Best Gastroenterologists Near Me in Valley Stream, NY | WebMD - Page 78 (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.

Your doctor will press down on the skin around your belly. They'll listen for odd bowel sounds and feel for any masses or tenderness. They may ask you to take deep breaths or cough during your exam. They might also put a finger into your rectum to feel for any bulges or masses, and to check the muscle tone.

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.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor that has additional years of specialized medical training in diseases and conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon and rectum.

Experiencing abnormal bowel movements, rectal bleeding, frequent heartburn, abdominal pain or bloating, peptic ulcers, jaundice, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, or reaching the age of 45 are signs you may need to see a gastroenterologist.

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.

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.

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.

How do I get my digestive system checked? ›

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.

Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.

The tube has a tiny light and video camera on one end. The tube is put into your mouth and throat. Then it is slowly pushed through your esophagus and stomach, and into your duodenum.

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.

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).