Question
A reader asks, she has always had poor gastrointestinal health, feeling discomfort after eating certain foods. After becoming pregnant, she experienced constipation and nausea and vomiting. After the baby was born, she still had persistent constipation and diarrhea, accompanied by abdominal pain and hemorrhoids. She wants to know whether she should see a gastroenterologist and if an endoscopy is necessary.
Answer
Based on the reader’s condition, the doctor recommends an endoscopy to rule out any organic diseases. If the endoscopy results are normal, the symptoms may be due to irritable bowel syndrome. The doctor suggests taking tramadol maleate for treatment and advises paying attention to diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.