Gastroenterologists (GI doctors) are medical practitioners who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the full range of conditions affecting any of the components of the gastrointestinal system—the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and rectum—as well as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. You will likely receive a referral to see a gastroenterologist if your primary care physician has confirmed that the symptoms you are ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
What to Expect at Your First Gastroenterologist Visit
If you are having symptoms of a digestive problem—such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation—you will greatly benefit from the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Also known as a GI doctor, a gastroenterologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the digestive system. While a visit to a gastroenterologist is very important for your health, it can make you feel anxious, especially if this is your first time and you don’t know what to ... [Read More]
How to Relieve Constipation
If you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, and find it difficult or painful to pass one, you may be suffering from constipation. This is a common problem, as about 16% of all adults and 33% of adults over the age of 60 in the United States report having this issue, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Constipation can be caused by a number of factors, and treatments can vary depending on the frequency, cause, and severity of the condition. If you regularly suffer ... [Read More]
When Should I See a GI Doctor?
When people have abdominal pain or digestive problems, they are likely to think something is wrong with the stomach. However, the underlying issue could be a variety of things affecting any of the organs in the gastrointestinal system. GI doctors are experts of the gastrointestinal system and can diagnose and treat a plethora of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines (large and small), pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, colon, and rectum. An issue with any of these could ... [Read More]
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder affecting the large intestine. It is a condition characterized by abdominal distress linked with modified bowel movements. Although not considered a life-threatening condition, it is a chronic disorder that needs long-term management. IBS usually comes and goes throughout life, which may bring frustration and discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome is different from inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It doesn't cause damage in your bowel ... [Read More]
Common Upper GI Tract Conditions
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract comprises the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which is where the small intestine begins. Food follows this track on its way to be thoroughly digested, so that nutrients are processed and distributed through the body. The process of digestion begins with chewing. Saliva is produced in the mouth automatically as food is chewed, and this begins the breakdown of food that is digestion. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach, which breaks ... [Read More]
Common Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are pretty common, with an estimated 20% of the U.S. population having some form of it. Food sensitivity is a way to refer to a food allergy and can be life-threatening for many people. Even if your food sensitivity isn’t dangerous to your life, it can still become problematic because of uncomfortable symptoms it causes. It may be difficult to diagnose a food sensitivity at first because of the wide range of other causes that have overlapping symptoms with the condition. If ... [Read More]
Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist
Among the many different types of doctors that people commonly see are gastroenterologists. This type of physician is a specialist in the health and diseases of the stomach, esophagus, intestine, colon, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and rectum. A gastroenterologist deals with a lot more health issues than you may think. Here are the some of the reasons you may need to see a gastroenterologist: Heartburn Heartburn is a burning sensation felt in the chest and/or throat. ... [Read More]
Diverticulitis Treatments
When it comes to gastroenterological issues, most people know about irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. However, not many people know about diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can develop in your intestines. The pouches are called diverticula – if you have them, the condition is called diverticulosis. Diverticula can develop anywhere along the GI tract but are most common in the lower parts. They are vulnerable to ... [Read More]
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist
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’ ... [Read More]
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