A gastroenterology specialist, also known as a gastroenterologist or a GI doctor, is a physician who specializes in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders affecting the entire digestive system—the mouth and salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and rectum. If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain or cramping,…
Gastroenterologist Westlake OH
When should you get a colon cancer screening?
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. In spite of that, colon cancer-related deaths are dropping, which is partly attributed to routine colon cancer screenings. What is A Colon Cancer Screening? A health screening is defined…
3 Worst Foods that Can Exacerbate Your Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem that occurs when the cells that line the small intestine are unable to secrete enough lactase, an enzyme responsible for properly breaking down lactose (the natural sugar found in milk) and allowing it to get easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Having lactose intolerance means that lactose sits undigested…
How Accurate Is a Colonoscopy to Screen for Colon Cancer?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that involves inserting a colonoscope—a long, thin, and flexible tube with a miniature camera on its tip—into your rectum to obtain a live image of the lining of your colon. The main purpose of the procedure is to detect polyps and other abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and…
How to Choose Your Next GI Doctor
Bloating, constipation, heartburn, and stomach pain are symptoms that usually disappear on their own. However, frequent or severe cases require a consultation with a gastroenterologist or GI doctor. If you haven’t been to a gastroenterologist before, it can be confusing deciding how to choose one. You want to select a doctor who is a good…
Colon Cancer Screening: Is It Right for You?
Colon cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It starts when healthy cells in the large intestine (colon) develop harmful changes in their DNA. Over time, these changes can damage the DNA, rendering the cells unable to properly grow and divide. Damage to their DNA essentially causes the cells…
When to See a Gastroenterologist for Gallbladder Problems
The gallbladder is a small sac located under the liver. It serves the purpose of storing bile that the liver produces. During the digestion process, the gallbladder releases bile to aid in digestion. It’s especially necessary for fat digestion. In some cases, the gallbladder can have issues, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and serious…
Fun Facts About Your Digestive System
Your digestive system plays a crucial function – breaking down the food you eat and what you drink, turning them into nutrients and energy for the healthy functioning of the body, and sending them through the gastrointestinal tract for elimination. Your digestive system begins at your mouth and ends at your anus, quite literally a…