Which doctor treats intestinal diseases? Basic information

gastroenterologist who treats constipation proctologist

With constipation, both children and adults often experience not only discomfort, but also embarrassment, which should not prevent them from visiting a doctor. This condition is sometimes not just a temporary inconvenience, it leads to serious complications. Contacting a specialist in a timely manner will help you avoid trouble.

Symptoms of severe conditions that are accompanied by stomach pain

Constipation can be atonic and spastic.
In the second case, the causes are often psychological factors. For treatment, you need to remove the spasm with medications and eliminate the main risk factor. For atonic constipation, treatment is more complex and is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Then complex therapy will be prescribed. Persistent constipation can lead to the following consequences:

• stretching of the intestinal walls, which provokes inflammatory diseases;
• release of toxins, which leads to intoxication, malaise, and apathy;
• disruption of the liver, which results in a failure of metabolic processes;
• formation of hemorrhoids when straining;
• injury to the intestinal mucosa, which causes cracks.

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It is also important to combat constipation because the body is slowly poisoned. This is manifested by constant malaise, loss of appetite, drowsiness and other disorders that affect the quality of life. It is recommended to visit a doctor in any case, because the therapist will give useful recommendations for the prevention of intestinal problems.

If you feel pain in the abdominal area, you still need to visit a clinic or specialized center. There the doctor will study the nature of your pain and make a diagnosis. So which doctor treats your stomach, pancreas and other abdominal organs, and who is best to see if you have this type of pain?

Pain in this area is a common symptom in modern people. Some people don’t pay attention to this, others try to self-medicate and drink herbs. Of course, the latter is not without common sense, but still doctors recommend not to self-medicate, but to immediately consult a specialist.

Like any disease, pain in the gastrointestinal tract can develop into more serious diseases. Usually such pains are symptoms of gastritis and stomach ulcers. If you have stomach pain, your doctor may make the following diagnoses:

• Acute gastritis is an acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
• An ulcer is a trophic formation in the gastric mucosa.
• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
• Esophagitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
• Stomach cancer.
• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the intestinal mucosa.

Constant employment, haste, poor environment, the presence of fast food in the diet, uncontrolled, often unjustified use of medications (especially painkillers) lead to the fact that most people are now increasingly faced with diseases of the digestive tract.

Not only adults, but even children face this problem. It is important to respond to stomach pain in a timely manner and contact a specialist in this area. Which doctor treats the stomach and when it is necessary to urgently seek help - everyone should know this.

Conditions in which you should immediately seek help from a doctor:

• severe piercing pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• persistent nausea, urge to vomit;
• dull pain, abdominal cramps;
• severe repeated vomiting;
• presence of gastrointestinal pain and fever;
• in children: refusal to eat, pale skin, refusal to drink, general weakness.

If a person is bothered by stomach pain that wakes him up even in his sleep, heartburn and upset, as well as vomiting and anemia, then this indicates the presence of a stomach ulcer. Which doctor treats this disease? A gastroenterologist deals with this type of health problem. Experts note that most often an ulcer does not bother a person much until it completely destroys the intestinal walls, which leads to perforation, damage to blood vessels, and, most dangerously, internal bleeding. Such complications are extreme.

Stomach ulcers are not something to joke about; if left untreated, this disease can lead to a very bad outcome. Therefore, a person needs to be attentive to the symptoms indicating the presence of an ulcer:

• burning, aching pain in the abdomen, namely between the navel and chest;
• causeless pangs of hunger;
• dull pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• bloating, belching.

In advanced cases, when a person has developed bleeding, he will feel constant fatigue and weakness. The presence of blood in the stool and vomit indicates severe bleeding. In this case, the stool will contain mucus and its color varies from black to red.

Constipation symptoms

The symptoms of constipation depend on its causes, duration and bowel conditions.

For acute constipation

There is no stool for several days, which may be due to mechanical (with an intestinal tumor) or dynamic obstruction (with inflammation, diverticulitis).

Constipation during tumor processes increases over several weeks and is accompanied by intoxication. Inflammatory diseases of the abdominal organs may cause abdominal pain and fever.

With hemorrhoids or anal fissure, pain and bleeding from the rectum may occur.

Chronic constipation can be diagnosed when 2 or more of its symptoms are detected during 12 weeks in the last 6 months:

• spontaneous bowel movements less than three times a week,
• dense feces (formation of “sheep” or “goat” feces),
• feeling of incomplete bowel movement,
• the need to forcefully cleanse the intestines,
• severe straining during defecation.

Chronic constipation is also often accompanied by bloating, aching, bursting or cramping pain. Belching and an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur.

General intoxication gradually develops with symptoms such as headache, sleep disturbances, irritability, depression, fatigue and others.

Doctors specializing in bowel problems

It is not the therapist who diagnoses and treats intestinal problems; he can only study the symptoms and then refer you to a gastroenterologist. And the further treatment plan depends on the patient’s complaints and condition. To begin with, a gastroenterologist is a specialist in disorders of the stomach, esophagus, liver and intestines. However, problems with the intestines are solved by more than one gastroenterologist; besides him, other specialists are involved in diagnosis and treatment:

• A proctologist is a doctor who treats and diagnoses diseases of the rectum, colon, and anus.
• An infectious disease doctor is a specialist in infectious diseases.
• The surgeon treats inflammatory complications of the cecum, and this doctor also performs operations when indicated.
• An oncologist treats neoplasms of malignant etiology localized in the intestinal region.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in all organs of the gastrointestinal tract, but if necessary, can redirect to specialists of a narrow profile, for example, a surgeon or an infectious disease specialist. You should contact a gastroenterologist in the following cases:

• for infectious diseases that cause weakness and lethargy, fever, nausea and digestive disorders;
• if you are concerned about non-infectious diseases, for example, food poisoning, dysbacteriosis, ulcers, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis;
• when chronic diseases of the small or large intestine, such as enteritis, colitis and dyskinesia, are suspected.

A gastroenterologist treats similar diseases in adults; if symptoms of diseases are found in a child, you should contact a pediatric gastroenterologist.

You should contact a proctologist if the rectum suffers. But a gastroenterologist can also refer you to him. The main disease that a proctologist treats is hemorrhoids. In addition, this doctor will help cure the following diseases:

• rectal prolapse;
• fissures in the anus;
• rectal injuries;
• polyps and tumors of various etiologies;
• paraproctitis;
• proctitis

What does the surgeon treat?

Some bowel conditions require urgent surgery. Once diagnosed, the person may be urgently hospitalized and placed in the surgical department. There the patient falls into the custody of the surgeon. The surgeon solves non-infectious intestinal problems, such as:

• appendicitis (acute form);
• intestinal obstruction;
• paraproctitis;
• complications caused by duodenal ulcer - perforation, penetration and bleeding.

An infectious disease specialist examines the intestines for dysbiosis or infections that cause microflora disturbances. Such a doctor treats food poisoning, cholera, salmonellosis and shigellosis. But neoplasms in the intestines belong to the category of oncological diseases, which are dealt with by an oncologist. This doctor determines the degree of damage to the organ, the type of cancer pathology, and decides on the advisability of surgical intervention.

Specialists in this category treat the digestive tract. A person may have problems ranging from the esophagus, where chewed food ends up, to diseases in the rectum. The patient should contact this specialist if problems such as:

• pathology in the work of the sphincters, which are located between the border of the stomach and esophagus;
• diseases of the esophagus: the presence of polyps, achalasia, dilated veins in the esophagus, diverticula;
• diseases in the stomach: ulcers, gastritis, papillitis, erosion, tumors, polyps;
• diseases of the pancreas: pancreatic necrosis, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, cyst, oncology;
• pathology in the duodenum;
• diseases occurring in the spleen: cyst, abscess, malignant neoplasms;
• pathology of the rectum and anus;
• intestinal diseases: colitis, duodenitis, adhesions, enteritis, obstruction, ulcers, flatulence, tumors, worms, dysbacteriosis;
• various liver diseases, pathologies in the gallbladder and biliary tract: cholecystitis, hepatitis, Gilbert's syndrome, oncology, cirrhosis of the liver, curvature of the biliary tract.

Treatment methods include:

• medicinal;
• physiotherapy;
• special diet;
• correct lifestyle;
• surgical intervention if necessary.

Which doctor treats the stomach if a person has signs of infectious poisoning? In this case, you should contact an infectious disease specialist. If the patient’s condition is serious, the patient is a child or an elderly person, then first of all it is necessary to call an ambulance and, if necessary, be hospitalized in a hospital.

Prolonged retention of stool is called constipation or constipation. A disorder occurs due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs. The problem may be associated with disruptions in the endocrine system, stress factors, childbirth, or taking medications.

Regardless of the cause, it is important to know which doctor to see for constipation in adults to restore normal bowel movements. This disorder is accompanied by many specific symptoms, including nausea, pain, weakness, and bloating.

Which doctor treats constipation in adults:

• gastroenterologist – deals with the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies;
• proctologist - deals with the treatment and prevention of pathologies of the intestines and outlet, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colitis.

Gastroenterology covers a wide range of problems, so treatment should begin with a gastroenterologist.

If constipation is a constant problem, which is accompanied by hemorrhoids, you should consult a proctologist. He will conduct research and prescribe therapy to influence the root cause and effect.

Causes of the disease

Factors that interfere with the free passage of feces include:

1. Food. A sudden change in diet, lack of fluid, or a small amount of elements important for intestinal function can cause intestinal dysfunction. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to changes; unfamiliar or exotic foods cause a significant blow to it.
2. Lifestyle. To maintain body tone, you need vitamins, minerals and physical activity. A constant sitting position at work and at home deprives the intestines of necessary motility, which can lead to stagnation in some of its areas.
3. Mechanical obstacles. Various diseases of a proctological nature: hemorrhoids, sphincter damage, inflammation of the rectum, tumors - directly interfere with normal bowel movements.
4. Diseases. A number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and endocrine systems affect the functioning of the intestine.
5. Side effects. The negative effects of medications can lead to constipation.

Problems with bowel movements can occur at any age. Women are more susceptible to the disease, especially after menopause.

• lack of plant foods in the diet;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• insufficient water intake;
• formation of fecal stones;
• diseases that are accompanied by pain during defecation (anal fissures, proctitis, hemorrhoids, and so on);
• gastrointestinal diseases in which the process of digestion and absorption is disrupted (pancreatitis, colitis, peptic ulcer);
• tumor neoplasms that are a mechanical obstacle;
• some diseases of the nervous system;
• endocrine pathologies;
• side effects of certain medications;
• depression.

If you have constipation, you should consult a specialist at least to find out the cause of its occurrence. After which the doctor will prescribe treatment appropriate to the established diagnosis. If you deal with the problem at home, you can only harm yourself.

Visit to a therapist or gastrologist

Many factors can lead to constipation, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, taking certain medications, sudden climate change, and stress. However, a person is not always in a hurry to visit the hospital, because it is known that the problem can be quickly dealt with at home.

This is partly true; if constipation appears in response to a specific (known) phenomenon, you can take a laxative or use an enema. The problem will be fixed immediately without consequences. But in many cases, constipation bothers you for a long time without any apparent reason. In this case, treating constipation at home is ineffective, and you should immediately visit a specialist.

Symptoms that require consultation with a therapist or other specialist:

• constant nausea with vomiting;
• defecation delay for more than a week;
• intense pain in the intestinal area;
• the appearance of blood in the stool;
• constipation, often followed by diarrhea;
• chronic fatigue, constant weakness.

With such manifestations, constipation may be one of them, signaling serious gastrointestinal pathologies. When the condition is accompanied by two or more of the listed manifestations, you should immediately visit a therapist.

When pain occurs in the stomach and esophagus, the first thing an ordinary person does is go to see a therapist. This doctor will palpate the patient’s abdomen and visually examine his condition. The therapist may also prescribe an ultrasound examination of your gastrointestinal tract in order to identify the nature of changes in organs, and maybe even identify neoplasms in the form of tumors and cysts.

After the examination, if a severe form of the disease has been identified, the doctor writes a referral to a more specialized specialist. For example, what kind of doctor treats gastritis? Or who to go to for pain in the stomach and intestines? In this case, a referral is issued to a gastroenterologist, proctologist, or, in the worst case, sent directly to a surgeon. In addition, these doctors also have their own narrow specialization.

Some diagnoses are the responsibility of several doctors. For example, pancreatitis and the pancreas are studied by several specialists - a gastroenterologist, a surgeon and even an endocrinologist.

If you have already previously visited a therapist who has sent you to see a specialized doctor, then you need properly selected treatment, since gastritis and other gastrointestinal diseases are a very serious problem, and this should not be joked about under any circumstances.

Diagnostics

In addition, pain in the stomach area is not always associated with digestion. These may be disturbances in the functioning of the liver or gall bladder. And only a doctor can determine what the problem is.

Surveys

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination. If a gastroenterologist diagnoses you at your first appointment, you need to think about whether this doctor is really a specialist in his field?

Usually, at the first appointment, the doctor will find out about your diet, the nature of stomach pain or other unpleasant sensations. Next, the specialist recommends undergoing a digestive system examination. After all, only a deep study of the problem can correctly diagnose and cure the body in a short period. Among the most popular examinations are:

• basic tests (blood, urine, etc.);
• fibrogastroscopy - examination of the stomach using an endoscope;
• biopsy of the stomach and intestines (if indicated);
• Ultrasound of internal organs.

In addition to the main types of examinations, a specialist may prescribe additional types of symptomatic studies:

• Breathing test - the patient breathes into a special bag that is evacuated. After this, the air in the bag is examined for the presence of harmful microorganisms.
• Analysis of gastric juice - the analysis is taken using a specialized rubber device - a probe.
• X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract.

The first stage of treatment involves a specialized diet. The patient should refuse fatty, spicy, i.e., foods harmful to the stomach. In addition to diet, medications are prescribed that can relieve pain. They do not cure the disease, but only make it easier to tolerate the disease.

Having dealt with the question of which doctor treats the stomach and intestines, the patient should then know the specific symptoms that require a visit to the gastroenterology department. These symptoms include:

• heartburn;
• frequent belching;
• frequent persistent hiccups;
• sudden weight gain or rapid weight loss;
• severe gas formation, bloating;
• nausea that does not go away for a long time;
• bowel disorders (constipation, indigestion);
• the presence of persistent heaviness in the abdomen;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• pain that occurs on an empty stomach;
• specific odor from the mouth;
• pain that occurs when eating;
• coating on the tongue that has uncharacteristic signs (high density, yellow, white, large quantity);
• cramps in the intestines;
• changes in the color of stool not related to food intake, etc.

If a person does not have direct symptoms indicating gastrointestinal diseases, but has a rash on the body that is not related to an infectious origin, then a gastroenterologist can also help him. Having dealt with the question of which doctor treats the stomach, you should know that he also deals with patients who have metabolic disorders and improper absorption of mineral nutrients. The presence of this pathology is indicated by a sharp deterioration of hair, teeth, skin, rapid weight gain or loss.

Inflammation of gastritis is promoted not only by poor nutrition and environment, but also by the presence of various irritants and bacteria in the human body.

1. Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can settle in the human stomach.
2. Environmental and chemical irritants that adversely affect the gastric mucosa. This includes cigarette smoke, alcohol, painkillers and antipyretics.
3. Various viral infections that provoke attacks of gastritis.

Which doctor treats gastritis of the stomach and how? A gastroenterologist is a doctor with special skills and training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The risk group for these diseases includes people who abuse alcohol, smoke, regularly take painkillers and antipyretics, as well as those whose age is over 60 years.

Symptoms of gastritis include:

• frequent pain between the lower ribs and the navel;
• discomfort in the abdominal area;
• nausea, vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• constant feeling of overeating, bloating, belching;
• in severe form there may be stool and vomiting with blood.

Clinic

The main symptom of constipation is the absence of stool for a long time.

Additionally, a person may be bothered by:

• pain in the lower abdomen;
• feeling of heaviness and fullness;
• increased formation of gases;
• decreased appetite;
• belching;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• muscle soreness;
• headache;
• sleep disorder;
• skin problems.

If you have at least one of the listed symptoms along with delayed bowel movement, you should immediately consult a doctor.

A single episode of constipation is most often associated with dietary errors and therefore does not require specific intervention. However, if the process becomes chronic, and even more so permanent, then a comprehensive examination is required.

• expansion of hemorrhoidal veins;
• intestinal obstruction;
• rectal prolapse;
• intestinal diverticulum;
• rectal cancer (especially common in older people).

As for constipation in an infant, the clinical picture here will be expressed by severe bloating, restlessness of the baby, crying and attempts to push, regurgitation, and refusal to breastfeed.

When to see a doctor

Under no circumstances should you delay your illness. If even just once you feel unwell and suddenly have pain in the abdominal area, you should immediately consult a doctor. The most popular symptoms remain:

• nausea;
• loss of appetite;
• vomit;
• discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

If you experience the following symptoms, then you should definitely not postpone your visit to the doctor. Unpleasant sensations in this area are formed locally. And by finding these “hot spots” you can even determine the diagnosis. Pain below the ribs indicates damage to the inlet of the stomach.

It may also mean that the esophagus is damaged. Pain in the upper right part of the stomach to the navel is most likely pangastritis or intestinal pathology. Ulcers and cancer are very difficult to identify. To do this, you need to pass specialized tests.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

When a person suffers from the disorder, the noticeable symptoms are manifestations of intestinal disorders. The following signs indicate a violation of the intestinal microflora:

• increased flatulence;
• chronic stool disorders, bloody discharge;
• bad breath, increased fatigue, frequent bloating;
• hypovitaminosis is the most dangerous, serious symptom;
• prolonged pain in the abdominal area.

Survey

First, the therapist will listen to complaints, study tests, and learn about habits that could cause a disorder. When constipation is not accompanied by systemic diseases, standard treatment will be prescribed. If there are doubts about the nature of the disorder, additional studies are prescribed to identify the cause and associated diseases.

Primary required studies include:

• blood test - general, biochemical;
• stool blood test;
• Analysis of urine.

A gastroenterologist can perform a rectal examination to identify nodules, fissures, and hemorrhoids. Additionally, a colonoscopy is prescribed. Then the gastroenterologist can see the condition of the intestines by moving a probe with a camera through it. In special cases, radiography is used.

Additional research:

• blood test to detect thyroid pathologies;
• sigmoidoscopy for visual assessment of the lower intestine;
• colonic test to determine the duration of movement of masses through the intestines.

Diagnosis of constipation

During your initial visit, the doctor will conduct a full examination, ask about your medical history, concomitant diseases and find out hereditary factors, analyze your eating and behavioral habits, and then prescribe an additional examination.

The list of diagnostic procedures includes:

1. Digital examination of the rectum;
2. Sigmoidoscopy - examination using a sigmoidoscopy device allows you to determine the presence of hemorrhoids, fissures, and neoplasms of the rectum;
3. Laboratory tests: general blood and urine analysis, blood biochemistry, stool tests (coprogram, stool occult blood test and bacterial culture);
4. Additional instrumental studies: Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, irrigoscopy - X-ray examination of the intestines using a contrast agent to determine the time of passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract and other features, colonoscopy - examination of the large intestine using an endoscope, a biopsy of the mucous membrane is also possible (sampling a piece of tissue);
5. Special studies to determine the condition of the sphincters and pelvic floor muscles;
6. Consultations with related specialists – endocrinologist, gynecologist.

If no organic causes of constipation are found, the doctor diagnoses “functional constipation” and chooses the appropriate treatment tactics.

When to consult a proctologist?

If you have any doubts about which doctor to go to if you have prolonged stool retention, you should first visit a therapist.

In what cases is it necessary to visit a proctologist:

• anal fissures;
• burning, pain, constant discomfort in the area of ​​the colon and outlet;
• suspicion of neoplasms – polyps, tumors;
• haemorrhoids.

A consultation with a proctologist begins as standard. The doctor interviews, prescribes tests, and performs a rectal examination. Based on the results, drug therapy and procedures are prescribed to help restore normal bowel movements. If neoplasms are detected, surgery is considered.

What symptoms should you visit a therapist for?

Many factors can lead to constipation, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, taking certain medications, sudden climate change, and stress. However, a person is not always in a hurry to visit the hospital, because it is known that the problem can be quickly dealt with at home.

This is partly true; if constipation appears in response to a specific (known) phenomenon, you can take a laxative or use an enema. The problem will be fixed immediately without consequences. But in many cases, constipation bothers you for a long time without any apparent reason. In this case, treating constipation at home is ineffective, and you should immediately visit a specialist.

Symptoms that require consultation with a therapist or other specialist:

• constant nausea with vomiting;
• defecation delay for more than a week;
• intense pain in the intestinal area;
• the appearance of blood in the stool;
• constipation, often followed by diarrhea;
• chronic fatigue, constant weakness.

With such manifestations, constipation may be one of them, signaling serious gastrointestinal pathologies. When the condition is accompanied by two or more of the listed manifestations, you should immediately visit a therapist.

Features of therapy

How is the treatment carried out:

• laxatives are prescribed - suppositories, enemas, tablets;
• nutrition is adjusted;
• exercises useful for the gastrointestinal tract are recommended;
• risk factors are excluded - junk food, medications, sedentary lifestyle.

When treating constipation, it is important to maintain a drinking regime. Insufficient water intake also causes constipation. This is important because when using laxatives, the body loses a lot of fluid, which leads to dehydration.

There are many drugs with a different mechanism of action. Some work immediately, while others take 2 to 3 days. Some drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, children, and gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, the drug is agreed upon with the attending physician.

Which doctor treats the stomach and pancreas and when to seek help? Of course, if a person has previously suffered from a similar disease, he will immediately contact a gastroenterologist. But when he first encounters gastrointestinal diseases, he first goes to a therapist, who will refer him to a more specialized specialist.

Which doctor treats the stomach and pancreas, and how does this happen? A competent gastroenterologist is currently in great demand. His primary task is to determine the most accurate diagnosis of the patient. To do this, the patient is prescribed a series of tests and studies. After the doctor is convinced of the correctness of the diagnosis, he prescribes treatment. It will depend on the specifics of the disease.

Which doctor treats constipation in children

The causes of childhood constipation are different at different ages, and their diagnosis and treatment methods depend on this. With the problem of constipation in children, first of all, you need to go to a pediatrician, who can help on his own or refer you to the necessary specialists, and decide what studies and tests to do. Examinations are carried out by doctors:

• pediatrician;
• pediatric gastroenterologist;
• pediatric proctologist;
• pediatric parasitologist;
• pediatric surgeon.

The therapy and the doctor who will carry out the treatment depend on the age and causes of childhood constipation. Natural methods, one or more methods of influencing and correcting the causes of the disease can be used. In addition to diagnosing doctors, treatment for children is also carried out by:

• pediatric physiotherapist;
• pediatric osteopath;
• pediatric reflexologist;
• child psychologist;
• children's massage therapist;
• children's homeopath.

Constipation and methods to find out its causes often cause embarrassment in patients, which makes them put off visiting a doctor for years. This is either stupidity or an excuse for one’s own laziness. Living with such a painful problem should cause more embarrassment. Correct treatment can only be based on correct diagnosis, which requires sufficient effort and time.

Problems with stool do not necessarily have to be frequent and recurring. There are often isolated cases of constipation, which, nevertheless, cause a lot of trouble.

Intestinal structure and diseases

The intestines are the largest part of the digestive system. Its length is at least 6-7 meters. It is in the intestines that the main process of breaking down food into nutrients, as well as their absorption, occurs. In addition, many enzymes, hormones and vitamins necessary for the normal functioning of the body are formed here. The immunity that protects a person from infections is also formed in the intestines.

This organ consists of two sections: the small and large intestines. The small intestine starts from the stomach. It has a small diameter and thin walls. This section begins with the duodenum, where the main processes of digestion take place. This is where bile and pancreatic enzymes come. Most medications and many nutrients from food are also absorbed in the duodenum.

The small intestine in the pelvic area passes into the large intestine. The large intestine can have a diameter of up to 8 cm and thick walls. This is where beneficial microorganisms live, which are responsible for human immunity and the production of many vitamins. Water, vitamins, glucose, and amino acids are absorbed in the large intestine. This is where feces are formed. They can be retained for about a day, then are excreted through the rectum.

Due to the huge area of ​​the intestinal walls and the functions it performs, any digestive disorders affect its condition.

Depending on the cause and nature, different intestinal diseases occur:

• Dysbacteriosis is now considered the most common pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. The normal intestinal microflora is disrupted due to uncontrolled use of NSAIDs or antibiotics, poor nutrition, stress, and frequent viral diseases. It can also occur due to chronic gastritis or allergic diseases. The passion of many people for cleansing procedures and enemas also greatly disrupts the intestinal microflora.
• Enteritis is an inflammatory bowel disease. The acute form of this pathology can occur due to poisoning, infection, overeating, or eating spicy food. Poor nutrition and stomach pathologies can lead to chronic enteritis.
• Inflammatory diseases also include intestinal colitis. This pathology is localized in the large intestine. Colitis can be ulcerative, infectious, toxic, ischemic or spastic. But regardless of the cause, the disease greatly disrupts the microflora, leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane, and impaired absorption of nutrients.
• Crohn's disease affects the entire digestive tract. This is a chronic pathology that is accompanied by nonspecific symptoms, but disrupts the functioning of the entire body. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of its diagnosis.
• Irritable bowel syndrome is said to exist if there are no inflammatory processes or neoplasms, but the functions of the organ are impaired.
• Duodenal ulcer most often occurs along with damage to the walls of the stomach. This is a chronic pathology, the cause of which may be poor nutrition, stress or hereditary predisposition. But recently it is believed that the appearance of ulcers is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
• The most common tumors in the intestine are polyps. The cause of this pathology can be a hereditary predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition. Polyps seriously interfere with the functioning of the intestines and can lead to intestinal obstruction.
• Colon cancer most often affects the colon. Usually the disease is diagnosed only in late stages, as it does not have specific symptoms.

Treatment of constipation

Therapeutic measures begin with emptying the intestines using an enema or lactulose drug. The treatment regimen is developed individually depending on the causes, duration of constipation, your age and condition.

The doctor may recommend:

• diet changes: eating foods with a lot of fiber, increasing the daily volume of fluid to at least 2 liters per day, taking dietary bran;
• drug therapy:

  - laxatives (herbal or synthetic) with gradual dose reduction and withdrawal;

• — prebiotics – to normalize intestinal flora;
• - antispasmodics;

measures to treat a disease whose symptom is constipation.

Treatment is aimed at restoring normal bowel movements and bowel functions, improving quality of life and preventing complications.

Which doctor should I contact if I have constipation? A doctor who deals with diseases of the digestive system is called a gastroenterologist. You should come to him for an appointment. After the examination, the correct diagnosis is made and effective treatment is selected. Laxatives are predominantly prescribed, and a special menu is developed to restore normal stomach function. It all depends on the condition of the individual patient.

If the problem cannot be solved with the help of special nutrition, then laxatives are prescribed. They liquefy stool and remove it naturally. These can be glycerin suppositories, tablets and syrups. Microenemas are given to children, as a last resort, if it is not possible to establish a normal digestion process. Only a specialist should prescribe any medications, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

You can try traditional medicine methods, namely:

• Prunes are very good for constipation. It is better to eat several berries during the day to avoid congestion in the colon. You can prepare decoctions and compotes based on dried fruits. Pour boiling water over the prunes and leave for a few minutes. We take the decoction before breakfast.
• Flax seeds also help cleanse the stomach of waste and toxins. The seeds need to be steamed with water and left to infuse. Take one spoon on an empty stomach. The seeds are not digested, but allow hardened feces to be removed from the body.
• You can also buy senna herb at the pharmacy, which has a laxative effect. Brew according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• In the morning before breakfast, you can drink a spoonful of vegetable oil to dilute hard stool.

Gymnastics

For normal stomach function, you must lead an active lifestyle. It is sedentary work that leads to the suspension of natural bowel movements. Morning exercises, cycling, jogging in the park or gymnastics will help get your stomach working.

Children can have a light abdominal massage, which will activate the muscles and speed up the natural processes of bowel movements.

Nutrition

A balanced diet allows you to restore normal functioning of the digestive system.

So, your daily diet should include the following foods and dishes:

• Vegetables rich in fiber. This includes all types of cabbage, carrots, and beets. You can prepare fresh salads dressed with oil, stew vegetables with dietary meat, cook soups and broths.
• Buckwheat, oatmeal and millet porridge.
• Wholemeal bread and oatmeal cookies.
• Dietary meat and fish.
• Fermented milk products, especially kefir.

During the day, be sure to drink a lot to dilute stagnant stool. In addition to water, healthy fruit and vegetable juices, fruit drinks, compotes, prune decoctions and rosehip teas. Dill water and fennel teas help improve stomach function.

It is recommended to exclude baked goods, rice, fried, smoked and spicy foods from the menu. We cook it in a healthy way, steamed or in the oven with a minimum amount of fat.

What diseases do gastroenterology specialists treat?

Intestinal problems vary in origin and location. And during treatment it is very important to take this into account. Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly which doctor treats the intestines. When mild pain or diarrhea occurs, you should consult a physician. He will prescribe an examination that will help determine the cause of the pathology and choose a treatment method.

Diagnostics

Any disease is easier to cure at the initial stage. Don’t think that if you take pills advertised on TV, everything will go away without a trace. Intestinal disorders often become chronic. Therefore, if you experience pain or even slight discomfort, you should consult a doctor and get examined. Most often, a referral for diagnostic procedures is given by a therapist.

Functional diagnostics doctors do not make a diagnosis based on symptoms, they examine the intestines. Depending on the patient’s complaints, he is prescribed endoscopy, x-ray, ultrasound or MRI. The radiologist checks for the presence of foreign bodies, fluid, and accumulation of feces in the intestines. This examination is usually done using contrast liquids.

But most often, an FGDS or colonoscopy is prescribed to check the condition of the intestines. This examination helps to accurately examine the condition of the mucous membrane, take its contents for analysis, and prevent complications of peptic ulcer disease. Ultrasound is also often prescribed, which makes it possible to differentiate intestinal pathologies from other abdominal problems and detect tumors or foreign bodies. If a more serious pathology is suspected or if there are problems with diagnosis, an MRI may be prescribed.

Gastroenterologist

The main specialist dealing with all problems of the gastrointestinal tract is a gastroenterologist. Therefore, when a GP discovers a serious bowel disease, he refers the patient to it. A gastroenterologist is well versed in the functioning of the digestive system. He is treating a patient for chronic intestinal diseases, inflammatory pathologies, and food poisoning.

This doctor does not specialize in bowel problems. But with some pathologies, only he can treat his problems. These are emergency cases in which surgical intervention is necessary. Most often, a person sees a surgeon when he is hospitalized with acute abdominal pain. This doctor treats inflammation of the cecum, intestinal obstruction, perforation or perforation of an ulcer, and bleeding.

Such an emergency condition can be recognized by its sudden onset and rapid deterioration of the patient’s condition. He may experience sharp pain in the abdomen and a fever. In addition, the help of a surgeon may be necessary for advanced gastrointestinal diseases, tumors, proctitis, and hemorrhoids.

This is another bowel doctor who deals with problems of the rectum. These include hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, proctitis, trauma, anal fissures. A therapist can refer you to a proctologist, or you can contact him directly if you experience pain and itching in the anus, or problems with bowel movements.

Various neoplasms in the intestine are quite common. Usually they do not have specific symptoms, and the patient consults a therapist or gastroenterologist about abdominal pain and digestive disorders. If a tumor is suspected, the attending physician refers the patient to an oncologist. This doctor conducts an examination to determine the type of tumor, the need for its removal, and treatment methods. Cancerous tumors quickly metastasize to neighboring organs and can also cause intestinal obstruction or internal bleeding.

Examination and doctor's appointments at the appointment

First of all, at the appointment, the attending physician examines laboratory tests and listens to the patient’s complaints. Finds out about the frequency and duration of constipation, asks you to describe in detail your eating habits and daily routine.

By the way: you should not remain silent about chronic diseases and bad habits during a visit to a gastroenterologist. It is important for doctors to know any details to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the right course of treatment for constipation.

There are many reasons for fecal stasis, so you need to be honest with your doctor to determine the cause of constipation.

List of primary tests for an appointment with a gastroenterologist:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• Analysis of urine;
• general analysis of stool and occult blood.

Using oil and sterile gloves, the doctor examines the anal sphincter and determines the presence of anal fissures or nodules, which can cause constipation and blood during bowel movements.

The procedure is absolutely painless and all unpleasant sensations are minimized if you try to relax during the procedure.

To clarify the diagnosis, a gastroenterologist may issue a referral for a colonoscopy, a procedure during which the rectum is examined using a special probe. Colonoscopy is performed in the same way as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the more common name is gastroscopy.

The doctor sees the condition of the intestines on the monitor, slowly moving the probe through the intestines. This diagnostic method is the most informative in gastroenterology and helps to exclude diseases such as intestinal cancer.

Some doctors use X-ray examination of the intestines - irrigoscopy - to diagnose the disease, but due to the fact that colonoscopy is a more informative method, X-rays are not very popular among gastroenterologists.

After making a diagnosis, the gastroenterologist will prescribe medication that will relieve the problem of constipation, prescribe a therapeutic diet and physical activity appropriate to the condition of the patient’s body.

The large number of causes of constipation makes it necessary to collect a detailed medical history. The following data is taken into account:

1. Regularity of constipation, presence of other problems with bowel movements.
2. Gases, frequency of emission, its quantity.
3. Structure of feces (homogeneity, fragmentation).
4. Lately diet.
5. Lifestyle during the period of constipation.
6. Pain before, during and after bowel movements.
7. The urge to defecate, its frequency.
8. Presence of other diseases.

After drawing up the initial clinical picture, they begin taking tests and examining the intestines.

If the ailment does not require complex therapy, a diet is drawn up and a number of medications are prescribed. Plant foods rich in fiber will change the composition of feces, medications will finish what they started and normalize stool.

Treatment only works in combination; failure to adhere to the diet, even when taking medications accurately, can result in a repeat visit to the hospital.

To flush out accumulated feces, enemas are prescribed. Their composition may change; after cleansing the intestines, a medicinal solution is administered. To develop stagnant organs, a course of exercise therapy (physical therapy) is prescribed.

If the cause of intestinal atony is medications with side effects, it is recommended to stop taking them and use a safe alternative.