Gastroenterologist and What Do They Treat?

 

Gastroenterologist and What Do They Treat?

A gastroenterologist is a medical professional who focuses on the evaluation and treatment of digestive system disorders. Because of their specialty, gastroenterologists are often referred to as "GI doctors" (for "gastrointestinal").

Gastroenterologists are medical experts who specialize in the digestive system. In particular, they focus on treating the following localized conditions:

• Stomach
• Abdominal cavity
• The Rectus Colon
• Oesophagus
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Hepatic bile ducts

After completing medical school, aspiring gastroenterologists must commit to a three-year residency in internal medicine. After that, they need to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology for an additional three to four years.

When Should You Consult a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive system disorders.

• Acid reflux in the esophagus (GERD) is a common digestive disorder.
• Symptoms of a hiatal hernia
• Celiac disease and colitis
• Syndrome of irritable bowel (IBS)
• Polyps of the colon
• Cancer of the digestive tract
• Issues with nutrition
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Disorders of the gallbladder and biliary system
• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis
• Sicknesses of the liver

At What Point Should I See a Gastroenterologist?

If your primary care physician suspects that you are having digestive issues, he or she may recommend that you see a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. 

Some of the signs that it's time to see a doctor include:

• Ache in the guts
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
• Alterations in bowel routine
• Swelling up excessively
• Heartburn
• Struggling to swallow
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• A loss of bowel control or rectal bleeding

Is There More Than One Kind Of GI Doctor?

Although many gastroenterologists focus on basic gastrointestinal health, some choose to focus on a specific subspecialty. For instance, they might have expertise in managing:

• Chronic intestinal inflammation
• Illnesses of the pancreas
• Liver failure
• Transplantation of the Liver
• GERD
• Disorders requiring extensive endoscopic procedures

Other Fellowship

A gastroenterologist can further their training by becoming a hepatologist, a specialist in liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas problems. To become a hepatologist, one needs to finish a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology followed by an additional year of fellowship study that is specifically focused on the liver.

Doctors who specialize in surgery, cancer treatment, and imaging frequently collaborate with gastroenterologists.

Different Tests and Procedures Performed by a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist can treat gastrointestinal issues without resorting to surgery.

These are some of the most common ones:

Endoscopy: An endoscope (a tiny tube with a camera and a light) is inserted down the esophagus and used to examine the digestive tract.

A Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy: To examine the colon and rectum, a gastroenterologist inserts a tube equipped with a camera into the rectum. A sigmoidoscopy only allows for a view of the lower colon and rectum, while a colonoscopy allows for a look at the entire colon and rectum.

Excision of Polyps: During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists can remove colon polyps, which are benign or precancerous growths.

Endoscopy in a Capsule:  A pill is taken that contains a tiny wireless camera that records footage of the digestive tract. This allows the doctor to examine what's going on inside your intestines.

In-Body Ultrasound Endoscopy: An endoscope and an ultrasound (which uses sound waves to create images) are used together in this operation. It's used to produce high-resolution pictures of the digestive system and related structures.

Liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, or pancreas: The gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the bile duct and pancreas is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Hepatic Biopsy: To diagnose liver illness or inflammation, doctors take tissue samples and examine them microscopically.

Tube Feeding Placement: A feeding tube is surgically implanted in the patient's stomach during this treatment.

Stretching the Oesophagus: A long, thin device is inserted into the esophagus to open it or stretch it.

In addition to ordering imaging tests and blood work, gastroenterologists may request a stool sample from you.

Do I Need to Know About Gastroenterology Before My Appointment?

You should know what paperwork or notes your gastroenterologist will need before making an appointment. The front desk personnel ought to be able to supply this data.

The following are suggested items to bring:

• Important medical or laboratory test results or copies thereof
• Your current medication list
• A recommendation from your family physician.
• Don't forget to bring your proof of insurance and identification.
• Your complete set of questions for the doctor
• A notebook and writing instrument for jotting down thoughts and ideas

The first consultation can last anything from half an hour to an hour. Your doctor will inquire about your current symptoms, past medical history (including family history), current medications, and diagnostic testing.

The physical exam performed by your gastroenterologist during your session may consist of:

• Examining your belly for irregularities
• Take a good bowel sound listening to your belly
• Tender spots on the stomach can be located by tapping.
• Rectal examination
• After your appointment, you and your specialist will decide what comes next, whether that's a diagnostic test or a course of therapy.

Where can I locate an excellent gastroenterologist?

1. It is highly recommended to consult with your family doctor as the first step in seeking medical advice. If you ask your doctor, he or she will be able to recommend several excellent gastroenterologists in your area.
2. You can also ask around for a recommendation on a good gastroenterologist in your area. If you need suggestions, you might always ask someone close to you for advice
3. You can also conduct some investigating on your own. The website of a medical office will typically have a bio of the attending physician, including their background and expertise. You can get insight from other patients by reading reviews they left online.

How Do I Verify Whether a Gastroenterologist Participates in My Health Plan?

A list of gastroenterologists in your area who accept your insurance plan should be provided to you by your insurance provider, either in print or online. However, before scheduling an appointment with the expert of your choice, you should call your insurance company to make sure he or she is covered. It's not uncommon for doctor lists to be out of date.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Think About Before Choosing a Gastroenterologist?

• You may wish to think about the following while making your choice of a gastroenterologist:
• The proximity of the workplace to your home.
• Details about the doctor's background, training, and credentials
• The doctor's areas of expertise or passions
• The doctor's actions (or lack thereof) during a procedure
• Characteristics of the Doctor
• Medical centers with which the physician is associated
• Whether or not the clinic provides access to telehealth services.
• Time spent waiting for an appointment
• Does the clinic take new patients?

Prospective patients can consult with some gastroenterologists in person or via telemedicine. You can learn more about the doctor and see if you click with them during this visit.

How can I locate a gastroenterologist who will be respectful of my sexual orientation and racial/ethnic identity?

Finding a gastroenterologist who is considerate of your race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation can be worth the extra effort it takes to ensure your comfort in the doctor-patient relationship. If you're having problems locating a doctor who understands your experiences, learning about your prospective physician's professional associations may assist. You can learn if they make an attempt to educate themselves or advocate for changes in the healthcare system from this data.

Also, with telemedicine, you can see a doctor who isn't in your immediate neighborhood if that's who you choose.

During your appointment with your gastroenterologist, you may wish to ask him or her:

• Please tell me what you think my diagnosis is.
• When did you realize this?
• Why is this happening?
• Is there anything else you can do to verify this diagnosis?
• Which treatments have the best chance of helping me?
• Is there a chance of getting sick from the treatments?
• Can my health problem be helped by changing my diet?
• How have you dealt with similar cases in the past?
• When will I start to feel the effects of this illness?
• I need assistance, but I don't know if I can get it.

Conclusion.

A doctor should be consulted without delay if you experience any strange symptoms that have persisted for more than three days. The best medicine is prevention. Be sure to strictly adhere to the doctor's orders.