What is gastroenterology?
The GI (gastrointestinal) tract is the focus of gastroenterology, a medical specialty dedicated to understanding and treating problems of the GI system. Digestive organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, bile duct, liver, and rectum. The digestive organs and the GI tract together constitute the digestive system.
Who is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical professional focused on diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses in both men and women. They also perform endoscopic operations employing devices that provide a clearer view of the gastrointestinal tract and a more accurate diagnosis. In simple words, a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive health. Some specialize in a particular area of gastroenterology research.
What is the educational background of a gastroenterologist?
Aspiring gastroenterologists must first graduate with biology, chemistry, and mathematics. They must then enroll in a medical school where they study and train for four years. The initial two years involve studying theory in classrooms and laboratories. During the following two years, students learn to diagnose and treat illnesses under the guidance of experienced doctors and specialists. They receive practical training in settings such as clinics and hospitals.
In the United States, gastroenterologists must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine. After this, they must complete two or more years of specialized and intense study or fellowship in gastroenterology.
Gastroenterologists are experts in numerous gastrointestinal disorders and procedures, such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. It is part of their fellowship training. In addition to learning how to use flexible, illuminated tubes with built-in video cameras, the technical training involves an in-depth study of every organ's lining, including the pancreas and liver.
Why should you visit a gastroenterologist near you?
A wide variety of factors can cause digestive disorders. One indication that anything is awry is persistent abdominal pain. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea can cause severe discomfort if not dealt with quickly. Several diseases and disorders affect the digestive system; these experts can treat them. Check with a gastroenterologist if you encounter any of these symptoms:
- Heartburn: Heartburn causes chest or throat burning as the stomach acid backs into the esophagus (mouth-to-stomach tube). When stomach acid irritates the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops. Smokers, overweight people, and pregnant ladies are more susceptible to GERD. It is easily treatable and sometimes needs surgery.
- Gallstones: Gallstones occur in the gallbladder, a tiny abdominal organ that can be as big as a golf ball or smaller. Gallstones can cause right-sided abdominal pain. These stones occur due to the imbalance of bile substances in the gallbladder. Gallstones often require gallbladder surgical removal; the medication can sometimes dissolve stones.
- Lactose intolerance: Lactose-intolerant people experience discomfort after drinking milk or eating dairy. Milk contains lactose. Lactase helps break down cheese and yogurt. Lactose-prejudiced persons don't produce enough lactase to digest even small portions. A person with lactose intolerance suffers from bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and an upset stomach. Gastroenterologists test lactose intolerance and provide dietary supplements and plants to help their patients.
- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an immune-system-related hereditary disorder in which patients must avoid gluten. Gluten damages the small intestine of celiac disease patients and can cause severe pain and diarrhea. Blood tests help diagnose celiac disease, allowing gastroenterologists to analyze intestinal samples for damage.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): The immune system sometimes mistakes food and other digestive contents for bacteria and erroneously attacks healthy tissue. It causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which also causes chronic intestinal inflammation. Small and large intestines swell and irritate, causing severe belly pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weariness, joint discomfort, and fever. During a flare, symptoms may improve and then return. Doctors diagnose IBD via blood tests, stool samples, X-rays, and CT scans.
What are the endoscopic procedures performed by a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist listens to the abdominal organs while physically examining a patient. They may order follow-up tests such as stool or blood tests. Further, they may ask for imaging tests of the organs. However, they will perform an endoscopic procedure when they need more information for a diagnosis.
Endoscopic procedures help look inside the body. The gastroenterologist uses an endoscope, a tiny video camera attached to a long, flexible, thin tube. The tube is inserted into the body to check for disorders.
There are various endoscopic procedures, such as:
- Upper endoscopy: The gastroenterologist uses an endoscope to examine the upper GI tract in this procedure. This endoscopy checks the throat, stomach, and upper small intestine for disorders.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: An ultrasound wand is attached to an endoscope while performing an upper or lower endoscopy. This ultrasound helps visualize the biliary system.
- Enteroscopy: This procedure examines the small intestine.
- Polypectomy: This procedure involves removing polyps from the stomach or intestines during the endoscopy.
- ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an upper endoscopy. In this procedure, an endoscope is extended into the bile ducts to take fluoroscopic X-rays of the biliary system.
- Colonoscopy: Even without symptoms, a gastroenterologist can look for colon cancer via colonoscopy. In this procedure, the GI specialist inserts the endoscope into the rectum for a colonoscopy. As colon cancer develops from colon or rectum growths, doctors remove these growths early to prevent cancer. Cancer screenings save lives; everyone over 50 should undergo colon cancer screenings.
Constipation causes, and how does a gastroenterologist treat it?
You may have constipation if you have at most three bowel movements weekly. Constipation occurs when your colon (large intestine) absorbs excessive water from your stool. Resultantly, your excrement dries out, making it complex and difficult to expel from your body. A variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, drugs, and medical disorders, can cause constipation.
Lifestyle factors:
- Inadequate fiber consumption
- Not getting enough exercise
- Drinking insufficient water
- Changes in your daily routine include traveling, eating, or going to bed at different times.
- Consuming a lot of milk or cheese
- Stress
- Avoiding bowel movement
Medications:
- Vital pain medicines, like narcotics containing codeine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
- Antacids containing calcium or aluminum.
- Iron pills.
- Allergy medications, such as antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
- Psychiatric medications, like clozapine and olanzapine.
- Anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin and gabapentin.
- Antinausea medications, like ondansetron.
Medical issues:
- Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, uremia, and hypercalcemia
- Colorectal cancer.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Diverticulitis.
- Constipation due to outlet dysfunction. It is due to a problem with the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles provide support for the organs in your pelvis and lower abdomen. They are required to assist in the expulsion of waste.
- Obstructed defecation syndrome. You may be unable to poop usually due to complex or unexplained circumstances.
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Your colon's motor system can become momentarily paralyzed (as in paralytic ileus or Ogilvie syndrome).
- Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury
- Lazy bowel syndrome. It occurs when your colon contracts inadequately and holds stool.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Digestion structural problems (such as fistula, colonic atresia, volvulus, intussusception, imperforate anus, or malrotation)
- Multiple organ disorders, such as amyloidosis, lupus, and scleroderma
- Pregnancy.
If you are experiencing constipation, you can visit a gastroenterologist. They will discuss your symptoms, bowel movement pattern, medical history, lifestyle habits, and routines. They may also order some tests such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, anal manometry, balloon expulsion test, etc., depending on your condition.
Your healthcare professional will assess your medications and supplements (if you use any) and recommend lifestyle changes. Some of these products have the potential to cause constipation. If they occur, your doctor may alter the dose, switch you to another medication, or recommend you stop using the supplement. Never stop taking your drugs or supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Preparing for your first gastroenterology appointment
If you are going to visit a gastroenterologist near you for the first time, you may have many queries in mind: What should I carry with me to the visit? What will the specialist ask me? Can I bring up my questions and concerns? You can find answers to all your doubts in the following preparation guide:
- Make notes about your symptoms and concerns: The first question your gastroenterologist will ask is, "What brings you to the visit today?". So, ensure you know your symptoms and concerns in great detail. To make communication with the doctor easy, you can prepare answers to the following likely questions: What are your symptoms? When did you first notice them? What triggers them? Have you tried any treatments in the past? Does anything make them better or worse?
- Prepare your medical records: In addition to learning about your symptoms, the gastroenterologist will ask about your past and current health conditions, review any relevant lab and imaging test results, discuss your lifestyle and diet, and ask about your family history of GI conditions. It is a good idea to have all the information readily available during the appointment.
- Bring a list of your medicines and their dosages: If you take any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, you must inform the specialist. This way, they can prevent drug interactions when preparing the treatment plan.
- Please write down your questions: The gastroenterologist will give you enough time to address your queries before you leave their office. Consider recording everything in your journal or smartphone a day or two before your appointment. Here are some ideas for you: What are the underlying causes of my condition? What are the benefits and risks of the prescribed treatment? Do I have to live with the condition lifelong? What lifestyle and diet changes can help?
- Call up the provider's office: Before your visit, you must talk to the staff and understand the pre-appointment dos and don'ts to follow for any expected procedures.
Finding a gastroenterologist near you in Philadelphia, PA
With Zocdoc, finding a gastroenterologist who can treat your health problems and accept your insurance is easier than ever. Zocdoc can help patients identify Philadelphia's best doctors and providers in minutes. Patients may browse from a library of options and tailor their search based on their insurance coverage, availability, scheduling, and other preferences. Patients can use a virtual model to schedule appointments with healthcare providers through Zocdoc. The Zocdoc website can help you locate the best gastroenterologist for you and your family.
To get started, use the drop-down menus at the top of the Zocdoc page to select your carrier and plan. It will then list all the GI specialists near you who accept your insurance.
If you do not have a health plan, you can mention, "I'm paying for myself," and continue browsing experts who offer consultations without insurance. For more insurance-related information, visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Zocdoc maintains detailed profiles of each healthcare professional. The profile lists their education and training, hospital affiliations, specializations, licensure, certification, honors, awards, and accreditations. You can also find out their gender, the languages they speak, and whether they treat children.
It also lists the doctors' names and contact information, as well as the times they are available. If you need clarification on the doctor, you can read verified reviews and ratings by past patients to make an informed decision.
You can book online or in-person appointments. A purple icon offering video consultations will appear on doctors' profiles. Depending on the doctor's availability, you can book appointments during office hours, after 5 p.m., before 10 a.m., on weekends, and even on holidays.
Booking appointments with a gastroenterologist near you on Zocdoc is free, fast, and secure.
Colorectal cancer in Philadelphia
More than 22 million of the 440 million acute noncancerous medical illnesses recorded yearly in the United States are digestive-related. It includes 11 million cases of gastroenteritis and 6 million cases of indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
In Philadelphia, colorectal cancer was the third most common cancer in both men and women, as reported by the PA Cancer registry in 2016. In 2016, an estimated 7,972 people in Philadelphia were newly diagnosed with cancer. It equates to 478 new cases of cancer for every 100,000 Philadelphians, out of which 50.3 out of every 100,000 cases in men was colorectal cancer, and 40.4 out of every 100,000 cases in women was colorectal cancer.
In 2016, there were approximately 3,127 deaths due to cancer in Philadelphia. It means 190 deaths for every 100,000 Philadelphians ( i.e., a mortality rate of 190). About 21.8 out of every 100,000 men and 17.2 out of every 100,00 women lost their lives to colorectal cancer.
One of the most significant ways to prevent deaths due to this cancer is cancer screening through colonoscopy. In 2018, 71% of men aged 50-74 and 74.7% of women aged 50-74 had reported getting a colonoscopy screening.
Sources
MedlinePlus
The Endoscopy Center
Dr. Nivedita Pandey
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
WebMD
Drexel University
Unio Specialty Care
IVX Health
