Come to Katy Stomach Doctor if you need a GI doctor near me 77084. Our board-certified GI doctors offer comprehensive care for all digestive system disorders. We provide state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and procedures, as well as personalized treatment plans.
If you are suffering from heartburn, changes to your bowel habits, or abdominal pain, it may be time to visit a GI doctor. Our GI doctor, Dr. James Maher, is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. He strives to provide patients with the utmost highest quality and effective care they deserve.
So don’t let your digestive issues worsen. Call today to set up an appointment, or browse our website for more information on what our practice can do for you.
Why Visit A GI Doctor Near Me 77084?
Another word for GI doctor is gastroenterologist. These doctors specialize in treating diseases in the digestive system.
The bulk of the digestive system is composed of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. These organs break down food into increasingly smaller and smaller pieces. This is achieved through a combination of movement (by chewing, squeezing, or churning) and digestive juices (like enzymes, bile, and stomach acid).
The digestive system also includes organs outside of the GI tract. These include the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. These organs produce and store the digestive juices used to break down food in the GI tract. The pancreas produces enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and acids in the small intestine. The liver produces bile, which helps break down fat in the small intestine. When the body is not digesting, the bile is stored in the gall bladder for later use.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
With how expansive and frequently used the digestive system is, it is no surprise that many people develop digestive problems. Many of these issues can be easily resolved through over-the-counter medication such as antacids or laxatives. However, for more severe issues, it can be necessary to see a GI doctor.
Some digestive issues a GI doctor near me 77084, such as Dr. James Maher, can help with include:
- Unexpected changes in bowel habits such as
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Heartburn
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Hepatitis
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- And many more!
What You Can Expect From Visiting Katy Stomach Doctor
Your GI doctor will likely start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. Then, they will likely perform a physical examination of your body. Afterward, they may order tests to get a deeper understanding of your digestive system. These tests will allow the GI doctor to diagnose your issue better.
Endoscopy
One of the most common tests a GI doctor will recommend is endoscopy. Endoscopy is a medical procedure that lets a doctor examine the inside of a patient’s body. An endoscope is a long and very thin tube with a light and camera at the end. The endoscope enters the patient’s body through the mouth and down the throat to inspect the GI tract. The camera sends photos of the inside of the body to a monitor, where the doctor can see them.
Endoscopy allows the doctor to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. It is used to examine the upper GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The GI doctor might order an endoscopy if you are suffering from heartburn, vomiting, or swallowing problems.
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it does not require a large incision in the body.
Colonoscopy
Another common test a GI doctor might recommend is colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that lets your doctor look at the lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. A colonoscopy can help find ulcers, polyps, tumors, and other abnormal growths in your colon and rectum. It can also help find bleeding or inflammation in these areas.
A colonoscopy is usually done in a hospital or outpatient center. The staff will give you medicine to help you relax and sleep during the procedure.
During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope) is inserted into your rectum through your anus. The colonoscope is slowly moved through your colon. Your doctor will look at the lining of your colon for abnormal growths. If any are found, your doctor may remove them with the colonoscope.
The GI doctor might order a colonoscopy if you suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, or chronic constipation. Colonoscopies are also used to check for colon cancer.
Treatment
Based on the results of these tests, your gastroenterologist will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Some issues can be treated with over-the-counter medication. For heartburns and indigestion, the GI doctor might recommend antacid. For constipation, they might recommend laxatives or stool softeners. They might also recommend taking probiotics to promote gut health.
Other issues need prescription medication to treat. If you have ulcers, you might need proton pump inhibitors. GERD and acid reflux might warrant acid blockers. If there is an infection in your GI tract, you might need antibiotics.
Your GI doctor might also recommend you make changes to your lifestyle to manage your symptoms. They could tell you to reduce caffeine consumption, avoid certain foods, or exercise regularly.
Finally, if your GI finds diseased or damaged parts in your GI tract, they might recommend you get surgery to remove them.
Schedule Your Visit To Katy Stomach Doctor Today!
The digestive system takes up a part of your body and works almost constantly. If something goes wrong in your GI tract, it can spread to the rest of the body. This is why you should see a doctor quickly if you notice something wrong with your digestive system.
Our friendly staff is happy to help you and explain our services in greater detail. We can also assist you with payment. Katy Stomach Doctor’s clinic accepts most major insurance plans. We also accept payment in check, cash, and most major credit cards.
Don’t let your stomach issues worsen. If you need a GI doctor near me 77084, be sure to call our Katy Somach Doctor’s office today.
Fun Facts About Katy, TX:
- Katy’s economy is primarily based on healthcare, retail, and energy.
- The city is approximately centered at the intersection of Interstate 10 and State Highway 99.
- The city is served by the Katy Independent School District.
- For more fun facts about Katy, visit their website!