What is gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a specialty of medicine that focuses on your digestive system. This system follows the process when you first chew and swallow food. The food travels down your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to the stomach), where stomach acids break it down. 

The broken down food travels from your small intestine through the large intestine, where your body absorbs the nutrients it needs for energy, and finally, your body removes the waste (stool) from your rectum through your anus. 

What conditions does gastroenterology treat?

Gastroenterology focuses on treating digestive disorders and health problems, such as: 

• Chronic pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Flatulence (gas) 
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux (heartburn) 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Autoimmune conditions
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Barrett's esophagus
• Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• Celiac disease 
• Colon cancer 
• Hepatitis

These are just some conditions that might require a gastroenterologist, but there may be other conditions that may prompt you to seek professional help. 

Why might I need a gastroenterologist?

By seeking the expertise of a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive disorders), you may find more effective approaches to treating your digestive condition and symptoms. 

The Gastro Center of Maryland uses a combination of treatments to offer you relief. To develop your treatment plan, the team discusses your medical history, reviews your symptoms, and performs a physical exam. They may recommend blood work or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your condition. 

Then, the team creates a personalized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, integrative nutrition, prescription medicine, and other treatments to help you obtain better gastrointestinal health and overall wellness. 

Treatments that the Gastro Center of Maryland team uses for gastrointestinal disorders might vary depending on the severity of your condition. The team may work with your primary care provider or other health care teams to provide you with the best care possible. 

To learn more about the field of gastroenterology and treatment options available for your health concerns, call the Gastro Center of Maryland or book an appointment online today.