your family’s medical history includes stomach cancer, colon cancer or polyps, you should see a gastroenterologist. The medical specialist is likely to order an ultrasound, blood tests to detect cancer markers or anemia and sometimes a colonoscopy. Most people are uncomfortable about undergoing all these tests but they are necessary if you want an accurate diagnosis.
If you are trying to decide if you should see a gastroenterologist in New York, visit http://www.murrayorbuchmd.com/ for more information about Dr. Murray Orbuch and colonoscopy procedures. Dr. Orbuch was named a New York Super Doctor in three consecutive years and is a physician who will answer your questions truthfully. Dr. Orbuch is a qualified gastroenterologist who will be available to answer all your questions about your treatment options and help you through all the various assessments and diagnosis.
