If you’re suffering from any issues of the digestive system, Dr. Ian Martinez at Gastroenterology Services in Oviedo, FL is the gastroenterologist to have on your side.
Understanding the Role of a Gastroenterologist
If you’ve been told you need to visit a gastroenterologist or you’ve come across articles suggesting that your symptoms warrant a visit to one, you might have some questions. In this guide, Dr. Martinez and the team at Gastroenterology Services in Oviedo, FL seek to answer those questions and provide some clarity.
What Exactly Is a Gastroenterologist?
In the shortest terms possible, gastroenterologists are trained to treat the digestive system. However, the full range of this specialty is not quite that simple.
Most people think of the digestive system as the stomach and intestines. While these are certainly some important parts of the digestive system, there’s much more to it. It also includes the:
- Esophagus
- Colon
- Rectum
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Bile ducts
- Pancreas
Gastroenterology studies, assesses, and treats each of these areas and ensures they function properly.
Why Do I Need to See a Gastroenterologist?
As gastroenterology covers so many areas, the reasons people are referred to one can vary greatly. Some common reasons for seeing a gastroenterology expert include the following:
- Chronic or severe heartburn
- GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease
- IBS or irritable bowel syndrome
- IBD or inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Unexpected or unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits, such as blood in the stool, diarrhea, or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Colorectal polyps
- Food allergies
- Celian disease
- Hiatal hernias
- Trouble swallowing
- Cirrhosis
- Gallstones
How Can a Gastroenterologist Help?
One of the most important aspects of visiting a gastroenterology specialist is the initial discussion and information-gathering process. This will include talking through your symptoms, your medical history, your family’s medical history, any habits that might be causing the symptoms, and more. The key is to get to the root of the condition.
Various tests might be recommended to fully understand the root. This might include:
- Upper endoscopies
- Colonoscopies
- Endoscopic ultrasounds
- Polypectomies and more
Once a cause has been identified, a treatment plan can be developed. As much as possible, this will include lifestyle adjustments that might treat the cause or – at the very least – manage the symptoms. When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication or procedures might be recommended.
Call Us Today
For more information on how a gastroenterologist can help you or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Martinez in Oviedo, FL, call Gastroenterology Services at (407) 478-0882 today.