A Gastroenterologist is a medical expert whose profession deals with conditions and diseases that attack the digestive structures and organs. Gastroenterology in Dubai are experts in how our digestive systems function. They not only treat these problems, but they also help kids and adults learn how to maintain healthy digestive systems.
Your family doctor might refer you to a specialist in the UAE if you experience abdominal pains, difficulty swallowing, and blood in your stool. Individuals over 50 years are also advised to consult a gastroenterologist for preventive treatment. Individuals in this age group have a higher risk of getting colon cancer and should go for regular screening.
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Common Procedures Performed by Gastroenterologists
A gastroenterologist performs different tests depending on the condition in question. Endoscopy is one of the procedures performed where the specialist uses a camera attached to a long slender tube (endoscope) to view inside your body.
Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy are similar to endoscopy, but the tube is inserted in the rectum. A Colonoscopy allows the specialist to see the entire rectum and colon. On the other hand, a Sigmoidoscopy only allows the physician to examine the lower colon and rectum.
Esophageal dilation involves the stretching of a narrow area of your esophagus. When you suffer from acid reflux, this tube narrows and makes it difficult to swallow food. This procedure might take place under sedation.
During a Polypectomy, the specialist removes one or several polyps from your bowel lining. Polyps develop on the colon and are non-cancerous.
How a Gastroenterologist Can Help You
Our digestive system can suffer because of various conditions. One of the most common signs that something is wrong is severe abdominal pain. Diarrhea, gas, and bloating are all reasons to consult a specialist.
A gastroenterologist will help you with the following problems;
Heartburn
A gastroenterologist deals with heartburn, which is a burning sensation or pain in the throat or chest. Heartburn happens when acid from the stomach flows up the esophagus. Most people have heartburns from time to time. However, if you experience this several times a week, you need to consult a specialist in gastroenterology in Dubai.
Experiencing heartburn more than twice a week is an indication of a serious underlying problem. It could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which occurs when your stomach acid irritates the lining of your esophagus. This condition is common in overweight or individuals who smoke. Expectant women can also suffer from this condition.
Celiac Disease
This is a genetic condition associated with the immune system. Individuals with this condition are advised against eating gluten. Wheat, barley, and Rye contain a protein known as gluten. This protein is also found in various supplements and medicines.
When individuals with celiac consume gluten, their immune systems fight this by damaging and irritating their small intestines. This leads to diarrhea or pain. A specialist in gastroenterology in Dubai can help you to discover if you have celiac disease by conducting a blood test.
Lactose Intolerance
If you always develop uncomfortable symptoms whenever you consume dairy products or drink milk, you might be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk. Your body produces a protein known as lactase; this helps in the breakdown of dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
If you are lactose intolerant, your body does not produce sufficient lactase to complete the digestion of even the tiniest bits of these foods. This often causes belly pain, upset stomach, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Symptoms can start showing even 2 hours after consuming dairy. These can be severe or mild. Gastroenterologists test for lactose intolerance, give you dietary supplements, and advice on diet changes.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Sometimes, your immune system might mistake food in your digestive tract as germs or foreign substances and attacks healthy tissues. This leads to inflammatory bowel disease. This disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract.
Inflammatory bowel disease causes inflammation of the large and small intestines. This causes severe belly pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, fever, joint pain, and fatigue. These symptoms may ease or flare up when triggered. The most common inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Gallstones
These are small hard stone-like nodules that grow in the gallbladder. Gallstones can grow to the size of a golf ball, and they can also be as little as a grain of sand. Some patients develop multiple stones with varying sizes, while others develop a large stone.
Gallstones cause a sudden sharp pain on the right side of your belly. This pain goes away when the stones are expelled from the gallbladder. Gallstones grow when there is an imbalance in the chemical that forms bile. Doctors are not sure why this happens. Expectant women and overweight individuals are more likely to get gallstones compared to other people. Gallstones can be removed through surgery or prescription medication that dissolves them.
Colon Cancer
A gastroenterologist helps you to maintain your health by looking for signs of various diseases like colon cancer, even if you don’t exhibit any symptoms. The specialist might conduct a colonoscopy by inserting a tiny camera attached on a thin tube into your rectum to view your colon. Alternatively, the physician might ask for stool samples and scans to test for cancer. Colon cancer happens when abnormal growths develop on your rectum or colon. Early detection is key because the physician can remove them before they become malignant.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis can be caused by multiple forms of liver conditions and diseases like chronic alcoholism and hepatitis. Cirrhosis is the late stage of liver fibrosis (scarring). Whenever your liver is injured through excessive alcohol consumption, diseases, or other causes, it attempts to repair itself; this is how scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis grows, more scar tissue forms and makes it difficult for your liver to work effectively.
Gastroenterologists specialize in internal medicine, and they deal with diseases of the digestive tract. These doctors treat diseases and conditions affecting the liver, colon, esophagus, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, and rectum. Before treatment, thorough examinations are conducted to detect the disease.
A gastroenterologist is a medical expert whose profession deals with conditions and diseases that attack the digestive structures and organs. Gastroenterologists in Dubai are experts in how our digestive systems function. They not only treat these problems, but they also help kids and adults learn how to maintain healthy digestive systems.
Your family doctor might refer you to a specialist in Dubai if you experience abdominal pains, difficulty swallowing, and blood in your stool. Individuals over 50 years are also advised to consult a gastroenterologist for preventive treatment. Individuals in this age group have a higher risk of getting colon cancer and should go for regular screening.
Common Procedures Performed by Gastroenterologists
A gastroenterologist performs different tests depending on the condition in question. Endoscopy is one of the procedures performed where the specialist uses a camera attached to a long slender tube (endoscope) to view inside your body.
Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy are similar to endoscopy, but the tube is inserted in the rectum. A Colonoscopy allows the specialist to see the entire rectum and colon. On the other hand, a Sigmoidoscopy only allows the physician to examine the lower colon and rectum.
Esophageal dilation involves the stretching of a narrow area of your esophagus. When you suffer from acid reflux, this tube narrows and makes it difficult to swallow food. This procedure might take place under sedation.
During a Polypectomy, the specialist removes one or several polyps from your bowel lining. Polyps develop on the colon and are non-cancerous.
FAQs
1. What is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the health of the digestive system, or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They can diagnose and treat various conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and biliary system which includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
2. When should I see a Gastroenterologist?
You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder such as persistent heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and rectal bleeding. Also, if you are over 50, it’s recommended to start regular screenings for colorectal cancer.
3. What procedures do Gastroenterologists perform?
Gastroenterologists can perform a range of procedures including colonoscopies, endoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, liver biopsies, esophageal dilation, and more. These procedures help them to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system.
4. What is the difference between a Gastroenterologist and a Hepatologist?
While both gastroenterologists and hepatologists deal with the health of the digestive system, hepatologists specifically focus on the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists cover these areas, but also focus on the entire digestive system.
5. How can a Gastroenterologist help with weight loss?
Gastroenterologists can provide treatment for conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, and can also provide nutritional guidance and recommend dietary changes to help with weight loss. They can also perform procedures such as gastric balloon placement and other bariatric procedures to aid in weight loss.
If you are experiencing any digestive health issues, don’t hesitate to consult with a gastroenterologist. Early detection and treatment of digestive health conditions can significantly improve your quality of life. Book a consultation today.
