Definition of Gastroenterologist
When you have intestinal or digestion problems, your physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a trained specialist who can help restore you to optimum health.
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What is a gastroenterologist?
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The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) defines a gastroenterologist as a doctor who specializes in digestive system health. The digestive system includes the stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.
Education
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Gastroenterologists complete four years of medical school prior to advancing to a three year internal medicine residency. After residency, the doctor completes a fellowship for two to four years to ensure that he is trained and qualified to diagnose and treat digestive disorders and/or diseases.
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What does a gastroenterologist do?
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A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive tract diseases such as colorectal cancer, cirrhosis, gall bladder disease, appendicitis, and stomach ulcers. Additionally, gastroenterologists treat irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory intestinal diseases, and liver disease.
Gastroenterology Tests
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The two main tests that a gastroenterologist performs are the colonoscopy and the endoscopy. A colonoscopy can detect colon cancer and other diseases. An endoscopy detects diseases in the upper digestive tract, and helps to evaluate a patient's symptoms such as stomach pains, painful swallowing, or ulcers.
Tips
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If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, contact your primary physician and he will determine if it is necessary for you to see a gastroenterologist.
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