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What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?

Summary: A gastroenterologist is a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases that impact the GI tract, like GERD and cancer. Gastroenterology is the division of medicine dedicated to the investigation, identification, and care of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Your GI tract comprises significant digestive organs, such as your stomach, esophagus, small intestine,

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Learn About the Anatomy of the GI System

Summary: Your gastrointestinal system conducts the critical function of digestion, letting you absorb nutrients from food and ridding your body of the waste. In order to break down and properly utilize the food you eat, your body has a very important system referred to as the digestive tract. At Austin Gastroenterology, we specialize in the

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IBS Awareness Month is April: Explore Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Summary: IBS is an ailment that impacts the colon and small intestines. It often causes issues, like cramping, diarrhea, and more. Relief is possible, though! Many adults are affected by long-term intestinal distress and bowel concerns. What you might not know is that this could be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This

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How Frequently Should a Colonoscopy be Performed?

A colonoscopy is a gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. The procedure entails doing a “prep,” which helps empty the bowels completely for accurate viewing. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a lighted, flexible instrument to view the rectum and colon, and check for abnormalities that may point to cancer. Precancerous polyps can also be

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Pros and Cons of a High-Fiber Diet for Digestive Health

Fiber is a part of a healthy diet. Fiber refers to foods that cannot be broken down by the digestive system. As a result, it helps move food through the intestines and prevents constipation, which helps maintain digestive health. Examples of high fiber foods include apples, beans, broccoli, berries, avocado, pears, nuts, and whole grains.

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How Alcohol Can Affect Digestive Health

Alcohol could be a tonic or poison, depending on its dose. Moderate drinking can be healthy, but excessive drinking could facilitate various gut-related health issues. Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol can affect your digestive health and what preventive measures you can take to maintain good digestive health. How Your Body Digests Alcohol

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Hepatitis A and How It Is Transmitted

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by toxins, alcohol use, certain medication, and viruses. Viruses are considered the most common cause of hepatitis. There are five distinct types of hepatitis caused by different types of hepatitis viruses. Let’s talk about hepatitis A, which is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), the transmission of

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What Kind of Doctor Is Best for a Colonoscopy?

The colon, which is the large intestine, is a key part of the digestive system. Its function is to remove water, salt, and nutrients from partially digested food, and to prepare waste for elimination. Your risk of developing colon issues increases with age, and it is now recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at

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Is My Heartburn Severe Enough to Require Treatment?

Heartburn literally feels like burning in your chest. The burning is a result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should seal itself to prevent this from happening, but for those who suffer from heartburn, it relaxes and allows acid reflux to develop. Almost every person at one point

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What Is a Gastroenterologist And What Do They Treat?

If your primary care physician refers you to a gastroenterologist, you may wonder what this medical specialist does. At Austin Gastroenterology, our board-certified physicians deliver comprehensive GI care, and they want their patients fully informed on tests, medications, and overall digestive health. Let’s look more closely at what a gastroenterologist can do for you. What

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