A flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, also called “flex sig,” is an alternative to a colonoscopy. This test is used to examine the lower part of the colon (large intestine) rather than the entire colon, as a colonoscopy does. A flex sig doesn’t usually require as much preparation as a colonoscopy does, and it’s a bit more
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5 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 MoreWhat’s a Manometry Test?
If you experience acid reflux or other esophageal issues, such as heartburn, you should consult with a gastroenterologist to determine what’s wrong. In most cases, gastroenterologists can review symptoms and the patient’s medical history to figure out a diagnosis. However, there are situations when this information is not enough to find the problem. So, if
Read MoreWhen Should You Seek Care for Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are distended, painful veins in the mucosal lining of the anus and rectum. These dysfunctional blood vessels are bulging and twisted, just like varicose veins in the feet, ankles, and legs. Let’s learn more about what hemorrhoid is, how to deal with the medical complications associated with hemorrhoids, and when you should seek care
Read MorePre-Colonoscopy Diet Plan: Foods to Eat
Contemplating getting a colonoscopy soon? If you’ve already been reading up about it, chances are, you’ve come across information about its invasive nature and the intensive preparation it involves, both of which could have made you shudder. Regardless, it’s all worth the hassle. Colonoscopy, with its utility and versatility, is a life-saving tool, which studies
Read MoreThe Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
The rate of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year has dropped since the mid-1980’s, mainly because more individuals are getting screened and changing their lifestyles to decrease risk factors. According to Cancer.org, incidence rates dropped by 1% each year between 2013 to 2017. Even so, results of colon cancer awareness surveys show that
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 MoreBenefits of Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
Endoscopy is the use of an endoscope to view the inside of a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An endoscope, a slender, flexible tube attached to a camera and a light, gets inserted into your digestive tract, giving your doctor a live view of your digestive tract displayed on a TV monitor screen to help evaluate
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 MoreIs Crohn’s Disease Preventable?
Impacting more than a million Americans from adolescence on up, Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the entire digestive tract. Although it’s not yet curable, Crohn’s is manageable. Because medical scientists have yet to determine whether Crohn’s disease is inherited or is initiated by a virus or bacterium, it cannot yet be prevented.
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