What is gut health?
The gut, also known as the digestive tract, breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes body waste. Proper digestive system functioning includes a complex interplay of microorganisms, enzymes, and hormones. Gut health is now increasingly recognized as a critical factor in overall health, as studies show that poor gut health can cause multiple health problems. These issues include chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and even mental health challenges.
On the other hand, a healthy gut is strongly associated with enhanced immunity, better digestion, and even improved mental well-being. Therefore, maintaining good gut health is vital for a healthy and happy life.
Who are gastroenterologists?
A gastroenterologist is a physician expert at diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders and illnesses of the digestive system. These conditions can affect the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Their education and training equip them to diagnose and manage gastrointestinal ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, and gastrointestinal cancers.
In addition to performing procedures, gastroenterologists work closely with patients to manage their conditions. This involves discussing symptoms, performing physical exams, and ordering diagnostic tests like blood work and imaging studies. The gastroenterologist will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms and test results. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, surgical intervention, or a combination.
Gastroenterologists also play an important role in preventative care. For instance, they perform colonoscopies to screen patients for colon cancer and endoscopic ultrasound to detect pancreatic cancer. They may also advise on nutrition and lifestyle changes to promote healthy digestion in daily life and prevent gastrointestinal diseases.
Education and clinical training of gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists undergo extensive education and clinical training to become experts in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the digestive system. After finishing an undergraduate degree, they must attend medical school for four years and complete a three-year residency program. After completing their residency, aspiring gastroenterologists must complete a two to three-year fellowship in gastroenterology. During this fellowship, they complete specialized training in endoscopic procedures, diagnostics, treatment, and research in gastroenterology. They work with experienced gastroenterologists in various clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience and developing their skills and knowledge in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions.
After completing their fellowship, gastroenterologists are eligible to take the certification exam in gastroenterology. The rigorous education and clinical training ensure that gastroenterologists have the expertise to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Six signs you should consult a gastroenterologist
The digestive system is an essential part of our body, and disruptions in its normal functioning can cause significant discomfort and stress. Some digestive issues can be managed by changing lifestyle and using over-the-counter medications. However, other conditions require the specialized knowledge and skills of a gastroenterologist.
Here are some of the problems that may be your sign to get immediate consultation:
Diarrhea: A variety of factors, including diet, infection, and some drugs, can be the cause of diarrhea. You must see a gastroenterologist if your feces is consistently more liquid than solid. Chronic diarrhea can signify digestive problems, such as IBS, IBD, or small bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The leading cause of chronic diarrhea is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Constipation is a digestive condition with less than three weekly bowel motions. You might be constipated if your bowel movements are tiny, firm, or difficult to pass. Various factors can cause constipation, which can be challenging to treat at home. A GI specialist can help you determine what's causing your constipation and recommend lifestyle and medication modifications to help you have more regular bowel movements.
Severe heartburn: If you experience it more than a couple of times each week, it could indicate Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disorder damages and scars the esophageal lining over time.
Chronic acid reflux does not go away on its own. Therefore, it's critical to be checked by a specialist. GERD, if left untreated, can permanently destroy the esophagus. This damage can cause difficulty swallowing and severe ulcers, possibly increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.
Severe abdominal discomfort: We've all experienced stomach aches, but severe abdominal discomfort that lasts for hours or comes on abruptly and severely isn't normal. A sore on the stomach lining producing a burning sensation in the abdomen is a stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer. If not treated, ulcers can cause inflammation and scarring, obstructing the digestive tract.
Gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver illness can all cause significant abdominal pain regularly. A gastroenterologist can help you in determining the source of your discomfort.
Blood in your feces or rectal bleeding: It could be hemorrhoids if you see blood on your toilet paper or when flushing the toilet. Hemorrhoids are a frequent problem usually treated with at-home cures or over-the-counter medicines.
Also, don't automatically assume that blood in the toilet indicates hemorrhoids. Suppose you observe blood in your stool or experience rectal bleeding or alterations in the color or texture of your stool. In that case, getting in touch with a gastroenterologist is necessary.
Unusual bloating: Bloating, which can make you feel like your stomach is full or tight, is often caused by excessive gas production, hypersensitivity to gas, or trapped gas in your colon.
Bloating can be caused by constipation because the longer waste lingers in your colon, the likelier it is to be fermented by resident bacteria, resulting in gas. However, bloating can be a symptom of IBS, a food sensitivity like lactose intolerance, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), or gastroparesis (partial stomach paralysis).
If you've noticed any of the above signs, consider scheduling an appointment with a GI specialist near you.
Do gastroenterologists treat cancer?
A gastroenterologist near you might often be the first to discover cancer within the digestive system. Through specialized procedures like endoscopy and biopsy, gastroenterologists can locate, remove, and identify cancerous tumors throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and biliary system. If they do detect cancer, they may perform additional endoscopic procedures to help stage it, taking further tissue samples to determine if the cancer has spread.
In some cases, gastroenterologists can directly treat certain tumors using the endoscope by dissecting them or targeting them with lasers. This minimally invasive approach helps manage the disease at an early stage and can sometimes delay the need for more aggressive treatments.
Types of cancer diagnosed, staged, or treated by gastroenterologists:
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Duodenal cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
In addition to cancers specific to the digestive system, the gastroenterologist near you can play a critical role in the care team for other types of cancer. For instance, they might use their endoscopic skills to monitor for cancer metastasis (spread) beyond the original site.
Moreover, consultations are made with gastroenterologists to effectively handle the side effects associated with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can cause painful inflammation in the GI tract, such as mucositis or radiation enteritis. Gastroenterologists help alleviate these side effects and manage common symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Malnutrition
Therefore, gastroenterologists are crucial in the early detection, staging, and sometimes treatment of cancers within the GI system.
What are the causes of constipation?
Constipation is a common condition faced by people of all ages. It makes it difficult to pass stool, and the stool becomes hard and dry due to too much water being absorbed.
As a result, bowel movements become less frequent and could lead to bowel obstruction or blockage. People can notice blood in their stool, experience severe pain, and find it difficult to pass stool fewer than three times a week.
Constipation can occur due to the following reasons:
Fiber is an crucial nutrient that helps the stool hold liquids and adds bulk. Hence, it allows the stool to retain the right weight and shape to pass through the colon easily. Therefore, eating a diet with a lack of fiber can cause constipation.
You can increase fiber intake to help prevent gas and bloating as well. Fiber-rich foods include rice, cereal, whole-grain bread, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a good source of fiber used to prevent and treat constipation. You should also avoid consuming large amounts of cheese or milk.
- Dehydration or low hydration:
Lack of water can cause stool to become stiff and dry. Moreover, drinking lots of beverages containing caffeine can lead to constipation. Hence, you should drink plenty of water to keep the stools soft.
You can improve bowel movements with regular exercise or daily physical activities. Try exercising most days of the week to help improve the movement of stool. Consult a GI specialist near you on the best and safest ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
You should never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Keeping it in can lead to constipation and disrupt bowel movements. Experts recommend maintaining a regular schedule and aiming to pass stool around 15 to 45 minutes after meals.
How to find the best gastroenterologist near you in Baltimore?
If you have persistent digestive difficulties, your primary care physician may recommend you consult a gastroenterologist. Don't be frightened by the thought of seeing a gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal (GI) doctor. Invest time and effort in locating the best specialists and doctors for your medical needs. Here, Zocdoc can assist you.
Zocdoc provides the convenience of free online booking and round-the-clock access to all available business information. You can easily find in-network doctors from Zocdoc’s extensive directory of medical professionals. You can filter the list of doctors by specialty and area to discover the best specialist for your medical needs. Additionally, you can browse each doctor's profile and review their gender, education, specifications, certifications, spoken languages, and the type of insurance they accept. Zocdoc also provides genuine patient reviews, highlighting the details about each doctor’s services.
You can manage multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance plans through your Zocdoc account. However, you can only select one plan at a time when scheduling an appointment. If you have secondary insurance, mention it in the booking section. If your healthcare provider utilizes Zocdoc's intake forms, you can conveniently add your secondary insurance information online. For further questions or assistance with managing your insurance, Zocdoc's patient help center is readily available to support any insurance-related issues.
The best part is that all the bookings on Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and 100% free!
Digestive disease statistics of Maryland, USA
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NDDK) data suggests that gastrointestinal disorders affect approximately 60 million to 70 million individuals in the United States. This resulted in more than 250,000 fatalities every year. According to the NDDK, these illnesses account for about 50 million hospital visits and 21.7 million hospital admissions annually.
According to a 2018 study, the prevalence of chronic diarrhea in the United States is approximately 6.6%. The disease affects around 6 to 7 out of every 100 Americans. Constipation is one of the most prevalent digestive disease symptoms, affecting an estimated 2.5 million people in the United States. In comparison, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 3-20% of the population in the United States.
In Maryland, colon and rectum cancer is the most dangerous gastroenterological disease. In 2016, there were 2,450 new cases of cancer of the colon or rectum (called colorectal cancer) reported among Maryland residents. The age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate in Maryland for 2016 was 35.4 per 100,000 population. Colorectal cancer accounted for 8.7% of all cancer deaths in Maryland and was the state's second leading cause of cancer death. Within Baltimore City, only 254 cases were reported in 2016.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline
American College of Gastroenterology[1]
Penn Medicine
Houston Methodist
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases[1]
Mayo Clinic
American College of Gastroenterology[2]
Cleveland Clinic[1]
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases[2]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
