Dated: May 25, 2025
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. If you are experiencing stomach pain, a gastroenterologist can help in the following ways:
1. Diagnosis of the Cause
Stomach pain can have many causes, such as:
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Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
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Ulcers
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Acid reflux or GERD
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Food intolerances or allergies
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Gallstones or pancreatitis
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Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
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Stomach or intestinal cancer
A gastroenterologist uses your symptoms, history, and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause.
2. Specialized Tests
They may order or perform tests such as:
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Endoscopy (a camera inserted into your digestive tract)
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Colonoscopy
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Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans
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Stool tests or blood tests
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H. pylori testing (for ulcers)
3. Personalized Treatment
Once the cause is known, they can prescribe:
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Medications (e.g., acid reducers, antibiotics, antispasmodics)
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Dietary changes tailored to your condition
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Lifestyle modifications
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Referral for surgery, if needed (e.g., gallbladder removal)
4. Chronic Conditions Management
If your pain is due to a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or IBS, a gastroenterologist can provide long-term management, including regular monitoring and treatment adjustments.
If you’re experiencing persistent, severe, or recurrent stomach pain, especially with symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, blood in stool, or difficulty swallowing, it’s a good idea to consult a gastroenterologist.
Detailed Patient Evaluation
A gastroenterologist will begin with:
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Medical history review: They assess your symptoms, diet, stress levels, family history, and any medications or past diagnoses.
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Symptom analysis: Pain type (sharp, dull, cramping), timing (after meals, at night), location (upper/lower abdomen), and related symptoms (nausea, bloating, diarrhea, etc.)
This helps narrow down possible causes.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
They can use a wide range of specialized tools and tests to diagnose the issue:
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Upper endoscopy (EGD): To check for ulcers, gastritis, or tumors.
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Colonoscopy: To view the lower digestive tract and rule out colitis, polyps, or cancer.
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Imaging tests: Like CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, or MRI to detect issues in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or intestines.
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Breath tests: To detect infections like H. pylori or SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
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Lab tests: Blood, stool, and sometimes biopsy samples to detect inflammation, infections, or nutrient deficiencies.
Targeted Treatment Plans
Once the cause is identified, the gastroenterologist may:
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Prescribe medications: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antispasmodics.
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Recommend dietary adjustments: Such as eliminating trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, or dairy) or following a low-FODMAP diet.
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Suggest lifestyle changes: Stress management, eating habits, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol.
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Provide follow-up care for chronic issues like:
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Acid reflux (GERD)
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Peptic ulcers
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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
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Functional GI disorders (like IBS)
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When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?
Consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience:
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Persistent or severe stomach/abdominal pain
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Pain with weight loss, vomiting, or bleeding
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Bloating, diarrhea, or constipation that doesn’t go away
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Family history of digestive diseases or cancer
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Poor response to over-the-counter remedies
Need Expert Help for Stomach Pain?
Don’t let digestive discomfort disrupt your life. Dr. Mayur Luthra, a trusted and experienced gastroenterologist, is here to help you find lasting relief with advanced diagnostics and personalized care.
🔹 Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier you.
CONTACT DETAILS
LUTHRA HEALTHCARE CLINIC
Jandu Chowk, Deep Nagar, Civil Lines, Ludhiana
PHONE NO: 9781385666, 0161-5089174