If you're dealing with digestive issues, you don't have to suffer in silence. Seeing your GP can help you find out the cause of your digestive issues and create a treatment plan to help get them under control. Scroll down to find out more!
The Role of Your GP in Diagnosis and Treatment
Taking a medical history
Your GP is an important first point of contact when it comes to diagnosing and treating digestive issues. During your appointment, they will ask you questions about your lifestyle, diet and any other symptoms that may be related to the problem. They may also order certain tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions or food allergies that could be causing your symptoms.
Creating a personal treatment plan
Once they have a better understanding of what's going on, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that's tailored to your needs. This can include medications or changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as reducing stress levels or eating more fibre-rich foods. Depending on how acute the problem is, they may also refer you to see a specialist for further assessment or treatment. A specialist can provide more in-depth advice and assistance on how to manage your condition and may perform tests such as endoscopies or colonoscopies.
When To See Your GP About Digestive Issues
It's important to see your doctor if you're having persistent digestive issues that don't seem to be getting better with self-care strategies like drinking more water or reducing processed foods from your diet. It's especially important if you experience any of these symptoms along with abdominal pain or discomfort: sudden weight loss, difficulty swallowing, blood in stools, vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, black stools, swollen abdomen, severe constipation or jaundice.
Summary
Seeing your GP is an important step towards taking control of any digestive issues that may be impacting how you feel physically — and even mentally — on a daily basis. With their help, you can work together towards finding the best approach for managing the issue and restoring balance across all aspects of your health and well-being. So don't hesitate to reach out for professional help if things aren't improving — your GP can provide valuable insight into how best to address the problem so you can start feeling better soon. If you would like further advice or info, book an appointment with a GP today.