How Can a Gastroenterologist Help Me?

gastroenterologists

Gastroenterology is a specialized type of medicine devoted to the investigation, identification, and treatment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas are all part of the gastrointestinal tract. Any disturbance in this essential system can have a damaging impact on an individual's overall wellness and should be evaluated by a gastroenterology expert. Professionals in this field are called gastroenterologists. Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is a leading chief doctor-led system of gastroenterologists (GI specialists) in Louisiana, and we are committed to offering education and remedies that let our clients achieve their ideal intestinal health. You can find a local gastroenterologist in New Orleans, LA by contacting our staff. What does a GI doctor achieve, and when should you find one? Keep reading to find out.

How does one become a gastroenterologist?

After graduating from medical school, some individuals continue their studies and finish approximately 5 – 6 years of specialty training in the area of gastroenterology. These GI specialists have an extreme understanding of what healthy digestion and stool elimination look like, in addition to standard ailments and disturbances that can interfere with gastrointestinal operation. A GI doctor receives thorough instruction on how to execute endoscopic exams, such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopies, which can all be performed to identify and treat different conditions of the GI system.

What is a GI doctor's specialty?

A gastroenterologist could handle an extensive assortment of digestive afflictions and conditions. A few of the most widely treated diseases include:

  • Cancer: A GI physician will help treat cancers of the GI tract, including colon cancer and gastric cancer.

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

  • Pancreatitis: This ailment entails inflammation of the pancreas.

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

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD: This affliction is marked by repeated and constant heartburn.

  • Celiac disease: The immune system behaves unfavorably to the consumption of gluten, which drives injury to the small intestines.

In addition to handling the above conditions, GI doctors commonly carry out regular colonoscopies to recognize, address, and prevent colon cancer, which is one of the top reasons for cancer fatalities in the country. You can meet a colonoscopy doctor nearby through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. A doctor in our network is available in New Orleans, LA.

When should a person visit a GI physician?

You might talk to a GI specialist when you’re suffering any indicators or symptoms of GI ailments, such as:

  • Stomach pain or discomfort

  • Chronic constipation

  • White bowel movements

  • Severe or repetitive heartburn

  • Excessive flatulence

  • Lasting diarrhea

  • Rectal bleeding

Even if you do not exhibit all of the listed signs, we advise you to visit a GI physician for standard colonoscopies. You should start regular colorectal cancer tests at around 45 years old and then once every decade if you are of low risk and your findings are negative. If you are at elevated danger, like having a family history of colon cancer or serious bowel disease, then it is typically recommended you receive exams earlier and more often. You can find a GI physician nearby by talking to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

Would you like to talk to a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA?

If you or a loved one is experiencing disturbing intestinal indicators, you can believe in the GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to deliver skilled, patient-centric treatments. Our kind GI physicians are among the chief professionals in the industry, and our goal is to reach the utmost clinical principles. Call our facility in New Orleans, LA to discover more.