Digestion is an incredibly long process that involves a number of complex organs and parts that all work together to process food, break down, extract, and store nutrients that finally ends in waste. The food we take goes through various channels and stages in order to improve health and nourish our body. Gastroenterology and Gastroenterologist deal with this digestion process.
What is Gastroenterology?
Generally speaking, Gastroenterology is the field of medicine that deals with the human digestive system including all ailments and disorders of your digestive system. Gastroenterology is a complex field. Due to research and advanced technological knowledge, Gastroenterology specialization has come a long way in the recent past.
As we know that the human digestive system is quite complex that entails various components of the body, not just your stomach. Your mouth, throat, stomach, esophagus, rectum, anus, and intestinal system are all involved in digesting food and nutrients in and out properly.
Gastroenterology in the United States
In the United States, the study of Gastroenterology is considered an internal medicine sub-specialty. In addition, if any of the components of this complex mechanism breaks out or doesn’t work properly, you will face a lot of problems.
Thereby, it is the gastroenterologist’s job to identify where the problem arises through diagnostics and then treat the disease through proper treatment.
Today, the testing procedures have become advanced and more reliable that includes colonography, colonoscopy, laser endoscopy, photodynamic therapy, ultrasonography, and enteroscopy.
What is a Gastroenterologist?
A Gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnostic, treatment, and prevention of digestive system diseases and disorders of the digestive tract. According to statistics, Doctors of Gastroenterology are the highest paid professionals in the United States.
It is important to keep in mind that the Gastroenterologist you choose offers all the services and procedures needed for your treatment.
It is vital for the Gastroenterologist to understand the normal physiological functions of human structures and organs of GIT to properly treat the diseases. Gastroenterology starts exploring the path of food from ingestion to exertion.
The Gastroenterologist study the entire process from the moment the food is taken, breaks down, absorbed, and finally excreted as waste from the body. All this process is essential to study in-depth by the Gastroenterologist to diagnose, treat, and eventually prevent diseases.
Some Medical Conditions that are treated by a Gastroenterologist
Here we will discuss some medical conditions that Gastroenterologist treat, have a glance below;
Heartburn and Reflux
Gastro esophageal reflux disease or it is commonly known as (GERD) is a medical condition that is quite uncomfortable and occurs because of the stomach and bile acid coming back up via the esophagus. Due to these acidic substances, the patient feels the pain that results in inflammation and irritation.
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory bowel syndrome or it is commonly known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that causes pain and cranks. It makes you feel irritable and uncomfortable.
Cancer
Gastroenterologists treat cancers of the rectum, anus, colon, or stomach. These medical specialists may use radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures to treat these diseases.
Pancreatic Diseases
Gastroenterologist deals with chronic pancreatic disorders, cystic fibroids, acute, and cancers. These are certain medical conditions that result in serious health problems such as kidney infections, diabetes, malnutrition, and death.
What to Expect From the Gastroenterologist on Your Visit?
When you visit the Gastroenterologist, he/she will ask you to lie down on a table where the physical examination will take place. Then, the Gastroenterologist will press down areas of your belly one by one to check out any deformity that may exist. In most cases, the doctor will place a finger in your rectum area to feel any masses there, depends on the symptoms.
The Gastroenterologist will then perform certain tests that are associated with your symptoms and problem. In many cases, the Gastroenterologist asks you to have a colonoscopy, X-Ray, or endoscopy, to get a visual of your digestive tract. These tests are performed to identify the source of the problem and help the doctor make a proper treatment plan.
Generally, gastroenterologists treat digestive disorders through medication or a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly known as endoscopy. However, if surgical interventions are required, the patient is referred to a gastrointestinal surgeon.
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist?
If you are facing digestive disorder or pain, it is high time to consult a Gastroenterologist. The general healthcare physician can help you find the best Gastroenterologist who is knowledgeable and experienced to deal with your case. Some of the most common problems that indicate digestive issues are;
- Stomach cramps
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Gas
- Jaundice
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Heartburn, vomiting, nausea
- Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding and blood in stool are considered severe digestive disorders that must be treated immediately by a Gastroenterologist if you are facing these symptoms.
Major Guidelines for a Gastroenterologist Appointment (Gastroenterology)
- If you want to consult a professional Gastroenterologist, you can ask your general physician who will help you find the best Gastroenterologist in your area. If you want to find a good Gastroenterologist, you can also search online.
- Next, after finding the Gastroenterologist, you must make a list of questions that you want to ask. You must know what to discuss with the Gastroenterologist on your first visit. Making a list of queries will help you discuss certain symptoms related to your health issues.
- Finally, it is important that you must provide detailed information about your current condition and symptoms you are facing to the Gastroenterologist. You should also talk about your lifestyle and eating habits as it will also help your practitioner in diagnosis.
- Don’t feel shy or hesitant while discussing your health issues with Gastroenterologists. Some patients feel shy and don’t openly discuss gas, pain in the rectum, or bowel movements with their doctors. Remember that, the more accurate information you will provide to the Gastroenterologist, the better and sooner your diseases will be treated.