The Benefits of Seeing a Gastroenterologist

If you’ve been told you need to see a gastroenterology specialist, you might be wondering why and how doing so can help you. Dr. Moshe Rubin – your gastroenterologist in Manhattan, NY – can answer these questions below.

What Are Gastroenterologists and What Do They Do?

Gastroenterologists are highly educated medical care providers who have spent years studying conditions, diseases, and treatments of the digestive system.

This specialty includes a very detailed understanding of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, rectum, anus, and intestines, as well as how the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas impact the metabolic processes. From diagnosis to treatment, gastroenterologists play an essential role in the digestive tract’s health.

Why Should I See a Gastroenterology Specialist?

Whether a friend recommends you make an appointment or your primary care physician refers you, it’s likely because something seems amiss in your digestive process. Chronic symptoms like the following are usually triggers for a visit:

• Heartburn 
• Indigestion 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Diarrhea and vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Abdominal pain 
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss 
• Gas 

Many of these symptoms only require a gastroenterologist’s care if they are chronic, like heartburn, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. As everyone experiences those from time to time, they’re usually not a cause for concern. However, when they become a regular part of your life, there is often something at the root that needs to be addressed.

As gastroenterologists treat a wide range of conditions, the purpose of your visit can vary. However, some of the most common include: 

• Stomach ulcers 
• Food allergies 
• Celiac disease 
• Appendicitis 
• Irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD 
• Fatty liver disease 
• Pancreatitis 
• Gallstones 
• Cirrhosis 
• Colorectal polyps 
• Hemorrhoids 

How Do Gastroenterologists Treat These Conditions?

Treatment with Dr. Rubin in Manhattan, NY always depends on the individual patient, which is why the first step is diagnosing the condition and determining any factors that could be contributing. To properly diagnose your condition, you might undergo tests such as a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound, blood tests, breath tests, X-rays, and more.

You’ll also be asked questions about your dietary habits, health history, and more to get a full understanding of what could be causing your condition. From there, a treatment plan can be devised that might include medication, dietary changes, lifestyle improvements, changes in any medication you are currently taking, and more.

No matter what symptoms you might be facing, Dr. Rubin – your gastroenterologist in Manhattan, NY – is here to help. Call (212) 772-1012 to schedule an appointment today.