A gastrointestinal specialist is a medical doctor that has chosen to specialize in gastroenterology. Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that specifically focuses on the normal or abnormal anatomy of the digestive tract and its organs, such as the gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, bile ducts, and pancreas. They help diagnose and treat digestive tract disorders.

They have the ability to order tests, images, and bloodwork to measure the levels of enzymes and cells within the blood that could be abnormal, and how to treat those conditions. Gastrointestinal specialists go through medical school for four years and then are required to add an additional six years of training once medical school is completed. Then they must complete an additional 4 years of residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and then another one to two years training in the gastroenterology field.

There are many different ways to help treat a gastrointestinal disorder. The first way is by resting and drinking plenty of water. Resting allows the body to heal in many ways. Drinking water is known to help aid digestion. It breaks down food, so your body is able to absorb the nutrients and vitamins that are within certain foods. Water also is known to help soften our stools. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation in a person.

The next way to help treat a gastrointestinal disorder is by following a certain type of diet. A well-known diet for people who have gastrointestinal disorders is the B.R.A.T diet. This diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Each one of these foods is easy on the stomach and can aid with the treatment in all kinds of different ways.

Bananas are very light and easy on the stomach, and its nutrients are known to help ease stomach discomfort. Bananas are also known to help relieve symptoms like indigestion, which can decrease the irritation of the stomach lining. Rice is known to be a heavier food on the stomach, but plain white rice has been proven to help prevent intestinal discomfort.

Due to its low fiber properties, it has been linked to help firm stool, and prevent diarrhea. Applesauce is a very well-known helper of digestive issues. Applesauce contains an ingredient called pectin, and pectin has prebiotic ingredients that gives the guts good bacteria that promotes good digestive health. White bread toast is also a very good option for stomach discomfort. White bread toast has been linked to help relieve the uncomfortable pains of having an upset stomach. Avoid eating fiber rich breads if you have any stomach pain or discomfort, as this has been proven to make your stomach pain worse and can cause nausea and diarrhea as well.

There are many signs and symptoms that should be indicative of speaking or meeting with a gastrointestinal doctor like Dr. Alfred Johnson. If you have a persistent feeling of having a steadily worsening lump in your throat, it may be a sign that you need to visit with a gastrointestinal specialist, so they can see what is going on. Another sign is if you have been dealing with persistent difficulty swallowing. The medical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia, and that could mean there is something wrong with the throat, and it may benefit you to have a gastrointestinal specialist look at it.

Frequent throat pain could be a precursor that you may have acid building up in the esophagus, and it is leaking out and is going back up into the throat. This is definitely a sign that you should get medical attention by a gastrointestinal specialist. If you have been suffering from a hard time keeping food down without vomiting, or feeling nauseous, speaking with a gastro specialist can perform tests to see why you may be experiencing these symptoms.

As well, gastrointestinal specialists help with problems like frequent diarrhea or frequent troubles with producing a bowel movement. If you are having troubles with bowel movements or experience frequent episodes of diarrhea, this can be a sign that you should seek medical attention from a gastro specialist.

A gastrointestinal surgeon is a type of specialist, and most specialists require a referral from your primary care physician. The reason why they may require a referral is because of the kind of cases that these specialists deal with. There are some gastrointestinal specialists that do not require a referral, and a way to see if you will require a referral is by checking with your insurance company. Most insurance companies will require a referral to a specialist in order to ensure that patients are seeking medical attention for the right reasons and correct problems.

Once a gastrointestinal specialist clinic receives the referral from your primary care physician, they will reach out to you and ask more questions about your symptoms and will get you an appointment that’s according to the severity of your symptoms and based on how busy the clinic is.

Most referrals take at least one month before a patient will be seen by a specialist. If you are someone who is thinking that they may need to see a gastrointestinal specialist, visit our website for more information, and give us a call to seek further clarification if a gastrointestinal specialist is the right choice for you. Our team at Dr Alfred Johnson Gastro Surgery clinic is here for your needs and wants to help you get back on the road to enjoying life pain free. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.