What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The GI tract includes important gastric organs, including the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, and liver. Any disruption in this significant system can have a seriously damaging impact on your holistic health and should be evaluated by an expert in the specialty. Experts in gastroenterology are referred to as gastroenterologists. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants is a leading specialist-led system of gastroenterologists (GI physicians) in Texas, and we are dedicated to supplying knowledge and resources that allow our patients to achieve better intestinal health. You can locate a nearby gastroenterologist in DFW by calling our staff. What does a gastroenterologist do, and when should you find one? Read on to find out.

What is the difference between a doctor and a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists need to perform approximately 5 – 6 years of specialized education in the field of gastroenterology following med school. These GI physicians have thoroughly considered what great digestion and stool elimination look like, in addition to the usual ailments and complaints that can intrude into gastrointestinal function. A GI physician obtains extensive instruction on how to perform endoscopic tests, such as an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy, which can both be performed to identify and handle various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

What does a gastroenterologist treat?

A GI physician could provide care for a wide variety of intestinal diseases and situations. A few of the most extensively treated diseases include:

• Pancreatitis: This affliction leads to inflammation of the pancreas.

• Celiac disease: The immune system behaves negatively to the intake of gluten, which causes injury to the small intestines.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD: This condition is characterized by frequent and constant heartburn.

• Cancer: A GI doctor will help handle cancers of the GI system, including colon and rectal cancer and gastric cancer.

• Gallbladder stones or cholelithiasis: When bile stiffens into solid matter in the gallbladder, gallbladder stones are the consequence.

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease result in persistent inflammation in the GI system.

In addition to handling the listed afflictions, GI doctors frequently perform standard colonoscopies to diagnose, address, and prevent colorectal cancer, which is amid the top grounds for cancer fatalities in the country. You can meet a colonoscopy doctor near you through Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. A practitioner in our system is available in DFW.

When might you see a gastroenterologist?

You might see a GI doctor when you are suffering some signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal afflictions, which include:

• Painful or persistent heartburn

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Persistent constipation

• White stools

• Repetitive diarrhea

• Bloody stool

• Troublesome gas

Even if you do not exhibit any of the listed indicators, we advocate you visit a GI physician for regular colonoscopies. You should get regular colon cancer tests at about 45 years old and then once each decade if you are of low risk and your results come back negative. If you are at elevated risk, like possessing a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, then it is typically advisable you receive tests earlier and at a higher frequency. You can locate a GI doctor nearby by contacting Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

Need to see a GI doctor in DFW?

If you or a loved one is experiencing distressing intestinal symptoms, you can trust the GI doctors at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to offer expert, patient-centric treatments. Our understanding GI doctors are in the midst of the top masters in the industry, and our goal is to accomplish the best clinical norms. Talk to our office in DFW to learn more.