There are many reasons to see a gastro surgeon. They treat and diagnose various conditions relating to the digestive system. Many warning signs indicating a patient should see a gastro surgeon are prolonged or particularly painful experiences of fairly common digestive problems. Patients may also see a gastro surgeon for preventative screenings. 

Almost everyone experiences constipation and diarrhea from time to time. Nonetheless, if you don’t experience relief from your bowel problems after a few days, you should see a doctor. Your gastroenterologist can determine whether you need treatment for diarrhea or constipation. There are many causes of bellyaches, but sometimes they require medical attention. Unexplained blood in the stool is another reason to seek medical attention.

Your gastroenterologist might be able to help you if you suffer from abdominal pain that lasts for more than a few days, comes back often, or is accompanied by nausea or bowel difficulties. It is, however, necessary to go to the emergency room if the pain is extremely severe. In addition to a viral infection, there may be something more serious like appendicitis causing belly pain.

When stomach acid enters the esophagus, it causes heartburn. In most cases, it is caused by a problem with your lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps food in your stomach. A person with heartburn feels pain in their chest, has difficulty swallowing, and has a burning or acidic taste in their throat. Many people deal with occasional heartburn at home, but frequent symptoms may potentially indicate a chronic condition. It is more effective to treat the disease when it is detected in its earlier stages by a gastroenterologist.

Preventative screenings are also available. Regular screenings for colorectal cancer are recommended by the American Cancer Society for patients aged 45 and up.

Gastroenterologists specialize in conditions affecting the digestive system, including the rectum, anus, esophagus, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts. Endoscopies, colonoscopies, biopsy, and the various endoscopic techniques required to visualize the digestive system are all performed by gastroenterologists as part of the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system. 

A gastro surgeon is specifically trained in how food moves through the stomach and intestines, how nutrients are absorbed, how waste is excreted, and how the liver aids digestion. Upon completion of their training, gastro surgeons will have received an additional five to six years of specialized education, making them well suited to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions.

A gastro surgeon is capable of diagnosing and treating various diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive system. Gastro surgeons are capable of treating conditions such as celiac disease, colon and colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, colon polyps, cirrhosis of the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases.

Other conditions treated include gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, nutritional issues/obesity, hepatitis A, B, and C, and more. Gastro surgeons can diagnose and treat all manner of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Visiting a gastro surgeon allows patients to be proactive about their gastrointestinal intestinal health. Preventative screenings can help catch life-altering conditions, such as cancer, early enough for effective treatment. Treatment from a gastro surgeon can help patients receive prompt relief from their pain or symptoms. For patients in Merced, CA, Dr. Alfred B Johnson is an experienced gastro surgeon capable of treating all digestive health issues. Dr. Johnson is here to help give you relief and help improve your digestive health. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.