Gastroenterologist: The term Gastroenterology is known to be the study of normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
It is also the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract.
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Who is a Gastroenterologist
A Gastroenterologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in both men and women.
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They don’t perform surgery. They primarily work in a clinic or hospital setting.
What are the Conditions Managed by Gastroenterologists
When do you need to see a Gastroenterologist
Frequent Heartburn
Occasional heartburn is likely nothing to be concerned with, but frequent heartburn may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagus, and possibly, even oesophageal cancer.
If acid reflux occurs often, you may also be diagnosed with GERD and begin receiving medication to alleviate your discomfort, and have testing to confirm the diagnosis.
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Abnormal Bowel Movements
Constipation: If you pass fewer than three bowel movements per week, your constipation may be due to blockage, neurological issues, muscular or hormonal malfunction, diet or other factors. A gastroenterologist may also help you determine which the cause is.
Diarrhea: If runny stool persists for more than a few days, it could be due to a virus, parasite/bacteria, lactose intolerance, a reaction to medication(s), or it could be indicative of other digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, just to name a few. .
Rectal Bleeding
Causes of blood in the stool can vary in severity but generally means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract.
This may be caused by an anal fissure (a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus), hemorrhoids, or it could be something requiring medical attention, such as cancer.
Esophageal Pain or Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Certain ailments could cause you to experience difficulty swallowing, or inability to swallow.
If you experience frequent oesophageal pain or difficulty swallowing, or if difficulty swallowing intensifies over time, a gastroenterologist may conduct a procedure known as an upper endoscopy to determine the cause of your discomfort and begin administering treatment.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Occasional, mild abdominal pain and bloating may not be cause enough to see a specialist.
However, if abdominal pain or bloating occurs after nearly every meal you eat or is accompanied by nausea, or painful bowel movements, be sure to inform your physician of those particular discomforts, as they may then decide to refer you to a gastroenterologist for further tests.
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You’re of Age to be Regularly Screened for Colorectal Cancer (50+ Years)
A screening test is a preventative measure and should be administered before symptoms present. Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps that can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy.
The Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) in the U.S. advises adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Some patients need screening colonoscopies earlier. For example, African Americans should start the screening process at age 45.
How to become a Gastroenterologist
To become the best gastroenterologist; A minimum of 13 years of education and extensive training.
Students interested in gastroenterology should also focus on undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
After attaining an undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science) or a postgraduate (advanced; e.g., Master’s) degree, most students attend a 4-year medical school
The next step gastroenterology doctors take is a 3-year program of special study and training called a general internal medicine residency.
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After completion of this residency, the internist may continue to specialize in gastroenterology by entering a gastroenterology fellowship.
The gastroenterology fellowship is an intense 2- or 3-year program, during which the internist receives extensive training in diseases and conditions of the digestive tract.
Once you’ve completed your training, you must pass a specialty certification exam for gastroenterologists. The American Board of Internal Medicine certifies you upon the successful completion of the exam.
Which Organizations produce the best Gastroenterologists
Organizations such as the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, World Gastroenterology Organisation, the American College of Gastroenterology, British Society of Gastroenterology, United European Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Gastroenterological Association oversee gastroenterology fellowships to ensure a high quality of education and training.
What is the Salary of a Gastroenterologists
The Gastroenterologist’s salary is based on many factors, like the geographical area of the Gastroenterologists, the setting of the health care, and gender.
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However, we have listed the factors that affect the Gastroenterologist salary below;
By Geographic Area:
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