The last thing you want to think about or deal with during the holiday season is a GI issue. However, we want you to have the proper knowledge about what our digestive health experts offer if, or and when you need our expert care.
Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, gallbladder, biliary system (liver, pancreas, and bile ducts), and digestive organs. The gastroenterologists (GI specialists) at Ocean Family Gastroenterology provide comprehensive care for patients with all types of GI problems, including abdominal pain, GERD, ulcers, IBS, Crohn’s disease and colitis, celiac disease, hepatitis B and C, pancreatitis, constipation and diarrhea.
Gastroenterologists can play a vital role in keeping your digestive system healthy. By performing regular screenings for colon cancer and other diseases/disorders of the GI tract, a GI specialist can help catch problems early when they are more easily treatable. At Ocean Family Gastroenterology, we also provide important information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through dietary and lifestyle choices that support good gut health.
Here are 10 things we would like you to know about seeing a gastroenterologist.
1. We are Here to Help You Feel Better
Gastroenterologists understand how GI symptoms can make your life difficult, which is why we focus on making you feel better. We will listen to you closely and work with you to find the root cause of your GI problems. This will help us create a treatment plan that will provide relief and improved quality of life.
2. We Take Your Symptoms Seriously
No symptom for us is irrational or inconsequential. Gastrointestinal issues tend to share symptoms, and even serious ones can have minor symptoms. That is why there is no symptom that is too minor for GI doctors. We understand that GI symptoms can be debilitating and how much they can impact your daily life.
3. We Are Qualified to Treat All Types of GI Issues
We want you to know that, as Gastroenterologists, we have studied and trained for years to be able to expertly treat a wide range of GI conditions. From the common stomachache to more complex disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, you will be in good hands when you see an experienced GI doctor.
4. We Can Help You Live Healthier a Life
Gastroenterologists are a great source of information about diet and nutrition since the gastrointestinal system is crucial to getting the nutrients that you need from the food you eat. Whether you are looking to increase your vitamin levels, lose or gain weight, or treat an underlying issue, we can help. GI doctors often make dietary recommendations as part of their treatment plans.
5. We Help with Food Intolerances
We also have experience dealing with food intolerances. The most common examples are gluten and lactose intolerance. If you think you may have one of these issues, we can help ensure you get the nutrients you need, help you with grocery shopping and meal planning, and teach you how to avoid unpleasant food intolerance symptoms.
6. We Have Heard It All
Gastroenterologists, in all their years of study, training, and practice, have seen it all. So, do not hesitate to tell us about symptoms such as rectal pain and bleeding or your bowel habits, as these are useful in diagnosing and treating you.
7. Health Screenings Can Save Your Life
Early screening for colon cancer saves lives. There are different techniques used to detect abnormalities in the colon and rectal region. However, the gold standard remains colonoscopy, which is both a screening and treatment method. Ask your GI doctor about the best time for you to start colon cancer screenings.
8. Managing Stress Levels is Important
Stress management is important for GI health because chronic stress can lead to a number of gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastritis. Stress can also make existing GI conditions worse. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices can help improve or prevent GI problems.
9. Chronic Heartburn is a Risk Factor for Cancer
Heartburn may seem like a minor problem, but if mismanaged or ignored, it carries serious risks, such as esophageal cancer. When stomach acid repeatedly comes up into the esophagus, it causes irritation and inflammation. This can lead to changes in the cells lining the esophagus, which increases the risk of cancer. GI doctors can check and intervene before cancer develops.
10. There May Be Different Ways to Treat a Single GI Issue
In some cases, gastroenterologists can offer different treatment options to treat a similar GI condition. We always work with you to find the approach that we think is the best and most easy for you to incorporate into your life.
Expert Gastroenterologists in Toms River, NJ
The gastroenterologists at Ocean Family Gastroenterology provide comprehensive, patient-centered, and compassionate GI services. We understand the impact of GI issues on health and wellness and work hard to help relieve and manage your symptoms so you can focus on your daily life. To schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors, call us at 732-281-1590 or visit us online HERE.