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]
gastroenterologist
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]
How Gastroenterologists Treat Bloating
If you are bloated, it means you are feeling a sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. This may be accompanied by pain, gas, and belching. If you try to palpate your stomach, it may feel hard. In some cases, bloating can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and trouble swallowing, which indicates a gastrointestinal disorder, and is likely not just a one-off incident. To receive specialized care, especially if you are frequently bloated, make an appointment with a ... [Read More]
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 is a Gastroenterologist? A gastroenterologist is a physician with years of education, training, and ... [Read More]
Tips for Better Digestive Health
Did you know that a significant part of your immune system is housed in your gut? What this means is that if your digestive health gets compromised, this can have a ripple effect on your entire body and leave you susceptible to many health conditions, such as chronic fatigue, respiratory infections, diabetes, and even cancer. So how do you safeguard your digestive health then? Here are some strategies that you can incorporate into your daily life to keep your gut in tip-top condition. Have a ... [Read More]