If you are currently searching for “Katy TX Gastroenterology Specialist Near Me, you should definitely get in touch with the medical offices James Maher M.D. If you want to set an appointment and want more information, call (281) 945-5190 today.
Additionally, this article contains a general overview of gastroenterology for those without vast experience on the subject. James Maher is one of the most experienced physicians around and has helped countless clients find effective solutions for their stomach problems.
Gastroenterology
This term refers to the study of the normal function and illnesses of the small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. It also has to do with a detailed understanding of the physiology of gastrointestinal organs. This includes the movement of material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients, removal of waste from the system, and functions of the liver as a digestive organ.
It includes common and important conditions like colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, gastrointestinal reflux (heartburn), peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder, biliary tract disease, nutritional problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and pancreatitis. Essentially, anything having to do with digestive organs is part of the study of Gastroenterology.
What You Should Know
The study of gastroenterology includes:
- Functions related to gastrointestinal organs, including the movement of food through the intestines.
- The process of digesting and uptake in the body of nutrients
- It also covers the waste and function of the liver as a digestive organ.
- Investigations of conditions such as colon polyps, heartburn, hepatitis, peptic ulcer, colitis, bile, and bile tract diseases
Types of Diseases
Gastroenterology is a very large branch of medicine, and it includes all several digestive system’s diseases. These are common diseases, like colon cancer, constipation, diarrhea, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, Crohn’s diseases, lactose intolerance, etc.
Generally speaking, there are various procedures that can be performed during a gastroenterology diagnosis. The digestive tract comprises all the organs from the mouth to the anus. Origins for these types of conditions can be anywhere. Here are some ways doctors diagnose stomach problems.
- GI endoscopy tests the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in the upper part.
- The larger intestine (colon) is examined during a colonoscopy.
- Enteroscopy is used in smaller intestine internal depths.
- IRC, or infrared coagulation therapy, is the non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids
Is It Time to See a Gastroenterologist?
If you’re over 50 years of age, it’s probably time that you start seeing a gastroenterologist. If your symptoms are brand new or mild in severity, you’ll want to present them to your regular physician at first, for preliminary testing. After examination, our general physician will let you know if there is any reason to visit a specialist.
You may want to visit a gastroenterologist if you are experienced certain symptoms. This type of physician can help you diagnose and treat any of the myriad disorders that could be related to your symptoms. Here are some signs that should make you consider scheduling a consultation with your gastroenterologist.
Abnormal Bowel Movements
If you are passing fewer than three bowel movements per week, you may be constipated due to neurological issues, blockage, muscular or hormonal malfunction, diet, or other factors. Doctor James Maher helps patients determine what the origin of the problem is.
Furthermore, if your stool is running more than usual for more than a few days, you could be experiencing a problem that’s the result of a virus, parasite/bacteria, lactose intolerance, reaction to a medication, or other digestive disorders, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, just to name a few.
Rectal Bleeding
Overall, there can be various types of causes for rectal bleeding, and they will normally vary in severity. Generally, this means that there is bleeding somewhere else in the digestive tract. An anal fissure (a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus) can cause this. Additionally, it could be caused by hemorrhoids or something extremely serious like cancer.
Frequent Heartburn
Everyone experiences heartburn every now and then, but frequent heartburn may indicate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagus, and in severe cases, esophageal cancer. All in all, if you’re experiencing acid reflux fairly often, you could very well be suffering from GERD/
If You’re 50 Years or Older
People 50 or older should undergo a screening test as a preventative measure and should do so before you experience symptoms. A colonoscopy can help diagnose major issues, colorectal cancer, for example. Furthermore, The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends that anyone between the ages of 50 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Some patients may require a colonoscopy before that time.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain or bloating after you eat, you may want to inform your physician about this, especially if you’re also experiencing nausea or painful bowel movement. If required, you may have o see a gastroenterologist for further examination.
Esophageal Pain
If you are experiencing esophageal pain or are having trouble swallowing, you may want to undergo an upper endoscopy. Additionally, you should immediately visit your physician if the difficulty in swallowing intensifies. An upper endoscopy will help doctors determine the cause of your discomfort and begin the right type of treatment.
About Dr. James Maher
Dr. James Maher is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist in the city of Katy, Texas. He studies at the University of Michigan, and also attended the Medical College of Virginia, graduating in the accelerated program. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at the University of California-Irvine. Subsequently, the next year, he took part in a one-year Fellowship in Hepatology at the University of Southern California. He followed that up with a two-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of California-Irvine.
Katy TX Gastroenterology Specialist Near Me
If you’re searching for “Katy TX Gastroenterology Specialist Near Me,” contact Dr. James Maher’s medical office. Get in touch by calling (281) 945-5190. Moreover, you’ll find more information on our services and our patient forms when you visit our website. For the best treatment options, make Dr. James Maher your Katy TX Gastroenterology Specialist Near Me.
Katy TX Fun Facts
- The city was once known as Cane Island.
- Katy was officially integrated in 1945
- Summers in Katy are hot and brutally humid
- Learn more about Katy here