Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive conditions. These may occur anywhere along the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines, colon, and rectum. Some common GI diseases include cirrhosis, Crohn’s Disease, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, colon polyps, and certain forms of cancer. When visiting a gastroenterologist, having a list of questions for your doctor can help put your mind at ease.
Seemingly uncomfortable questions to ask your gastroenterologist
Diagnosis-related questions
It is natural to be worried and imagine the worst scenarios before getting your diagnosis. Rather than continuing with that line of thought, it is advisable to ask your doctor questions like:
What tests will be conducted to diagnose the condition?
How should I better prepare for these tests?
Are the tests conducted one after the other or simultaneously?
How long will the results take, and do I visit you with the results?
Are there any risks associated with these tests?
Ailment-related questions
Once you have gotten diagnosed, it is best to truly understand the condition by asking the following questions:
What are the possible underlying causes of the condition?
How will this condition affect my daily life? What symptoms should I watch out for?
Are there any specific dos and don’ts to follow?
Is this a chronic or recurring condition?
What are the usual treatment options?
What are the signs of a serious complication with this condition?
Family-related questions
In some cases, the disease can be hereditary or contagious. Thus, it is vital to know if any preventive measures can be taken by asking the questions below.
Is this condition contagious? Can I infect others by being in close proximity or sharing items with them?
What precautions can I take to avoid passing on this condition?
Is this a hereditary condition?
Do I need to have a conversation with my close relatives about their history with this condition?
Lifestyle-related questions
Several modern diseases can be managed by making simple yet effective lifestyle changes. It’s always recommended to inquire about the following:
Are there any lifestyle factors that contributed to the development of this condition?
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my quality of life?
Will these changes limit the chances of the disease recurring?
If I don’t make these changes, what are the potential risks you oversee?
Recovery and rehabilitation-related questions
Finally, it is crucial to ensure the right steps are taken for a full recovery. Check out these questions to ask a gastroenterologist for the same:
How long is the recovery period?
What are the risks associated with the recommended treatments?
What precautions should be taken?
When can I get back to my normal life?
Are there any activities that I cannot engage in anymore?
Are there any other treatments that may worsen this condition?
