So what does a gastroenterologist do? Many people ask this very question when getting referred for the first time to a Jacksonville gastroenterologist. It is a long word that basically means a doctor who focuses on the specialty field of studying the gastrointestinal tract and the parts of the body that it affects.
History of Gastroenterology
The study of gastroenterology goes all the way back to the 18th century and possibly even further back. This area of study has grown increasingly important as more and more ailments, disorders, and diseases have been linked to the gastrointestinal system. Today, the field is even broken up into the upper GI and lower GI.
Gastroenterological Diseases
One of the most popular diagnoses is irritable bowel syndrome. This is a disorder that leads to often severe abdominal pain, cramping, irregular bowel movements, and more. It is also a popular label to describe a condition when no other reason can be found. A good Jacksonville gastroenterologist will diagnose your ailment that will result in helping you understand your situation.
Another gastrointestinal disease is Crohn’s disease. This is a chronic disorder that causes an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This type of disease can be treated but is often a lifetime disease, so a good specialist in this area is definitely needed. The disease cannot be diagnosed with just a visit. There is a testing procedure that must be performed by a Gastroenterologist to determine whether or not it is Crohn’s disease.
Other diseases that a gastroenterologist can treat include colitis, diverticulitis, and colon cancer. There are of course hundreds of other diseases and conditions that a Gastroenterologist can treat. This area of study is a large field and continues to grow substantially each year as more and more conditions are linked to the gastrointestinal system.
Everyone, especially adults, should see a Gastroenterologist on a regular basis. It is very important to take the time to seek out and build a relationship with a Gastroenterologist. They are typically a lifelong doctor like a family doctor. It is also very important to take the advice of a Gastroenterologist and do regular screenings. This can go a long way into insuring long term health and avoiding and treating any health issues before they become too serious.
Overall, a good gastroenterologist will have years of experience and training in this specialty field. Most have ten or more years of training before ever being accepted into a practice. They are very knowledgeable in this field of study, and their advice should be taken seriously. Having regular visits to a Gastroenterologist can help lead to a very long and healthy life with less health complications.
Digestive Disease Consultants serves patients in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area. A Jacksonville gastroenterologist specializes in helping patients maintain digestive health, which includes both gastroenterology and hepatology. The highly skilled staff provides medical care and personal attention in discussing the diagnosis and treatment plan for each individual’s digestive health needs.
