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Gastroenterology

134110705Gastroenterology isn’t likely the first word that comes to mind when you are having problems food indigestion. If you’re ever had a meal that hasn’t agreed with you, or experienced gas pains or cramps, or worse, you know the value of people who know something about the body’s digestive system. Mild symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter antacids and other digestive medications may help. However, when the conditions become more serious, you need to consult with an expert- a gastroenterologist and at the most critical times- Emergency 911.

Gastroenterology is a sophisticated word describing the study of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the body. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the digestive system and organs: the stomach, colon, esophagus, intestines, pancreas, liver and gallbladder. A person would visit a gastroenterologist to get relief and a cure for abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea, jaundice, and GI tract problems including cancer.

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Gastroenterology Conditions and Treatments

Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive colon surgical techniques have opened the door to treat a wide variety of issues with less risk and discomfort. These approaches may offer far greater results in the treatment of numerous conditions for those who qualify, as follows.

 

 

 

Digestive and Colon Forums: Great advances have been made over the last 50 years in gastroenterology and related surgical techniques, diagnostic methods, and treatments thanks to additional laboratory research, clinical trials. This has resulted in more widespread use of imaging technology for diagnosis, and an impressive growth in knowledge in the entire field. So, we’d like to share this knowledge with you.

If You Are Over Age 50, you’ll need to see a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. It’s the medical term for the common diagnostic tool of a gastroenterologist involving the use of an endoscope to see what’s going on with internal organs. Less invasive methods may also involve the use of imaging technology. This is the way for your to know where you stand with your digestive system so you can prevent gastrointestinal diseases before they start!

Check out What Your Need to Know about Minor Gastrointestinal problems which may be remedied nutritional adjustments, medications and/or drug therapies.

Get the Burps? Get a Head’s Start on Your Acid  Reflux Before Disease Strikes.

Colon Surgery Advancements, there are minimally invasive techniques that are commonplace. Laparoscopy permits rapid recovery and shorter hospital stays than traditional surgery often.

Micro Surgery for rectal polyps and cancers with trans-anal endoscopic micro-surgery.

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Gastroenterologists for Children

Perhaps, the hardest thing of all is watching a child in pain and being unsure what to do about it. Pediatric gastroenterologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat a child’s growing digestive system and its unique needs and traits. Such doctors treat the following in children.

  •  Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding
  • Food Allergies or Intolerances
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (mild to severe)
  • Liver Disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Abdominal Pain (chronic or acute)
  • Vomiting and Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Pancreatic Insufficiency (including cystic fibrosis)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Malnutrition
  • Intestinal Problems or Obstructions
  • Obesity Related Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Feeding Disorders

174247392Your Gastroenterology Doctor

Gastroenterologists must complete four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, a one-year internship (either separate from residency or running concurrently), plus three years of an internal medicine residency, and two to three years in the gastroenterology fellowship. A gastroenterologist may then specialize in GI radiology, hepatobiliary or gastric medicine, or in GI oncology before completing a two- or three-year fellowship. Gastroenterology is different than gastroenterological surgery or colon and rectal (proctology) surgery, which are specialty branches of general surgery.Next Visit, Q and A For Your Doctor

Understanding Insurance

Identifying and treating minor digestive issues can go a long ways when it comes to conserving out of pocket costs, particularly before such problems become more serious diseases. Typically, your internal medicine physician is the first person you’ll see when you have a gastrointestinal issue. So, your primary insurance may allow you coverage in whole or part for an initial visit. Based on your physician’s recommendations, you may need to see a gastrointestinal specialist for further diagnostic testing. The type of insurance coverage you have for advanced less invasive procedures varies between the insurance carriers. So, it’s wise to check your insurance policy and check in with your physician about setting up a payment plan for any out-of-pockets expenses that you may be responsible for. In end, under no circumstance is it wise to delay treatment for any medical conditions. Even minor digestive uses may evolve into bigger health concerns when left untreated.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.
Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.