What is a Gastroenterologist? All You Need to Know About One

Your mouth is also part of your digestive system, but it is out of scope of any gastroenterologist. A dental specialist is trained to deal with any condition of mouth or teeth. Any condition or discomfort relating to these body parts come under a gastroenterologist’s area of specialty.
Some people confuse a gastroenterologist with doctors specializing in other organs of the body like hepatologist (liver specialist) or colon surgeon. It is important to know the distinction. Your general physician is there to help you if you need in such cases.

Many conditions of gastroenterology also have a connection with other body parts. One condition can have adverse effects on other body parts. For example, stress can cause digestive issues which are not at all related to malfunctioning of stomach.
If you experience abnormal bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, heartburn, difficulty swallowing etc. you should go and see your gastroenterologist.

Your gastroenterologist is likely able to perform endoscopy colonoscopy, gastroscopy, double balloon enteroscopy, liver biopsy and other such procedures along with a thorough medical examination. These specialized doctors are more likely to perform better procedures of endoscopy, as compared to other medical professionals.
Some gastroenterologists are trained to perform advanced endoscopic procedures like polypectomy, hemostasis etc. A gastroenterologist is not a surgeon by education. They can collaborate with surgeons to be able to provide necessary treatments for their patients.
Your gastroenterologist might recommend you that you see specialized doctors depending on your case. For example, if you have problems with your liver, he might suggest that you see a hepatologist instead of a gastroenterologist.

Conditions Treated by Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is trained to treat many conditions relating to gastrointestinal tract that include:

• Hepatitis
• Liver, pancreatic, colorectal cancer
• Celiac disease
• Crohn disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Colon polyps
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease and others.

If you experience abdominal pain, irregularities in digestion, blood in your stool or difficulty in swallowing, you should set a meeting with your gastroenterologist soon. If your symptoms are unbearable, make sure to go to emergency department.

What procedures do gastroenterologists perform?

All of the procedures performed are based on digestive complications. These nonsurgical procedures consist of:

*Endoscopy

In this procedure, a camera is attached with a thin and slender tube called an endoscope and with it, to look inside the body.

The device is inserted down the throat through the mouth. It then takes images of the esophagus. This treatment is usually considered when a person experiences symptoms like:

persistent heartburn

constant nausea and vomiting

bleeding sometimes

problems with trying to swallow

stomach pain which wouldn’t subside

there is unexplained weight loss

Endoscopic ultrasounds are conducted to look at the upper and lower GI tract. It also looks at the working of all the other internal organs

*Colonscopies are conducted to determine and detect colon cancer and colon polyps.

*The procedureendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is used to determine if you have any gallstones, tumors, or scar tissues in the bile duct area.

In a polypectomy, a gastroenterologist removes one or more polyps from the lining of the bowel. These are basically noncancerous forms which develop in the colon. They are also very common.

*Sigmoidoscopies is procedure used to detect and determine if you are facing any blood loss or if you are facing any constant pain in the bowel

*Liver biopsies is a common procedure which assess inflammation and fibrosis

* To examine the small intestine, the procedure capsule endoscopies is conducted

*Double balloon enteroscopies is another procedure used to examine the small intestine region

While talking about screening tests for preventive care, you should also keep in mind that certain lifestyle changes can lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer. Those who have a history of colorectal cancer in their families should take extra care of their diet and maintain healthy lifestyle.
Adopting a diet comprising of high contents of vegetables and fruits and less content of red meat can be a preventive measure. Increasing physical activity, losing weight is also a preventive measure for colorectal cancer.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

It is always better to be well-prepared in advance hence we are presenting you with the details on what you can expect at your first appointment.

While a person may only go to a gastroenterologist when their regular doctor refers them to, this post is allowing you to already hold some background knowledge on how their diagnosis process works.

The first thing you will be asked to do is to take certain tests before your appointment. Your primary care doctor will inform you of these tests before actually going to the specialist.

These specific tests like endoscopy, colonoscopy is to determine the cause and extent of which you are facing your symptoms. You might even be required to get an X-ray done of your digestive system so the doctors can get a better picture of your condition.

In such cases where further test and procedures will need to be done, you will get a 101 consultation with your specialist to prepare you well for the procedure.

Taking Care of Your Health is Important…

Your digestive system is instrumental in maintaining your health. It is not to say that other bodily systems are not important but to drive the point home that neglecting health of your digestive tract can translate into other problems.

A gastroenterologist is one of the most important medical professionals who aim to specialize in diseases which pertain to the digestive system and digestive tract.

When your regular doctor determines that you might be having symptoms which pertain to serious complications of the digestive system, you are referred to a gastroenterologist.

There are a number of gut-related conditions which are diagnosed and treated by your specialist in the field.

Some of the leading procedures of the digestive system like endoscopies and colonoscopies are carried by them.

It is important to consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible when the need arises. The sooner you have these problems diagnosed, the better for your health and it might even save your life.

This guide detailed all you need to know about problems with digestive tract and what symptoms should you be looking out for. Take good care of your body; it has no replacement.