The medical experts at Heartland Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Marion Republican, present: Doctors and What They Do. Choosing a doctor is more important now than ever before and the relationship you have with your health professional greatly influences your well-being. This month, we learn more about a gastroenterologist.
First off, what is a gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterologists are doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat problems in the digestive system or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes preventing, detecting and managing digestives diseases and disorders of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. Gastroenterologists get 5-6 years of specialized education after medical school.
What conditions do a gastroenterologist treat?
The most common conditions, diseases and disorders diagnosed and treated by Heartland Regional Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Dr. Raza Hamdani include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
C-diff
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Diarrhea and constipation
GERD/acid reflux disease
Abdominal pain
Hepatitis C
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn's disease
Celiac disease
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Fecal incontinence
"A healthy digestive system is essential for the body to function properly," said Heartland Regional Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Dr. Raza Hamdani. "When an illness or disease interrupts this, it can be painful and frustrating. Our goal is to get you back to loving and living life as soon as possible."
Importance of Preventative Screenings
To diagnose possible digestive issues, a gastroenterologist may need to perform a simple outpatient procedure to help diagnose and treat problems with the esophagus, stomach, upper intestine or first part of the small intestine.
Another diagnostic test performed by a gastroenterologist is a colonoscopy screening. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., and the second leading cause of cancer death. The good news? Colorectal cancer is also highly preventable with early detection and treatment.
If you are 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, the most effective way to reduce your risk is to schedule a screening colonoscopy.
Dr. Hamdani said, "This test searches for potentially cancerous polyps, abnormal cell growths on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. Catching these polyps can stop them from ever becoming cancer or detect cancer when it is most treatable."
How do I know I need to see a Gastroenterologist?
GI symptoms can vary in intensity from very mild to serious. If you experience bloating and excess gas, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting or abdominal pain over and over again or if you experience significant discomfort, you should see a gastroenterologist. Typically, patients are referred to a gastroenterologist by a family medicine specialist when they have troublesome digestive symptoms, need a colonoscopy or have a chronic GI condition.
More information on gastroenterology services, and other health care provided at Heartland Regional, can be found online at www.HeartlandMedicalGroup.com. Look for more articles about Doctors and What They Do in future editions of the Marion Republican.
