4 Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist

A physician with specialized expertise in the digestive system and associated organs is known as a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist will usually perform a complete evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and general health during the initial visit.

The patient’s symptoms, such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, are discussed by the doctor. The physician may ask questions regarding nutrition, exercise routines, and family medical history. Next, the specialist will perform a physical exam. A physical examination by the gastroenterologist usually entails palpating the belly, listening to bowel sounds, and looking for any abnormalities or symptoms of inflammation.

The gastroenterologist may suggest additional testing, such as blood work, stool samples, imaging tests, or endoscopic procedures, depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Along with providing advice for lifestyle changes like food and exercise regimens, the doctor may also give prescriptions for medications or other therapies to treat underlying illnesses and lessen symptoms.

To aid in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, gastroenterologists carry out a variety of procedures, such as:

Endoscopy – In order to study the interior of the organs in detail, obtain biopsies, and remove polyps or other abnormal growths, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the digestive tract.

Colonoscopy – This is a type of endoscopy, which focuses on the colon, and is used to check for abnormalities such as colon cancer.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) – This is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin needle is used to extract cells or tissue from a mass or abnormality, for diagnostic purposes.

Capsule endoscopy – This procedure involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that captures images of the digestive system as it passes through the body.

Stricture dilation – Stricture dilation widens narrow areas in the digestive tract. It’s a safe and effective procedure to relieve swallowing or passing difficulties caused by gastrointestinal conditions.

Esophageal manometry – This procedure measures the pressure in the esophagus and is used to identify conditions like acid reflux and swallowing issues.

PEG tube placement – PEG tube placement is a procedure in which a feeding tube is inserted through the abdomen and into the stomach, allowing patients to receive nutrition and medication directly.

Liver biopsy – To diagnose liver disease, a small sample of liver tissue is removed during a liver biopsy.

pH monitoring – In order to diagnose acid reflux, pH monitoring measures the amount of acid in the esophagus.

Pseudocyst drainage – This is a procedure used to remove fluid-filled sacs that form in the pancreas due to pancreatitis. It’s done by inserting a needle or catheter through the skin and into the pseudocyst.

Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases. This includes ailments that impact the pancreas, liver, rectum, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and small intestine.

Some of the most common conditions that gastroenterologists diagnose and treat include:

– Peptic ulcers
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
– Heartburn
– Nutritional issues
– Celiac disease
– Constipation
– Crohn’s disease
– Colorectal cancer
– Hemorrhoids
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Gallbladder and biliary tract disease
– Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
– Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis

Many different signs and symptoms can be brought on by digestive disorders, and they can vary depending on the particular condition.

Common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders include:

– Abdominal pain or discomfort
– Fatigue or weakness
– Nausea or vomiting
– Excessive gas or belching
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
– Heartburn or acid reflux
– Difficulty swallowing
– Bloating or distension
– Loss of appetite or weight loss
– Changes in bowel habits
– Cramping or spasms in the abdomen
– Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) – Foul-smelling stools or flatulence

It’s crucial to seek medical attention from a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Early detection and management of symptoms will aid in effective treatment plan development and stop complications from arising.

Vinay Katukuri MD. is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology, treating gastrointestinal disorders to enhance your standard of living. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Kissimmee FL, and Orlando FL. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, and Hunters Creek FL.