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Updated by Manjunath Haridas on Mar 25, 2021
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What is A Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology is an area of medicine that focuses on the health of the digestive system of the gastrointestinal tracts. Gastroenterologists can treat everything from irresistible bowel syndrome to hepatitis C.

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What is a Gastroenterologist?

Also called a GI Doctor gastroenterologist treat problems and diseases of the digestive system and are experts in how the digestive systems work. As experts, they can do more than just treat problems. When we consider the human gastrointestinal system,many are tempted to limit it to the stomach and intestines. In reality, gastroenterologists examine the normal functions and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gall bladders, bile duct and liver.

These specialists primarily diagnose and treat GI disease in both men and women. They perform endoscopic procedures, in which they use specialized instruments to view the GI tract and make a diagnosis.

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What Does A Gastroenterologist Do?

If you've gone to a gastroenterologist, you know you were likely referred because something was wrong with the way your body handles food. Lots of different conditions can cause a problem. Those conditions includes things such as:

  1. list text hereColon polyps, or small cluster of cells on the colon lining.

  2. Some cancers of the gut

  3. Liver disease

  4. Heartburn

  5. Sores on the stomach linings and small intestines

  6. Inflation of the large intestine or pancreas.

  7. Gall bladder conditions

  8. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

  9. Irritable bowel syndrome

  10. Internal bleeding in the digestive system.

  11. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that can harm the small intestine.

The main medical procedures these doctors perform is endoscopy. For this they use a flexible, lighted tube with a built in camera to see inside your intestine.

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What Does The Gastroenterologist Do On First Visit?

Your first appointment will probably take 30-60 minutes. They'll ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and any treatment you tried.

First Visit:

  1. You will share

As needed you will be offered
2. Symptoms: gastrointestinal(diarrhea,bloating, belly pain etc.) and others(skin/nails problem, fatigue, changes in hair etc.)

A physical exam focused on your symptoms
3. Past medical history: prior illness and surgeries.

Answers your questions and concerns

  1. Family History

Education about celiac disease/gluten free diet.
5. Diet History: what you eat and drink

An order for blood test and imaging test.
6. Current medication: name and dose

A referral to visit a registered dietitian for gluten free diet counselling.
7. Supplements

A medical order to schedule an upper endoscopy
8. Allergies to medications and food.

Follow up visits
9. Social History: education, employment, smoking, drugs, and alcohol use.

Prior results: Blood test for celiac diseases, endoscopy report, and abdominal images.

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When to See Gastroenterologist?

There are some frequently occurring signs and symptoms that may warrant a visit to your gastroenterologist , who can then diagnose and treat any one of your myriad disorders related to your symptoms. Here are 6 signs you should consider scheduling a consultation with your gastroenterologist:

  1. Abnormal Bowel Movements:

Constipation: if you pass fewer then three bowel movements per weeks, your constipation may be due to blockage, neurological issues, muscular or hormonal malfunctions, diet or other factors. A gastroenterologist may help you determine which the cause is.

  1. Diarrhea:

If runny stool persists for few days, it could be due to virus, parasites/bacterias, lactose intolerance, a reaction to medication or it could be indicative of other digestive disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, just to name a few.

  1. Rectal bleeding:

Causes of blood in the stool can vary in severity, but generally means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tracts. This may be caused by an anal fissure hemorroids, ot it culd be something requiring medical attention, such as cancer.

  1. Frequent Heartburns:

Occasional heartburns are likely nothing to be concerned with, but frequent heartburn may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, and possibly even esophageal cancer. If acid reflux occurs often you may be diagnosed with GERD and begin receiving medication to alleviate your discomfort and have testing to confirm diagnosis.

  1. You're of age to be regularly screened for Colorectal cancer (50+years)

A screening test is a preventative measure, and should be administered before symptoms present. Colorectal cancer begins as precancerous polyps that can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy. Adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

  1. Abdominal Pain and Bloating:

Occasional, mild abdominal pain and bloating may not be caused enough to see a specialist. However, if abdominal pain or bloating occurs after nearly every meal you eat or is accompanied by nausea, or painful bowel movements, be sure to inform your physicians of those aspects of your discomfort, as they may then decide to refer you to a gastroenterologist for further tests.

  1. Esophageal pain or difficulty swallowing:

Certain ailments could cause you to difficulty swallowing, or inability to swallow. If you experience continuous esophageal pain or difficulty swallowing or if it intensifies over time a gastroenterologist may conduct a procedure known as upper endoscopy to determine the cause of your discomfort.

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What does a gastroenterologist treat?

Gastroenterologists focus on specific areas of the GI System. This included the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas etc. This overlaps a little with the care provided by general physicians, Ear nose and throat surgeons, Upper GI Surgeon, and colorectal surgeon.

The following are common diseases and symptoms treated by a gastroenterologist:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Gastro-Oesophagul Acid reflux
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hepatitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Jaundice
  • Polyps in the large intestine
  • Gastrointestinal cancer
  • Reflux esophagitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Bloody stool, cramping, bloating
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What test does a gastroenterologist do?

When you are struggling with digestive difficulties or reached an age when recommended screening such as colonoscopies should begin, its time to include a gastroenterologist in your health care team. They majorly center on:

Colonoscopy: performed to examine the large intestine disease, most commonly colorectal cancer. It is also used to evaluate the symptoms such as rectal bleeding, weight loss, abdominal pain, anemia, constipation. And diarrhea.

EDG(Upper Endoscopy): can be helpful in the evaluation or diagnosis of various problems that affect the upper gastroenterologist. To perform an EDG, gastroenterologists use a long, thin, flexible tube with tiny video camera and light on the end called an endoscopy.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram(ERCP): ERCP is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal system. ERCP is used primarily to diagnose and treat the condition of the bile duct and main pancreatic duct, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures, leaks and cancers.

While there are many additional procedures and diagnostic tests that gastroenterologists can perform, these three are particularly useful in diagnosis and treatment of the most GI conditions. If your symptoms are showing the signs, to consult a gastroenterologist visit (name). A team of professionals to answer all your queries and recommendation for medications after a fine diagnosis.