A colonoscopy procedure can be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes. A colonoscopy can allow your doctor to see inside the colon to diagnose problems and treat them right away. Many times, colon cancer causes no symptoms until it progresses significantly. As a result, the survival rate is less than many other forms of cancer.
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Things to Know About Fecal Occult Blood Tests
While a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer detection, the procedure has earned some level of notoriety due to its invasive nature and the extensive preparation it entails. Thus, people are searching for noninvasive and convenient alternatives, among which is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Here’s the information you need to get
Read MoreThings to Ask a Colonoscopy Doctor
If your gastroenterologist told you that you need to get a colonoscopy, it is natural to want to learn more about the procedure, such as its risks and what to expect during and after it. Here are some of the questions you might want to consider asking your doctor about colonoscopy. What Is a Colonoscopy?
Read MoreWhat is Post-ERCP Pancreatitis?
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) uses to examine your biliary system (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas) for any abnormalities. Your GI doctor may order an ERCP when they suspect problems based on your laboratory test results and/or symptoms, such as abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin
Read MoreWhat Is Capsule Endoscopy?
For an easy, high-tech inspection of your small intestine, your GI specialist may order a capsule endoscopy. Also called small bowel endoscopy, this easily tolerated test produces high-resolution images useful in understanding symptoms and diagnosing diseases. Here are some details about capsule endoscopy. Swallowing a Pill Camera Essentially, that’s what capsule endoscopy involves. More easily
Read MoreQualities to Look for in a Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist also called a GI doctor, is a specialist that your primary care doctor may refer you to if you are experiencing symptoms of a digestive disorder, such as chronic constipation, peptic ulcer, or inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterologists are experts on the diagnosis and treatment of the full spectrum of conditions that affect the
Read More10 Tips to Improve Your Digestive Health
Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down the food you consume into nutrients needed by the body. Neglecting your digestive system may cause problems in absorbing essential nutrients along the way. Complications may arise and disrupt your daily tasks. Nonetheless, lifestyle changes may help you improve the way your digestive health operates. Here are
Read MoreWhen is it Time to Visit a GI Doctor?
A GI doctor or a gastroenterologist specializes in treating issues related to the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, intestines, and bowels. Usually, digestive health issues produce mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms may get better on their own, but at other times, the symptoms require medical
Read MoreColonoscopy: The Procedure and How to Prep
Colon cancer is a silent and deadly disease. It usually starts when harmless groups of cells known as polyps form inside the colon and turn cancerous. Many patients do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, highlighting the importance of early and regular screenings via colonoscopies. Colonoscopy is considered the gold
Read MoreCommon Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders
The digestive system is one of the body’s most delicate parts, but it’s easy to neglect it and take it for granted. You might have symptoms that you think are normal for your body, but some of those symptoms might be common signs of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Let’s talk about some of the common signs
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