If you’re dealing with unexplained or persistent digestive issues, such as abdominal discomfort or shifts in your bowel habits, you’ve probably heard people suggest seeing the best gastroenterology doctor in Kolkata—often called a GI doctor.
But if you’ve never been to one before, it’s normal to feel unsure about whether your symptoms require a specialist's attention. You might even find yourself wondering, “What exactly does a gastroenterologist do?”
We are here to guide you through everything you need to know. We will help you determine if it’s time to seek help and what you can expect during your first visit.
What Does a Gastrology Doctor Do?
A gastroenterologist is a specialist focused on the disorders and diseases that impact the digestive system. This includes the gastrointestinal tract—including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus—as well as the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
These experts address a wide range of digestive disorders, including:
- Unexpected changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or blood in stool
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Persistent heartburn
- Haemorrhoids
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pancreatitis
- Ulcers
When Is It Time to Consult a Gastroenterology Doctor in Kolkata?
Hereare some significant signs that it might be time to consult a gastrology doctor in Kolkata:
- You’re Experiencing Trouble in Swallowing
If you find yourself struggling to swallow, whether it's food or even water, it’s important to consult your gastroenterologist. Continuous difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, or a growing sensation of a lump in your throat should not be ignored. Additionally, frequent throat pain or swelling are signs that you need to seek help.
Difficulty swallowing can point to several underlying issues, such as damage from acid reflux, muscle weakness in the oesophagus, or even a lesion that narrows the oesophagus, making it hard for food and liquids to reach your stomach. To get to the root of the problem, your
gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy for a closer look.
- Changes in Bowel Movements That May Require Medical Attention
Changes in your bowel habits may signal the need for the best gastroenterology doctor in Kolkata. Here are a few conditions to keep an eye on:
1. Constipation
Fewer than three bowel movements per week can result from blockages, neurological issues, hormonal imbalances, or dietary factors.
2. Diarrhoea
Constant runny stools for more than a few days could be due to a virus, bacteria, lactose intolerance, medication reactions, or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
3. Excessive Gas
Whilegas alone isn’t alarming, if paired with other symptoms, it could indicate lactose intolerance.
4. Pale or Light-Coloured Stool
If your stool is light-colored for a long period of time, it may suggest gallbladder, liver, or pancreatic issues.
- Continuous or Intense Heartburn
Experiencingheartburn occasionally is nothing to worry about and can often be managed at home. However, if you find yourself dealing with heartburn more than a few times a week, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can gradually damage the oesophagus lining, leading to serious complications.
Chronic acid reflux won’t resolve on its own, making it essential to consult a gastrology doctor in Kolkata. If left untreated, GERD can lead to permanent damage, including swallowing difficulties, painful ulcers, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
- Unexplained Abdominal Bloating
If you find yourself struggling to button your pants that fit just days ago, bloating might be the cause. A sudden increase in stomach size indicates gas retention. However, if you experience painful bloating that appears unexpectedly and is accompanied by symptoms like bloody stools, nausea, or painful bowel movements, it’s important to seek help. These could be signs of conditions such as IBS, coeliac disease, gallstones, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Final Thought
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputed gastrology doctor. Reputed doctors are dedicated to helping you uncover and understand the root causes of your gastrointestinal concerns, guiding you toward a swift recovery.
