Who is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist or GI doctor can diagnose and treat conditions and illnesses of the digestive system and the biliary organs. It includes the intestines, colon and rectum, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Over the last two decades, a gastroenterologist's role has evolved from that of a pure diagnostician. They have a broader role with today's significant technological and scientific advancements. They operate as palliative care doctors, nutritionists, endoscopic surgeons, chemotherapists, immunologists, and geneticists.
These specialists treat diseases of the intestines and stomach, such as colorectal polyps, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis. Further, they can address inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), stomach ulcers, food intolerances, and allergies. They can also treat gallbladder and biliary illnesses such as gallstones, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis.
Gastroenterologists are also the right specialists to consult when you have problems with your liver, such as toxic hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They also treat swallowing difficulties, Hiatal hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophagitis.
What kind of education and training do gastroenterologists receive?
Students must complete graduation and join medical school as the first step to becoming a gastroenterologist. Here, aspiring doctors learn to diagnose and treat various illnesses and obtain clinical experience. After four years of medical school, the students must complete a three-year internal medicine residency. During this period, they are trained to treat and manage different conditions and diseases.
On completing residency, aspirants need to complete a fellowship in the gastroenterology specialty under nationally recognized experts for two to three years. Completing this detailed course certifies them as specialists in treating gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. In doing so, they differentiate themselves from general practitioners.
The following institutes/boards oversee fellowships in gastroenterology:
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- American Board of Internal Medicine
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Gastroenterology
Why should you visit a GI doctor or gastroenterologist near you?
A general physician may recommend you to a GI doctor if they cannot diagnose a particular illness. They might also refer you to them to treat a severe condition requiring specialized treatment. You will also likely visit them if you suffer from diseases and conditions such as severe constipation, rectal bleeding, difficulty in passing motions, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Other illnesses include indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, bloated stomach, nausea and vomiting, gas and gas pain, or unexplained weight gain or loss.
What cancers does a gastroenterologist treat?
Gastroenterologists play a vital role in detecting, staging, and treating cancers that develop in the organs of the digestive and biliary systems. Most cancers do not produce signs and symptoms until they reach the advanced stages. Common risk factors include obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, low-fiber diet, older age, diabetes, and family history of cancer.
- Esophageal cancer: It is the cancer of the long hollow pipe that transfers the food from the throat to the stomach for further digestion. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, sudden weight loss, chest pain, indigestion, heartburn, and coughing.
- Stomach cancer: When cancer cells grow in the stomach region, it is known as stomach or gastric cancer. Warning signs include difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, bloating, lack of hunger, persistent indigestion, heartburn, and unexplained weight loss.
- Liver cancer: Cancer that transfers to the liver from a tumor of another body part is more common than cancer that originates in the liver. Signs and symptoms may include unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain, jaundice, and white stools.
- Pancreatic cancer: This cancer begins in the pancreas, the organ that releases digestive enzymes and controls blood sugar levels. Advanced disease symptoms are abdominal and back pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, clay-colored stools, dark urine, itchiness, diabetes, blood clots, and fatigue.
- Colorectal cancer: It starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum (end of large intestine where stools collect). Persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in stool, gas, cramps, tiredness, and unintended weight loss are a few common symptoms.
- Gallbladder cancer: A rare cancer type, it usually affects women, older people, and those with a history of gallstones. There are no specific signs or symptoms, but there can be abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and jaundice in the advanced stage.
What are the endoscopic procedures performed by gastroenterologists?
Endoscopy examinations provide gastroenterologists with a thorough look inside the body, allowing them to assess how things are operating and identify any potential causes of the symptoms. They can perform minor operations using small tools through an endoscope. They can open narrowed channels, remove tumors, relieve blockages, take tissue samples, and stop bleeding. These procedures may save you from surgery.
Gastroenterologists perform various endoscopic procedures such as:
- Endoscopic ultrasound, which examines the biliary system with the help of ultrasound
- Polypectomy to remove polyps from the intestines or stomach
- Colonoscopy, which examines the large intestine or lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract
- Upper endoscopy to explore the upper GI tract (upper throat till the stomach)
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) to examine the bile ducts and biliary system with the help of fluoroscopic and video X-rays
- Enteroscopy to check conditions of the small intestine
How does one differentiate a proctologist from a gastroenterologist?
Proctologists are surgeons who focus on general and special surgery. They can perform colorectal surgery and treat illnesses affecting the large intestine, including the anus and rectum. Proctologists train in surgical procedures by doing a longer (five-year) residency than gastroenterologists. Hence, while a gastroenterologist may only recommend surgery, proctologists can operate. Proctologists can also prescribe medicine if they feel surgery is not required.
How to prepare for your first visit to a gastroenterologist?
When referred to a gastroenterologist, you must provide precise details about your gastrointestinal symptoms, including bowel movements, gas, diarrhea, or hemorrhoid pain. This clarity aids your healthcare provider in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Maintaining a journal documenting each occurrence's time, date, duration, and specifics is beneficial for chronic symptoms. Include details about your activities at the time, such as the foods consumed and whether you were under stress, lying down, or engaging in vigorous exercise.
Additionally, feel free to ask questions to fully comprehend the test results' procedures and implications. Some examples include:
- What is the suspected cause of my symptoms?
- What tests are available to confirm this?
- What does the test entail?
- How long does it take to receive the results?
- What measures can I take in the interim to manage my symptoms?
- Are there any behaviors exacerbating my symptoms?
- Is my condition treatable or manageable, or is it potentially curable?
Remember, the more accurately you describe your symptoms and communicate with your GI doctor, the quicker they can initiate the investigative process.
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive issue marked by changes in bowel habits and discomfort in the abdomen. While some people with IBS can manage their symptoms and carry on with daily life, others may find their lives significantly disrupted. A gastroenterologist can distinguish between typical IBS symptoms and other symptoms that may indicate the need for further evaluation to rule out other conditions.
Recent research suggests that many IBS symptoms result from heightened sensitivity of nerves in the digestive tract, which work independently from nerves in the spinal cord and brain. The condition may be affected by how these stomach nerves communicate with the brain or how the brain interprets their signals.
The main symptom of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort with changes in bowel habits. People with IBS may experience different types of abdominal discomfort, such as sharp pain, cramping, bloating, feeling full, or a burning sensation. Certain factors like specific foods, stress, constipation, or diarrhea can trigger this discomfort. Other symptoms include:
- Mucus in stool
- Sudden urge to have a bowel movement
- Sensation of incomplete bowel movement
Additionally, individuals with IBS might experience symptoms unrelated to the intestines, such as:
- Migraine
- Disturbed sleep
- Anxiety or depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe pelvic pain
Ways to improve your gut health
Your gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as your "gut," is a biome or a tiny ecosystem harboring trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome is unique to each individual and interacts with many body systems. It also assists with several body functions, including keeping potentially harmful microbes in check.
Gut bacteria help break down specific complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers and provide enzymes required for processing vitamins B1, B9, B12, and K. The gut microbiome also controls how the immune system responds to infections, affects brain and nervous system health, and interacts with endocrine cells in the gut lining responsible for producing hormones that regulate blood sugar, hunger, and satiety. Therefore, maintaining good gut health will ultimately promote overall health and well-being.
Here are some ways you can take care of your gut health:
- Eat a varied range of foods: Eating a diverse and plant-rich diet can lead to a diverse gut microbiome. As opposed to highly processed and convenience foods, incorporating high-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits at every meal offers dietary fiber and essential micronutrients for your body and also reduces inflammation in the gut. Processed foods often contain emulsifiers (food additives) to extend the shelf life or improve the texture of the product. These emulsifiers have been found to negatively affect gut flora. Try to eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. These can reduce the amount of disease-causing microorganisms in the gut as they contain healthy bacteria called lactobacilli. Additionally, chewing your food slowly and eating in smaller portions can encourage better digestion, provide satiety, and prevent problems like acid reflux.
- Take prebiotics and probiotics: Prebiotics are dietary fibers that increase the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics are live, good bacteria that restore gut health after dysbiosis or gut imbalance. These can be taken as supplements. Your gastroenterologist can help determine which prebiotic or probiotic supplement is best for you. Some prebiotic-rich food sources include asparagus, oats, apples, artichokes, and bananas.
- Make sure you get any food allergies or intolerances checked: People with intolerance to certain foods may have symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, and gas. Understanding which foods trigger these symptoms and limiting or avoiding them entirely can improve your digestive health.
- Get adequate sleep: Research indicates that an imbalance in the gut can be linked to fragmented or short-duration sleep, which may also lead to chronic fatigue. A minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep is typically recommended.
- Manage your stress levels: The body releases certain hormones when it experiences high levels of stress. These hormones can compromise your gut health. Activities like meditating or yoga, limiting alcohol intake, spending time with a pet, and walking help you manage your stress and, therefore, improve gut health.
Finding the best gastroenterologist near you in El Paso, TX
The digestive system is complex, containing numerous organs and physiological functions. These organs digest your food, assimilate required nutrients, and eliminate leftover waste. You will immediately face a problem if something goes wrong with any part of this process. In that case, a gastroenterologist can help you. However, finding good gastroenterologists nearby can often be a challenge. It is where a platform like Zocdoc can help.
Zocdoc gives users access to top-rated medical and healthcare providers through its open directory of healthcare specialists. Use the website's location-specific search to locate the nearest provider in El Paso, Texas. The tool will show you all the nearby medical professionals currently accepting new patients.
If you enter the name of your insurance provider and plan in the search, the platform will list every gastroenterologist who accepts your insurance. And you will be able to pay using your health plan seamlessly. If you are not able to find your specific health plan listed, you can try uploading a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note that this option is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need assistance uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related queries.
Since Zocdoc maintains well-updated profiles, you can read specifics about each healthcare professional. The profile lists their education and training, clinical interests, board certifications, experience, and the languages they speak. It will also inform you whether the specialist treats children. Additionally, you can read ratings and verified reviews from past patients to make an informed choice regarding the gastroenterologist.
Once you have shortlisted the best gastroenterologist near you, you can book an online consultation or a physical appointment during office hours, after 5 pm, or even on weekends.
All appointments scheduled with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
Statistics on colorectal cancer and colorectal screenings in Texas
Gastroenterologists are the first to detect stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, esophagus, rectum, and colon cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine screening is the best strategy to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Screening can prevent this by locating and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Additionally, screening can identify colorectal cancer early when treatment is less complicated.
According to America's Health Rankings, nearly 53.8% of Texas adults aged 45 to 75 years had undergone screening tests for colorectal cancer in 2022. Both women (≈53.8%) and men (≈53.7%) received the recommended screening. Further, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 12,260 Texans will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. It is also estimated to cause 4,410 deaths in the state. Additionally, it was the third most common cause of death related to cancer among both men and women in Texas.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic[1]
American College of Gastroenterology
National Library of Medicine
America's Health Rankings
Mayo Clinic[1]
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Mayo Clinic[4]
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American Cancer Society[1]
Verywell Health
Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
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