Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders. This can include problems ranging from the passage of gas, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome to even colon cancer, and more. While asking them certain questions can be embarrassing, one must not shy away from them. Instead, one must enquire about the issues to receive more information. Keep reading to know more about these questions and why they must be asked.

Is passing a lot of gas an issue?
Usually, one may release gas in the form of burps or even farts, but most people do not know that this gas forms due to many reasons. While the passage of gas is completely natural, sometimes when it builds up, it can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. This often occurs when the patient regularly eats fatty foods, has an increased level of stress, eats too quickly, or has irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, gastroenterologists may provide a diagnosis of the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan.

How do I know if my stool is normal?
Typically, stool can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It must be log-like and have cracks on its surface. This usually indicates a healthy digestive system. However, when its consistency is watery or fluffy, it means that the person is sick, has food poisoning, or has an intestinal or digestive problem. In addition to the above, poop that is greyish, blackish, or even reddish can indicate issues in the body that may require treatment.

What can cause stomach discomfort?
In most cases, slight stomach discomfort may be nothing to worry about. But if the pain persists it could signify serious health issues. Additionally, experiencing bloating or diarrhea can be a problem. When one consults a gastroenterologist, the specialist will first go through the symptoms and deduce the origin of the problem. This can include health conditions such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Should changes be made to my meal plans?
Some digestive issues and their symptoms can worsen with the consumption of certain foods. Gastroenterologists can provide more clarity on these foods and suggest alternatives like rice, banana, toast, and apple sauce, which are known to be gentle on the stomach.