When health issues arise, especially those concerning sensitive areas like your digestive system, you might need more specialized care than your general practitioner can provide. Often, your primary care doctor will refer you to a specialist – a stomach doctor. But what is a stomach doctor officially called? The answer is a gastroenterologist.
A doctor reviewing a patient's chart
Gastroenterologists are experts in the field of digestive health. Seeing a gastroenterologist can lead to significant benefits, including more precise polyp and cancer detection, fewer procedural complications, and potentially shorter hospital stays when necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of a digestive health disorder, or if you are due for colon cancer screening, consulting a gastroenterologist is a crucial step towards maintaining your well-being.
What Exactly Does a Gastroenterologist Do?
A gastroenterologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting your gastrointestinal (GI) system. This intricate system encompasses a wide range of organs, starting from your mouth and extending through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. Their expertise also includes related organs that play a vital role in digestion, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
A gastroenterologist explaining digestive system to patient
Similar to other medical professionals, a gastroenterologist will begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and discussing any symptoms you are experiencing. As specialized stomach doctors, they utilize a range of diagnostic tools to identify gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. These tools include minimally invasive procedures that allow them to visualize the internal lining of your digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the small and large intestines. Furthermore, they may order blood and stool tests to gain a comprehensive understanding and arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Gastroenterologist: A Specialist in Digestive Health
To become a gastroenterologist, doctors undertake extensive specialized medical training beyond their general medical degree. This advanced training focuses specifically on diseases and conditions of the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Gastroenterologists typically undergo up to five additional years of dedicated training, acquiring in-depth knowledge and considerable experience in managing the complexities of gastrointestinal health. This rigorous training ensures they are highly qualified to provide expert care for your digestive system needs.
