Table of Contents
What does a gastroenterologist look for?
Gastroenterology focuses on the health of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and removal of waste from the body. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat diseases that occur in the gastrointestinal system.
What kind of procedures do gastroenterologists do?
A Gastroenterologist does not perform surgery. His work is limited to diagnosis and medical treatment. However, under the broad classification of surgery, Gastroenterologists do perform such procedures as liver biopsy and endoscopic (“scope”) examinations of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel.
How does a gastroenterologist check your stomach?
To perform an EDG, gastroenterologists use a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end called an endoscope. By adjusting the controls on the endoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.
What does an inflamed gut feel like?
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can include diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, and abdominal pain. The type and location of abdominal pain is different, not only between the two main forms of IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) but also within the subtypes of these diseases.
How do I know if my intestines are inflamed?
Inflamed colon symptoms abdominal pain and cramping. fever. urgency to have a bowel movement. nausea.
What to expect when you go to the gastroenterologist?
At the first visit to a gastroenterologist with the mentioned symptoms, you expect that he/ she will obtain a full history and a physical examination. He/ she should also address your symptoms and treat your irritable bowel syndrome like symptoms. He/ she should also do a rectal exam and obtain a stool sample.
Why to go to a gastroenterologist?
They’re all reasons to see a gastroenterologist. These doctors are trained to treat conditions that affect the organs of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas and liver. If you notice any of the telltale symptoms, it may be time to check in with a gastroenterologist.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
Patients are usually referred to a gastroenterologist by a primary care doctor. You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if you need a colon cancer screening.
How can I become a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists must complete undergraduate education, medical school, and residency training in internal medicine. Most prospective gastroenterologists complete a bachelor degree in a science field and then pursue medical school to earn the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).