Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system. The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and includes body parts and organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, rectum, and anus. Gastrointestinal health is important because the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
Common Signs and Symptoms of GERD in Adults and Children
According to estimations, 60 million individuals in the United States suffer the burning, fiery symptom referenced as "heartburn" at least once each month. Although many do not imagine them when picturing normal heartburn sufferers, teens, children, and babies are among those included in that number. For roughly 20% of individuals, heartburn is a symptom of a more concerning problem known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition that can significantly interfere with the health and ... [Read More]
Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Drops from 50 to 45
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Recent studies show a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals younger than 50 years of age, prompting ACS and USPSTF (U.S. Preventative Services Task Force) to lower the recommended screening age to 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Getting screened even younger and more often may be recommended for those at higher ... [Read More]
Conditions A Gastroenterologist Can Diagnose
Gastroenterologists are able to diagnose a wide variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is a long, coiled tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Along the way, it includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. The primary function of the gastrointestinal tract is to digest food and absorb nutrients. A gastroenterologist is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal ... [Read More]
Key Actions to Make Gut-Healthy Choices During the Summer
Summertime is headed in our direction which, for the majority of us, is just another reason to have fun in the sun with our treasured break time. Ahead of breaking out your beach towels or hopping on a plane to go on your next grand adventure, don't lose sight of how important it is to keep helpful habits that add a boost to your digestive health. With temperatures and exhaustion on the rise, your intestinal health is in danger of getting burned out. At Austin Gastroenterology, our ... [Read More]
