Why You Can Benefit from Seeing a Gastrointestinal Doctor in Your 20s or 30s
You may think that a gastrointestinal doctor is the kind of doctor you only need to go once you’ve reached a certain age, or to deal with pains and concerns that come with growing older (and to get screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy once you turn 45).
While that’s true, there are a number of reasons why someone younger – in their early 20s and 30s – can absolutely benefit from seeing a GI doctor.
Here are some reasons why a younger person in their 20s or 30s might see a GI doctor. While there are other conditions and concerns, we welcome patients of all ages – because we CAN help you find relief.
A “nervous” stomach
You may discover that your stomach “acts” up at times…and you may have been told you have a “nervous” stomach. Or perhaps your doctor treated the specific symptoms you had at the moment you went in, but the issues continued and the source of the problem wasn’t discovered.
When you are properly diagnosed by a gastrointestinal specialist, you’ll be able to receive the proper treatment – whether that involves lifestyle changes, dietary changes, medications, or procedures – that can change your life.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we have various methods of getting to the root cause of your concerns – including different types of internal scopes, so we can actually see what’s going on and causing you discomfort.
Food sensitivities
When you grow up with things always being a certain way when it comes to your digestive system, you tend to think it’s normal. You become accustomed to your stomach feeling rough a lot of the time, and the aftermath of eating is something you just accept.
But what if it’s because you have sensitivities, and the food you are eating is causing specific adverse reactions throughout your GI tract?
Celiac disease means your body can’t tolerate gluten – and eating it can cause a host of issues, including depression, malnutrition, fatigue, digestive issues, and more.
Lactose intolerance is when your body can’t process lactose, an ingredient in many common dairy products. That intolerance may lead to gas, bloating, and more GI tract disruptions.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we can test for and diagnose Celiac disease and lactose intolerance – and other food-related issues that may be upsetting your digestive tract – so we can pinpoint the problem and determine the best treatment so you can start feeling better.
Heartburn and acid reflux
People of all ages commonly deal with heartburn and acid reflux – and the long-term effects of “just dealing with it” until it passes can wreak havoc with your stomach and esophagus.
You may think you’re OK because the over-the-counter medications make you feel better…for the moment. However, these medicines only mask the problem and allay the symptom – instead of treating the issue.
When your heartburn is repeatedly occurring – and therefore chronic – it is diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). We can perform procedures to properly diagnose the condition so you can learn how to treat it and find relief.
Gas, constipation, bloating
You’re always running to the bathroom after you eat. Or getting horizontal on the couch to give your stomach time to “settle” after a meal. It’s just how your body works, right? It doesn’t have to be this way.
Although it may seem like that’s just you, and that taking time for things to pass is a normal part of life, you may have more serious issues that can cause long-term complications.
Things like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease can all disrupt your digestive tract – but there are ways to treat them so you don’t have to live in discomfort anymore.
Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., has a team of knowledgeable doctors to help you work to eliminate gas, constipation, bloating and other stomach concerns to keep your GI tract running smoothly.
See a gastrointestinal doctor today!
Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your pain or discomfort – then we can help you treat it so you feel better and work at preventing any long-term complications. Schedule your appointment today!