A gastroenterologist is a digestive disease specialist. They are educated and trained to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases and conditions of the digestive system, which includes the small intestine, colon, rectum, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, esophagus, and stomach. Your primary care doctor will most likely recommend you seek medical help from a gastroenterologist if you have chronic or severe digestive system issues.
A gastroenterologist’s main duty is to help restore patients’ optimal digestive health. Gastroenterologists have up to five additional years of specialized medical training that gives them significant knowledge and experience with diseases and medical conditions affecting the digestive system.
Some of the most common diseases, disorders, and conditions treated and diagnosed by gastroenterologists include cancer of the liver, colon, or pancreas. They can also treat celiac disease, GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome. If you also have abnormal tissue growth or polyps, hemorrhoids, ulcer, and pancreatitis, a gastroenterologist can help diagnose and treat these conditions.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with any digestive diseases and disorders, how do you know if you should start seeing a gastroenterologist? Here are some signs that should tell you if it’s time to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist:
Abnormal Bowel Movements
There are two signs of bowel movement problems: constipation and diarrhea. Although both disorders are usually normal when they happen occasionally, chronic constipation or diarrhea are a sign that something is wrong in the digestive system. A gastroenterologist can help you determine the root cause if you have one of these issues.
Rectal Bleeding
If you experience rectal bleeding or pass bloody stool, see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity and the cause of the rectal bleeding, there may be an issue in your digestive tract such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, or even cancer. Because there are a variety of reasons for rectal bleeding, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment to ensure that if you have a serious condition, it is treated promptly.
Frequent Heartburn
Occasional heartburn is likely nothing to be concerned about, but when it becomes a recurrent issue, it can mean you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. There are a lot of treatments for GERD that can help you manage the condition, so you have the least about of impact to your comfort and health.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
A gastroenterologist is properly trained to perform colonoscopies and other colon cancer screening tests. If you are 50 years of age or older, it’s important for you to get regular colon cancer screenings to ensure you get prompt treatment, if necessary.
Gastroenterologist in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Since 1990, Carlisle Digestive Disease Associates has been providing care to the community of central Pennsylvania. With board-certified doctors onboard, we are committed to providing the best service in treating and diagnosing digestive disorders and diseases.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your gastroenterological needs, make an appointment with our experts today. Please call at (717) 245-2228 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
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