Do you need a Katy TX enterologist? Enterology is a branch of medicine that deals with the intestines. The more common phrase is a gastroenterologist who focuses on the entire digestive system. The digest system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract encompasses several different organs within the body.
A few of the organs associated with this system include the stomach, liver, intestines, gallbladder, and rectum. These organs and many others work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste from the body. There are many conditions associated with each of these organs. For that reason, you need an experienced gastroenterologist.
Dr. James Maher is the gastroenterologist you need. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field. Dr. Maher started his career at the University of Michigan. Afterward, he moved to Virginia for warmer weather. Plus, he attended the Medical College of Virginia for an accelerated program. Once his education was over in Virginia, he moved to California.
While in California, Dr. Maher went to the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency. After the residency, he completed his one-year fellowship in hepatology at the University of Southern California. Finally, Dr. Maher completed his education with a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology.
Now, Dr. Maher is a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than three decades of experience. Most importantly, Dr. Maher cares for his patients at every level. He ensures his patients receive the best treatment option possible. He is able to achieve this by considering all options when it comes to treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Maher believes patient education is one of the most important aspects of his job.
Gastroenterology Conditions
There are several organs associated with the digestive system. We have already listed a few, but you can find a complete list below:
- pharynx
- esophagus
- stomach
- small intestine
- liver
- gallbladder
- pancreas
- salivary glands
- tongue
- epiglottis
- rectum
- anus
Conditions linked to these organs are diagnosed and treated by gastroenterologists. Potential conditions a gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat include the following:
- hepatitis c
- hemorrhoids
- colon cancer
- liver disease
- jaundice
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- chron’s disease
- pancreatitis
Dr. James Maher has experience which each of these conditions and more. Below, we will go into detail about a few different conditions.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can lead to liver disease. This infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which does not have a vaccine, unlike hepatitis A and B. HCV spreads through blood and the most common way it is spread is through the sharing of needles using illicit drugs. Other ways of contracting the virus include:
- reusing needles for tattooing and piercing
- mother to child via birth
- sharing of personal items (i.e., toothbrushes, razors)
- unprotected sex
HCV does not start out showing symptoms. Instead, it usually doesn’t show symptoms of infection until a few months after contraction. With that said, this virus can spread to others with ease. When symptoms do start appearing, you can expect the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- lack of appetite
- weight loss
- fatigue
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- bleeding and bruising easily
- itchy skin
- swollen legs, feet, or ankles
- confusion or drowsiness
Hepatitis C is curable, and some may even experience spontaneous viral clearance. This is when the virus is expelled from the body after its acute phase.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in different parts of the digestive system. This disease is also known as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues. Normally, the immune system targets harmful bacteria and viruses. The cause of this malfunction is unknown, but there are organizations leading the charge toward discovery.
There are several different types of Chron’s disease, but the most common is ileocolitis. Ileocolitis causes inflammation in the lower half of the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms of ileocolitis include significant weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Other types of Chron’s disease include:
- ileitis
- gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease
- jejunoileitis
- Crohn’s disease
There is no cure for Chron’s disease, but there are treatment options for the symptoms. Medication is effective in treating the symptoms of this disease, but not everyone responds to them.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions in the United States. This condition is known as swollen or inflamed veins within the rectum or around the anus. Three of four adults will experience hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. However, hemorrhoids can be extremely mild, and some may not know they have them.
This condition occurs when pressure builds up in the lower rectum. The pressure causes the veins to stretch and become irritated. An increase in pressure can be caused by:
- aging
- pregnancy
- obesity
- anal intercourse
- straining during bowel movements
- sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- chronic diarrhea or constipation
- frequent heavy lifting
Hemorrhoids often go away on their own, but rare cases can become chronic. Chronic hemorrhoids may result in blood clots or anemia. However, these complications are very rare. The best methods of treatment are done at home. Home remedies are found to be very effective.
You should consume up to 20 grams of fiber every day. This will help your stool become solid, which is easier to pass. If you are unable to consume enough grams of fiber, then you should consider fiber supplements. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids with fiber supplements as they can do the opposite and make you constipated without enough fluids.
Katy TX Enterologist
Dr. James Maher is more than just a Katy, TX, enterologist. He is a gastroenterologist who studies a variety of conditions in the digestive system. The few conditions we discussed above are just a few of what Dr. Maher can help diagnose and treat your condition. Call his Katy, Texas, clinic today at (281) 945-5190. You can also view all of his services on his website. Dr. Maher has experience with a variety of conditions that you may be experiencing. So, stop searching “Katy, TX, enterologist” and start calling!
Fun Facts about Katy
- Katy was originally named Cane Island, after the creek that runs through it.
- You can take a walking or driving tour of over a dozen historical homes and buildings downtown.
- Hundreds of geese and wild birds migrate to Katy TX each year.
- Locate more facts about Katy here.