A gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the digestive system. At Lane Regional Medical Center, patients in Zachary have access to specialized digestive care to help identify the cause of ongoing symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.
Many digestive symptoms improve within a few days or after making simple dietary changes. If symptoms persist for several weeks, occur frequently, or continue despite over-the-counter medications, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider.
Persistent digestive issues can affect your quality of life and may signal conditions that require further evaluation.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage a wide range of digestive disorders, including:
Because many digestive conditions share similar symptoms, specialized evaluation is often the best way to determine the correct diagnosis.
Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend additional testing to better understand what’s causing your digestive problems.
Common diagnostic tests include:
At Lane Regional, patients have access to specialized digestive health services, advanced endoscopy procedures, convenient laboratory services, and comprehensive imaging services when additional evaluation is needed.
Many digestive symptoms can initially be evaluated by a primary care provider, who can recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, or determine whether referral to a gastroenterologist is appropriate.
If symptoms continue despite treatment or become more severe, specialty care can help identify conditions that require more advanced testing or long-term management.
While many digestive problems can be evaluated during a scheduled office visit, some symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Seek emergency care if you experience:
These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring prompt evaluation through emergency care.
Living with ongoing digestive symptoms isn’t something you have to accept as normal. Identifying the cause of persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.
If you’ve been experiencing digestive symptoms that aren’t improving, consider requesting an appointment with a provider at Lane Regional Medical Center. Whether you need an initial evaluation through primary care or specialized gastroenterology care, the team is here to help patients throughout the Zachary community find answers and appropriate treatment. You can also request an appointment to get started.
Written By:
This blog was written by Diana Curras Martin, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist at Lane Gastroenterology. Dr. Curras Martin specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and liver disease and performs procedures including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy.