Throwing up isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Vomiting persistent enough to make you consider visiting a specialist can be particularly difficult to manage. When is an upset stomach just an upset stomach, and when does it warrant a trip to the gastroenterologist?
What Is Considered Chronic Nausea and Vomiting?
The presence of nausea and vomiting for four weeks or more is considered chronic, according to the American Journal of Gastroenterology. These symptoms can make it difficult to attend work or school, and to perform normal activities over the course of your day.
Medication is a common culprit behind otherwise asymptomatic nausea and vomiting. Infections, both inside and outside the gastrointestinal tract, are another leading cause. When medication, infections, food poisoning, pregnancy and certain other health conditions are ruled out as a potential cause of stomach distress, it may be time to visit a gastroenterologist.
Before you visit a specialist, your primary care doctor will want to ensure your gastrointestinal distress is not attributable to conditions outside the scope of a gastroenterologist. Because persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, along with other health concerns, you’ll want to make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible after symptoms present.
How Does a Gastroenterologist Help?
Specialists concerned with the gastrointestinal tract, gastroenterologists are specially trained in diagnosing and treating conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome and gastroparesis.
If you’re looking for answers to your chronic vomiting and nausea, contact GI Texas Center today. Our specialists will work to find the root cause of your symptoms, so you can get back to your daily life.