When you have issues with digestion, heartburn, or other problems with your stomach and intestines, working with your internist will give you the best care possible. Internists are medical doctors who focus on diseases for adults, and some specialize even further. When you are having problems with your digestive system, you'll want to see a gastroenterologist if you haven't been able to find relief going to a more general practitioner. When you meet with a gastroenterologist, you'll talk about your medical history, the symptoms you are presenting with, and discuss a plan to help you heal from what is bothering you.

Causes of Stomach Upset and Pain

There are a number of reasons you may be dealing with an upset stomach or pain in the area. Stress often plays a major role in the flare-up of symptoms. What you eat can make a big difference with heartburn, and recent weight gain can also make symptoms worse. If you haven't identified the source of your pain, it's important to work with a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders so that you can get to the bottom of the problem.

Reflux Disease Without Heartburn

Sometimes you can have symptoms of reflux disease without having the traditional symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. This is why it's important to go to a specialist. Some patients exhibit only a dry, nagging cough that doesn't go away with traditional cough medications. GERD, or reflux disease, can cause this type of cough, as stomach acid makes its way through the esophageal flap and gets into the lungs. This causes a dry cough, and one that often mimics asthma or wheezing.

Problems With Your Gallbladder

Gallbladder problems can cause all kinds of abdominal pain. Gallstones form for a number of reasons, and most of the time there is very little you can do about it. While dietary changes can help you feel better from gallbladder attacks, most of the time you'll need to have your gallbladder surgically removed. This is a safe procedure, and is usually done through a few small incisions in your abdomen. When you suffer from gallstones, a bland diet can help you deal with the pain until you are able to get surgery.

If you have stomach problems that just aren't going away, it's time to meet with a doctor like Harvey Harold E II MD PLLC to talk about your options. It's impossible to diagnose problems on your own, and only an internist is going to be able to provide you with the answers you seek.