Best Gastroenterologists Near Me in Bridgeport, CT | WebMD - Page 6 (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a GI doctor and a gastroenterologist? ›

Gastrointestinal refers to the digestive organs as a whole. A gastroenterologist, on the other hand, is a doctor who specializes in the subject of gastrointestinal. A gastroenterologist is uniquely qualified to diagnose GI tract disorders and perform operations such as a lower GI endoscopy.

A gastroenterologist may begin by physically examining you. They may feel and listen to your abdominal organs from the outside, or insert a finger into your rectum. They may order follow-up tests, such as blood tests, poop tests or imaging tests like GI X-ray exams that take pictures of your organs from the outside.

At your first appointment, your gastroenterologist will: Ask you about your digestive symptoms and medical history. Recommend any lifestyle changes or medications that can help relieve your symptoms. Discuss any tests, screenings or procedures that may be needed.

You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if you need colon cancer screening. Often, seeing a gastroenterologist leads to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer, fewer complications from procedures and less time spent in the hospital.

A gastroenterologist is a medical practitioner that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system illnesses and disorders. This comprises the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

It includes common and important conditions such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis.

Options range from no anesthesia or sedation at all to general anesthesia, but for upper endoscopies, moderate or deep sedation is most common. The anesthetics that may be used to minimize pain and discomfort and reduce anxiety include propofol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. No sedation.

Blood tests can show levels of specific substances in the blood. Digestive issues for which blood tests support a diagnosis include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, stomach cancer and food allergies.

Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.

An upper endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope allows views of your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine, called the duodenum.

How does a gastroenterologist check your liver? ›

Blood tests to check the number of red and white cells and the amount if iron in the blood. They will also test for other substances that may indicate cancer or that the liver is not working correctly. Imaging tests, such as a: CT scan.

Avoiding food helps in achieving better results and minimizing complications during procedures. This fasting period is usually 8 hours and can vary based on your doctor's advice. Otherwise, if it's a routine checkup or consultation, there are usually no restrictions, and you can eat and drink before the appointment.

As per definition, a gastrologist is a person who specializes in gastrology. Gastrology involves stomach and stomach-related issues. However, gastrology is not a recognized branch of study and hence, gastrologist is just another term used for gastroenterologists, since the latter is difficult to pronounce.

If you experience any symptoms on a regular basis (twice a week or more), then you may have GERD or LPR. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should be evaluated by your primary care doctor or an otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon (ENT doctor).

Problems with digestion and bowel movements are best evaluated by a gastroenterologist, also called a GI doctor. These medical doctors can diagnose and treat your digestive or elimination issue, and help you make some adjustments so that the problem will no longer interfere with your life.

Gastroenterologists, sometimes called "gastros" for short, are trained to diagnose and treat problems in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. These doctors also do routine procedures such as colonoscopies, which look at the inside of your colon. They get 5-6 years of specialized education after medical school.

Having to do with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or GI system. The GI tract includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Food and liquids travel through the GI tract as they are swallowed, digested, absorbed, and leave the body as feces.

What is an upper GI endoscopy? An upper GI endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. The upper GI tract includes your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum).