What is gastroenterology, and who are gastroenterologists?
The medical specialty of gastroenterology focuses on helping people with problems in the digestive system. Your digestive system comprises all the organs that run from the mouth to the genitalia along the alimentary canal.
Gastroenterology studies the normal and abnormal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Specialists in this field, gastroenterologists, diagnose and treat problems with the organs of the digestive system.
Gastroenterologists perform endoscopic procedures and do not perform surgery. They may sometimes work more closely with a GI surgeon, mainly in clinics or hospitals.
If your primary care doctor notices a problem with your GI tract, they will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a better evaluation.
Who is a pediatric gastroenterologist?
A pediatric gastroenterologist is, first and foremost, a pediatrician with additional training in gastrointestinal conditions. Pediatricians practice general pediatric medicine for three years during their medical residency, treating newborns, children, and teenagers for various diseases. Pediatric gastroenterologists then complete three years of further training to get certified. They research the gastrointestinal and liver disorders that are most important to developing children, focusing on nutrition. They learn how to evaluate signs and symptoms in children and do inspections and simple surgeries inside their smaller bodies.
Signs that indicate you should consult a gastroenterologist
You should book an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you if you witness any of the following signs:
- Diarrhea: This condition can be brought on by several outside factors, including eating spoiled food, becoming sick, or using specific drugs. However, if one's stools are progressively more liquid than solid, it may indicate a GI concern that needs to be checked by a gastroenterologist.
- Constipation: In most cases, constipation implies having less than three bowel movements every week, but it can vary from person to person. One may also have constipation if their bowel movements are small, complex, or hard to pass. A specialist can help figure out what is causing constipation and suggest lifestyle changes and medicines to allow healthier digestion and bowel movements.
- Heartburn: Once in a while, heartburn is not a cause for concern. However, having heartburn symptoms several times a week could suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a disorder that, over time, damages and scars the lining of the esophagus. If one has GERD, it is essential to get medical attention.
- Bloating: Bloating is a state that makes one feel like their stomach is full or tight. It may be caused by excessive gas, being sensitive to gas, or gas getting stuck in the colon. A gastroenterologist can help determine why one feels bloated and share the best treatment.
- Abdominal pain: Severe abdominal pain lasts only a few hours and comes and goes. However, severe abdominal pain that lasts for a long time could be a sign of gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver disease. A gastroenterologist can help figure out the root cause and course of action.
- Irregular spotting: Hemorrhoids can cause blood spots on toilet paper or underwear. This spotting is a common problem that can be treated using home remedies or over-the-counter products. Hence, it is vital to visit a gastroenterologist when witnessing such situations.
What procedures do gastroenterologists perform?
Gastroenterologists can perform various nonsurgical procedures to identify and treat such conditions. Some of the procedures they perform include:
- Upper endoscopy: This helps diagnose conditions of the food pipe, stomach, and small intestine.
- Endoscopic ultrasounds: These tests help examine the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.
- Colonoscopies: These can detect colon cancer or colon polyps.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: This identifies stones or tumors in the bile duct area.
- Sigmoidoscopy: This evaluates blood loss or pain in the lower large bowel.
- Liver biopsy: This assesses inflammation and fibrosis in the liver.
- Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy: These procedures examine the small intestine.
- Feeding tube insertion: This is used to insert feeding tubes into the abdomen.
Can a gastroenterologist treat cancer?
If you have cancer, your gastroenterologist will likely find it in any digestive system's organs first. Gastroenterologists can use endoscopies and biopsies to find, remove, and diagnose malignant tumors throughout the GI tract and biliary system. The specialist can diagnose, stage, and treat cancers of the stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, esophageal, liver, colorectal, duodenal, pancreatic, bile duct, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
What makes a gastroenterologist different from a proctologist?
Proctology refers to the branch of medicine involving the lower part of the big intestine. Proctologists are surgeons who specialize in diseases of the large intestine—colon, rectum, and anus. In comparison, gastroenterologists treat conditions affecting organs in your digestive tract.
If you have a problem requiring surgery in the concerned bodily areas, you're more likely to see a colorectal surgeon (the more up-to-date term for proctologist). Colorectal surgeons typically specialize in more areas than proctologists.
Another difference between proctologists (or colorectal surgeons) and gastroenterologists is that proctologists have received surgical training. Following medical school, they complete a five-year surgical residency in general surgery before specializing in colorectal treatments. They are highly trained for operational procedures and may treat you in other ways, such as doing an examination or providing medication.
Gastroenterologists may be able to tell you if you need surgery, but they cannot conduct the procedure. They recommend you to a proctologist or colorectal surgeon instead.
How to prepare for a visit to the gastroenterologist near you?
To attain the best possible treatment for yourself, follow the steps given below:
- Pre-appointment procedures: It is essential to follow any procedures or steps your doctor might suggest before your appointment. Some gastroenterologists advise their patients not to eat anything for some time before their appointment or only to eat certain foods.
- Note your symptoms: Put them on a list, even if you don't think they have anything to do with the digestive system. This list will help the doctor understand your overall health and fitness levels. Also, carry the reports for any old or ongoing health problems you have or have had.
- Be open to sharing: Your gastroenterologist might want to know about recent changes in your life, primarily if the changes have caused you stress or worry. Feel free to answer the questions your physician asks.
- Medication: Make a list of all your medications, over-the-counter and prescribed, and any vitamins or supplements. This list will help the physician make more suitable prescriptions. Be sure to inform your doctor of any allergies you have.
- Have somebody accompany you: Bringing a family member or close friend with you can be a good idea for moral support. They will also be able to assist you in remembering the medical professional's instructions.
- Take notes: There may be a lot of information to absorb during the appointment, so feel free to make notes you can use later. Ask the doctor if they have any informational leaflets or booklets you can take.
- List your questions: List the questions you want to ask the gastroenterologist when you see them. The questions may be about the different ways to treat the disease, possible side effects, dietary restrictions, the need for more tests, and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of an unhealthy gut
Here are some warning signs that indicate an unhealthy gut:
- Upset stomach: Signs like frequent bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn usually indicate that your gut is facing challenges processing food and eliminating waste.
- Constant feeling of tiredness: People experiencing chronic fatigue generally have gut imbalances. Studies link its association with IBS, too.
- Trouble sleeping: Most of the serotonin, the hormone affecting mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. So, if you have gut inflammation or an unhealthy gut in general, you may have trouble sleeping or be insomniac.
- Food intolerance: Poor quality bacteria in the gut may cause food intolerances. When you are unable to digest certain foods, it can result in gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Food cravings: If you exeprience food cravings, especially sugar, it might be a sign of an unhealthy gut. Eating sugar in extreme amounts results in "bad" gut bacteria. Casuing body inflammation, it also puts your body at risk for other ailments.
- Unintended weight gain or loss: An imbalanced gut can have you struggling for absorbing nutrients, storing fats, and regulating blood sugar. Lack of nutrients and bacteira overgrowth can cause weight loss and gain.
- Skin issues: People with an unhealthy gut often struggle with conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
- Migraines: There is a possible link between gut health and headaches, especially if you are prone to experiencing vomiting or nausea with migraines. Studies also highlight that people with recurring headaches are more likely to have gastrointestinal concerns, too.
- Autoimmune problems: Some bad gut bacteria can trigger autoimmune conditions like thyroid issues, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.
- Frequent mood swings: Gut issues and nervous system inflammation can lead to anxiety and depression.
Hence, it is essential to take care of your gut health.
How to improve your gut health?
Positive changes to your lifestyle and diet can help improve your gut health. These include:
- Drink lots of water: Drinking enough water is crucial for a healthy stomach. It reduces acid levels, increases bacterial diversity in the gut, prevents constipation, and lowers the chances of gastrointestinal infections.
- Eat slowly: Eating slowly and thoroughly chewing your food lowers the risk of obesity and diabetes. It helps the gut properly digest food and keeps the stomach healthy.
- Change your diet: Eat fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. These foods will increase your gut microbiome and improve gut health. You should also avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods.
- Check for intolerant foods: Gas, bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea may indicate food intolerance. Try eliminating any such trigger foods.
- Lower the stress levels: Chronic stress can harm the gut and overall health. Practicing stress-relieving techniques like exercise, yoga, and meditation, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking, spending time with pets, friends, and family, and laughing more often can improve gut health and quality of life.
- Sleep better: Proper sleep is crucial for a healthy mind and body. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep can harm gut health and cause sleep problems. Seek seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel rested and energized. Consult a healthcare provider if you have trouble sleeping or experience irregular sleep patterns.
Finding the best gastroenterologist near you in Middletown, New Jersey
The digestion process is essential as the body relies on nutrients from food and drinks to function well and maintain good health. Even if your digestive system seems to be working correctly, visit your nearby gastroenterologist for preventive measures at least once a year. However, locating the best gastroenterologist in Middletown, New Jersey, may take much work. But don't worry; Zocdoc is here to help.
Visit Zocdoc's website and create your account. Enter basic details, such as your symptoms or ailment, preferred location and date, and insurance plan. Zocdoc will immediately display a list of the best GI doctors near you who meet your needs. If you want to make this process simpler, just add an image of your medical insurance card to your account, and we will rightly help you select your insurance plan. However, this is completely optional. You can also directly add your insurance information to your account by manually picking your plan from the list. For any insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Each gastroenterologist on Zocdoc has a unique profile with information about their qualifications, affiliations, certifications, experience, areas of expertise, state licenses, and more.
You can also narrow your search on Zocdoc by the language they speak, their gender, whether or not they are affiliated with a hospital, and whether or not they treat children. Zocdoc also has verified patient reviews and ratings to help you find the best gastroenterologist near you. You can schedule both virtual and in-person appointments.
All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure.
Gastroenterological statistics you should know
According to a report compiled by the National Cancer Institute, New Jersey has approximately 14.7% of pancreatic cancer patients, nearly 7.8% of stomach cancer patients, and almost 8.1% of liver and bile duct cancer patients.
As per a 2021 report by America's Health Rankings, New Jersey recorded an arthritis rate of almost 20.9%. People with rheumatoid arthritis risk developing digestive issues more than the average population. Each end of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for a different function; RA can impact either. According to studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis are nearly 70% more likely to have gastrointestinal problems than those without.
Per the data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017, New Jersey reported roughly 1,591 residents suffering from kidney disorders, representing almost 13.9% of the population. Gastroenterologists can help request blood tests to check how well the kidneys are working and to see if there are any warning signs.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
News Medical Life Sciences
Medical News Today
GastroMD
State Cancer Profiles
America's Health Rankings
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cleveland Clinic
Frederick Health
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