Seeing blood in your stool is a symptom of a problem that may be benign or serious. Bloody stools are never normal, and you should have the issue evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as rectal pain, constipation, abdominal cramps, and a feeling of your bowels not emptying.
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What Does A Gastroenterologist Do?
Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas, rectum, and anus. Gastroenterologists use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate and treat patients. While we cannot talk about everything that a
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference Between a GI Doctor and a Gastroenterologist?
Common problems in the digestive system include stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. If you are experiencing issues in your digestive system and need to consult with a specialist, you might be wondering if there’s a difference between a gastroenterologist or a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor. Are the two different, and whom do you consult
Read More5 Things to Remember Before Having an Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure that involves a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) introducing an instrument (endoscope) into the throat (for upper endoscopy) or anus (for lower endoscopy). The purpose is to confirm— and, in some cases, treat – the underlying cause of persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Since endoscopy is
Read MoreThings to Expect When Seeing a Gastroenterologist
If you need to see a gastroenterologist, you might not know what to expect if you’ve never seen one before. Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system, including the liver, colon, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, rectum, small intestine, stomach, and esophagus, and are experts in their function and diseases. If you’ve been referred to a gastroenterologist,
Read MoreTips for Recovering from an Enteroscopic Procedure
An enteroscopy is a type of endoscopic procedure your GI doctor may recommend if you’re experiencing unexplained anemia, persistent abdominal pain, dizziness and/or weakness, bloody stools, and other signs indicative of intestinal bleeding or other problems in your upper or lower GI tract. Your care team will take necessary measures to keep you comfortable and
Read MoreWhy Should You Undergo a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a GI specialist uses a colonoscope– a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached at its tip to examine the colon and rectum in real time for abnormalities (e.g., polyps) indicative of disease, such as cancer. A colonoscopy is deemed the gold standard for colon cancer detection,
Read MoreWhat Are the Risks of a Colonoscopy Procedure
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.
Read MoreHow a GI Specialist Treats Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, also referred to as sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that is precipitated by the ingestion of gluten, a protein commonly found in barley, rye, and wheat. The inflammatory response launched by the small intestine causes damage to its lining and malabsorption of many key nutrients. If
Read MoreThings 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
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