Digestion Problems? See a gastroenterologist.

If you’ve been having problems with your digestion system it might be time to see a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating certain conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system. The gastrointestinal system consists of the pancreas, esophagus, intestines, stomach and the glands surrounding any of these organs. They also diagnose and treat health problems that involve the liver. If your digestive tract is out of wack, your primary doctor can refer you for future diagnosing and treatment.

Ongoing digestive issues are put under a gastroenterologist, or doctor for gastro, for long-term care. Existing conditions with recurrence or flare-up such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome are put under long-term care as well. In order for a gastroenterologist to identify your specific needs they may need to put you through certain screenings, procedures,tests, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds. The Abdominal ultrasound you is one of the most frequently recommended. It is used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen. Included within the screening are the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, kidneys and abdominal aorta. A colonoscopy is a common screening for colorectal cancer normally recommended to individuals who are older than 50 years of age. The upper and lower GI tests are frequently called on as well. While the lower GI test looks only at the large intestine and rectum, the upper GI test looks at the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. Both test use barium; a metallic compound that helps make abnormalities visible. For the upper GI a solution is taken by way of mouth. For lower GI it is by way of enema into the rectum. An MRI; magnetic resonance imaging a technique that uses radioactive waves to show detailed imagery of tissue and bones, are used only as a last resort when a gastroenterologist has uncertainties about a ultrasound or CT scan performed. Although it is mainly for clarity, it is sometimes used for the evaluation of digestive diseases, liver diseases, bile ducts for stones and small unseen areas within the gastrointestinal system. As mentioned before, CT scans are extremely common and have been used before MRIs. A CT scan is a computerized axial tomography scan which in simpler terms is a computer connected to an X-ray that delivers detailed pictures of the internal body. With such vivid pictures gastroenterologists are able to better diagnose and treat many issues, conditions and diseases.

If you ever needed to receive procedural treatment and/or surgery on any part of the gastrointestinal system, with a gastroenterologist you are in good hands. With the level of expertise, education and training the average gastroenterologist received, it is no wonder why a simple consultation could lead to immediate diagnosis and treatment. After all, gastroenterology is the number one sub-specialty of internal medicine for procedures. Within ASC; altered state of consciousness, it is also on of the top specialities. So if you are having digestive issues, whether you consider them big or small. Get referred for consultation with a gastroenterologist in the area near you! Your digestive tract will be glad you did.

Here’s another interesting discussion on how our gut (and the bacteria) affects our health: