Who treats it
Common concerns, and who to see
Acidity and heartburn after meals
A general physician manages most acidity. A gastroenterologist sees symptoms lasting weeks, trouble swallowing or weight loss.
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Piles or pain while passing stool
A general physician can start treatment, and a general surgeon sees piles that bleed often or do not settle.
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Blood in stool
A doctor should check this soon. Heavy bleeding, black stools or feeling faint needs emergency care.
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Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
A doctor should see jaundice the same day. A gastroenterologist or hepatologist usually manages liver causes.
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Fatty liver on an ultrasound report
A general physician usually reviews liver tests and lifestyle first, and refers to a gastroenterologist if there are signs of damage.
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Bloating, cramps and changing bowel habits
A general physician manages most cases and refers to a gastroenterologist if there is weight loss, bleeding or a lasting change.
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Pain in the upper right belly after fatty food
A general physician arranges an ultrasound for gallstones, and a general surgeon advises on removal. Fever or yellow skin needs urgent care.
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A bulge in the groin or belly
A general surgeon assesses hernias. A painful bulge that will not go back in, with vomiting, needs emergency care.
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Foot wound or numb feet with diabetes
A doctor should see a diabetic foot wound within a day. Diabetic foot clinics, often run by surgeons, handle ulcers and infection.
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Lasting change in bowel habit or weight loss
A doctor should review a change lasting more than a few weeks. A gastroenterologist may arrange a colonoscopy.
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A lump in the neck, armpit or groin
Most lumps are harmless, but a lump lasting over three weeks or growing should be checked. A surgeon may take a biopsy.
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