Who is a gastroenterologist?
The medical study of the digestive tract, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and liver forms part of gastroenterology. Doctors specializing in treating the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver disorders are called gastroenterologists. GI specialists can perform routine procedures such as colonoscopies.
Education and training of a gastroenterologist
Medical students aspiring to specialize in gastroenterology must complete three years of internal medicine residency after completing mandatory medical school education. They then proceed to a two or three-year fellowship in gastrointestinal diseases.
The fellowship intends to provide in-depth exposure to GI problems and remedial measures. Nationally recognized gastroenterology experts train doctors and give them a holistic understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. Besides mastering the required technical expertise, doctors are also trained to care for patients during pre-hospitalization.
Formal training imparts detailed theoretical and practical knowledge in endoscopy (upper, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy), EMR (endoscopic muscular resection), EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), and endoscopic biliary examination. Students also gain expertise in other endoscopic procedures, such as intestinal dilation, hemostasis, and polypectomy.
The American College of Gastroenterology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy are bodies that monitor doctors during their fellowship. Following their successful completion of the fellowship, they must clear the board examination to be called board-certified gastroenterologists.
Medical disorders that gastroenterologists treat
Gastroenterologists are trained medical professionals with extensive knowledge of the regular functioning of the digestive system. They understand how food moves through the stomach and intestine, how nutrients are absorbed, how waste is removed, and the role of the liver in the digestive process. Such expertise allows them to diagnose & treat such problems as
- Colon polyps - Colorectal polyps are mucosal growths on the colon's inner lining. Polyps are usually benign, but if you frequently experience blood in your stools or rectal pain, persistent diarrhea, etc., it's better to consult a specialist at the earliest.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - This condition is triggered by the backward flow of gastric content and acid through the esophagus, causing chest pain and burns. This common GI disorder is also known as acid regurgitation.
- Hepatitis - Hepatitis is a common gastrointestinal malfunction that happens due to inflammation of the liver. Alcohol abuse, viral infection, and autoimmune disorders can lead to hepatitis.
- Peptic ulcers - The bacteria H. Pyroli, or erosion of the stomach mucosa due to increased acid production, can create sores known as peptic ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcer), small intestine (duodenal ulcers) and lower esophagus (esophageal ulcer).
- Colitis - Colitis is caused by large intestine or colon inflammation. It can cause mild or extreme pain in the abdominal area.
- Gallbladder and biliary tract diseases - Cholestasis or biliary obstruction can be caused by stones in the bile duct. The condition requires immediate medical treatment that may require surgical intervention.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - People suffering from IBS experience abnormal bowel movements in frequency and consistency. They also experience lower abdominal pain.
- Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas is commonly referred to as pancreatitis. This condition can be acute, i.e., come and go intermittently, or chronic, requiring different remedial measures.
- Celiac disease - An autoimmune disorder leading to inflammation in the small intestinal mucosa. People suffering from this disorder are usually allergic to gluten.
When should you consult a gastroenterologist near you?
Your family physician is likely to refer you to a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Blood in stools - Blood in your stool might go unnoticed initially but can lead to iron deficiency and anemia over time. Hemorrhoids are a common cause, but if over-the-counter treatments do not help, it’s wise to consult a gastroenterologist to rule out other causes of bleeding.
- Difficulty swallowing - Painful or difficult swallowing should be evaluated by a specialist, who may perform an upper endoscopy to identify the cause of your issue and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Recurring or persistent abdominal pain
- Chronic persistent diarrhea or constipation - While diarrhea often resolves within 24 to 48 hours, chronic or severe cases may indicate a more serious issue, like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even colon cancer. Seek medical attention if diarrhea is prolonged or accompanied by a fever over 102°F.
- Acid reflux or heartburn - If you have frequent heartburn more than twice a week, it may signal acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Regular heartburn should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to prevent potential complications.
- Yellow discoloration of skin or jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss - If you’re losing weight unintentionally without any changes in diet or activity, this could signal a gastrointestinal condition. Issues like celiac disease or even certain cancers can also cause sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Constant bloating - While occasional bloating is normal, chronic bloating can indicate issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or lactose intolerance. A gastroenterologist can help pinpoint the cause and enhance your quality of life.
People above 50 with a positive family history of colon or rectal cancer must visit a gastroenterologist for preventive care, as they are at an increased risk of developing cancer. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a gastroenterology appointment can help with early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved well-being.
Benefits of seeing a gastroenterologist
Experiencing gastrointestinal disorder symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, or persistent diarrhea can make daily life activities and work difficult. While some nonprescription medications can help with these symptoms, they may provide only temporary relief. Some symptoms can be indicative of a serious underlying health condition. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a qualified gastroenterologist near you.
Here's why seeing a gastrointestinal specialist can be beneficial:
- Comprehensive evaluations - Diagnosing specific issues within the gastrointestinal tract may be difficult, given that the symptoms can indicate various problems in the body. However, when you see a gastroenterologist, they will most likely recommend or perform multiple diagnostic and imaging tests to fully understand the root cause of your symptoms. Based on your test results, your gastroenterologist will be able to make an accurate and error-free diagnosis and give you clarity on your condition.
- Quick relief - Given their expertise and training in evaluating the GI tract, a gastroenterologist can quickly understand and point out the cause of your symptoms. Further, they can also recommend the appropriate prescription medication for specific problems to help provide quicker relief. They can also refer you to other specialists and offer better treatment options than over-the-counter medicines and home remedies.
- Preventive screenings and early diagnosis - Most gastrointestinal issues develop over time and are not life-threatening. However, some severe conditions may be concerning if left undetected and undiagnosed. Additionally, some of these conditions may have little to no symptoms. Therefore, you must see a gastroenterologist near you so that they can detect any severe conditions in their early stages and help you avoid painful symptoms.
How do gastroenterologists diagnose GI problems?
In addition to conducting a physical exam upon a visit, your gastroenterologist may also recommend standard tests or screenings once they have reviewed your recurring symptoms and family and medical history.
Gastroenterologists may perform the following tests:
To perform an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist attaches a camera to a long, thin tube called an endoscope to examine the digestive tract. This device is passed through the mouth and down the throat and is used to view the esophagus, the upper part of the small intestine, and the stomach. The endoscope sends back images on the screen for the doctor to monitor and diagnose the condition.
A doctor will recommend endoscopy if the patient is experiencing stomach pain, ulcers, gastritis, difficulty swallowing, bleeding in the digestive tract, and changes in bowel habits. The doctor also checks for any growth or polyps in the colon.
There are a few ways to prepare for the endoscopy:
- Ensure to stop eating anything 6-8 hours before the endoscopy
- A laxative is given to the patient to ensure that the colon is cleared of stool
- Sedatives are given just before the procedure to relax the patient
- Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is performed mainly to monitor the colon. Like endoscopy, a tube is inserted, and the images are visible on the screen. The difference, however, is the tube, in this case, is inserted through the rectum rather than the mouth.
Individuals experiencing early symptoms of colon or rectum cancer, such as abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, may require a colonoscopy to identify the causes of bowel habit changes. The patient might feel cramps during the procedure, which usually disappears once done. If the doctor finds something abnormal, they can take small tissue samples for biopsy. Colonoscopies are accurate and successfully diagnose and treat the conditions without the patient undergoing any major operation.
It would help inform the doctor about any other condition you might suffer before the procedure. Apart from this, there might be some diet and fluid restrictions before having a colonoscopy, which the doctor will direct. The doctor can also administer Laxatives to ensure the colon is clear.
After the medical procedure, the patient must remain in the recovery room for at least 30 minutes for observation. The patient may experience cramping or passing gas sensations, which will subside quickly. The patient can resume their normal diet after the procedure is finished. In case of severe complications, such as excessive rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills, the patient should immediately contact their doctor.
A polypectomy is performed to remove polyps from the bowel. Polyps are non-cancerous growth on the linings of the colon. The two most common forms of polypectomies are uterine polypectomy and colon polypectomy.
Doctors diagnose the presence of polyps after the screening. However, polyps only require removal if they start causing pain and bleeding symptoms.
Some of the risks associated with the procedure are:
- Organ perforation - The colonoscope might end up puncturing the organ it operates on, which can cause fatal injury and is very rare.
- Infection - The polypectomy causes a wound if the wound gets infected, mainly if the patient doesn't follow the doctor's restrictions.
- Excessive bleeding - If the wound doesn't heal, it might cause bleeding.
- Incomplete removal: Some tissues might be left while performing the procedure, requiring repeated removal.
- A barium enema - The lower gastrointestinal series, also known as a barium enema, is a medical test that involves injecting barium sulfate into the rectum to obtain high-contrast X-ray images of the large intestine or colon. This test is recommended for people with chronic diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
How do you keep your gut healthy?
Our digestive tract is filled with microorganisms that are beneficial for our health. Maintaining gut health means maintaining a balance of those microorganisms, as any irregular change can
affect our mental and physical health. There are some research-backed ways to care for gut health and enhance our overall health. A few of those practices are listed below:
- Taking probiotics and consuming fermented foods can help to boost the beneficial bacteria. A few such foods are fermented vegetables, kimchi, kombucha, etc.
- Research suggests that prebiotics help probiotics become more tolerant to adverse conditions like pH and temperature changes. Foods rich in prebiotics are asparagus, bananas, garlic, whole grains, etc.
- Restricting sugar and sweeteners, as too much sugar can affect the microbes and cause an imbalance. It can further increase the number of certain microbial strains linked to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Reducing stress can help improve a person's overall health, including gut health. There can be several stressors like psychological and environmental stress, sleep deprivation, and disturbance of the circadian rhythm. Meditating, regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and sleeping well can help reduce stress.
- Avoiding too many antibiotics apart from combating bacterial infections in the body can also kill the good bacteria in the gut. Along with it, overusing antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Avoiding smoking can help restore the imbalance in microbes caused by smoking. Smoking decreases the levels of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and increases the number of potentially harmful microorganisms.
Find the best gastroenterologist near you in Orange County, CA
Gastrointestinal disorders may seem harmless in the beginning. Many conditions may subside with over-the-counter medications or changes in lifestyle and diet plans. However, you must consult an expert without delay if you have prolonged symptoms.
On Zocdoc, you can find some of the best gastroenterologists in Orange County, CA. They specialize in a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Each registered doctor's individualized profile briefly overviews their education and specialties and comes with patient testimonials. The patient testimonials are regularly updated and verified.
Finding the profile that best suits your needs is made easier with the help of search filters. You can enter your preferred date, time, location, and the condition you're suffering from. Zocdoc also lets you find doctors who can cater to your insurance plans. These filters help you customize your search further.
If your insurance plan isn’t listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (this feature currently doesn’t support vision or dental cards). Zocdoc will scan the image to identify your likely plan. This process makes it easier to match you with providers who accept your insurance, ensuring a smoother experience as you book your appointment. If you run into any issues uploading the image, you can reach out to the Zocdoc service team for assistance. For further insurance-related queries, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.
Some of the best gastroenterologists near you can also provide video consultations.
All bookings with Zocdoc are safe, secure, and free!
A statistical overview of gastrointestinal diseases
While some gastrointestinal diseases may have a familial history or be induced by autoimmune disorders, many conditions are triggered by lifestyle factors. According to UCI Health Community Health Needs Assessment 2019, around 33% of the adult population in Orange County is overweight, with over 28% of teens over the obesity threshold.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the United States. Over 100,000 colon cancer cases were detected in 2020, with a nearly equal split between men and women affected by the disease.
The study suggests that if adults above 50 undergo regular colon cancer screening, about 60% of cancer cases can be prevented. In Orange County, the screening figure stands above 70%.
The estimated cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the US range from 18% to 27%. Cases of acute pancreatitis range from about 5 to 35 in every 100,000 people in the US. Around 3 million cases of IBD (either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) were reported in the United States in 2015.
Sources
WebMD[1]
News Medical Life Sciences
Healthline
MedicineNet
NorthShore Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Centers
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
Mayo Clinic
WebMD[2]
Medical New Today
American College of Gastroenterology
Cleveland Clinic
Physicians Alliance of Connecticut
