Gastroenterologists specialize in all things having to do with the digestive system. The specific branch of medicine they practice is referred to as gastroenterology. Generally, specialists in this branch of medicine have spent several years in the specialized study of the human digestive system, and they are experts in digestion processes from the initial swallow of food as it progresses through the entire digestive process and exits via the bowel.
Gastroenterologists are highly educated and skilled in evaluating and treating digestive disorders such as ulcers, reflux disorders, disorders of the bowel or the intestines, and they are trained to detect cancers of the digestive system, as well. Gastroenterology is a sub-specialty within the internal medicine specialty. Internal medicine doctors generally are well-rounded in caring for your medical needs once you reach the age of adulthood.
However, when specific problems develop, they will often refer you to a specialist for that particular problem. Your digestive system is a complicated network of multiple organs that all function together to extract nutrients from the food you have ingested, and break them down so they can be stored in forms that can be utilized by your body in order to maintain its state of health and well-being. Your digestive process begins with saliva as you chew food, and ends when the waste products are excreted. There are many organs involved in this process of digestion and nutrient delivery. Your esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, colon, and rectum are the main organs or systems of the digestive tract. It is easy to see how this system requires specialists in order to treat any number of things that can go wrong.
Common gastroenterological disorders might include ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel disorders, Crohn’s Disease, and gallbladder disease. These disorders are all highly treatable when evaluated by a gastroenterologist who has specific training and education for disorders of the digestive system. When your regular doctor detects a problem related to digestion, he or she will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Once the actual diagnosis has been made, however, your regular doctor is usually more than capable of managing any long term care or medications.
If you are in the greater Houston area and find yourself requiring the services of a gastroenterologist, then you should seek out a provider with extensive experience as a specialist in the field of gastroenterology.
Gastroenterologist Houston – Are you seeking an appointment with a gastroenterologist in the greater Houston area? Dr. Winston specializes in the treatment of gastroenterological disorders. When you need a gastroenterologist in Houston, call North Houston Gastroenterology Clinic and schedule your appointment.
