Sometimes, you need the help of a Sealy TX enterologist out of all of the digestive specialists available. The medical field has a vast number of practices. Some specialists specialize in particular organs, while others focus on an entire system. An enterologist is one among the former since they focus on the intestinal organs.
An enterologist is a specialist that focuses specifically on your intestinal tract. On the other hand, gastroenterologists are specialists that focus on the entirety of your digestive system. Unlike these gastro specialists, enterologists may have more specialized knowledge of your intestines. They understand how they work and what happens when they don’t.
However, that doesn’t mean a general digestive specialist can’t diagnose or treat issues that originate from your intestinal organs. Dr. James Maher is a board-certified gastroenterologist with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
He graduated from Medical College of Virginia and then completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of California-Irvine. He also completed a one-year Fellowship in Hepatology and a two-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the same university. With his extensive knowledge and training, Dr. Maher can also pinpoint and treat any of your intestinal issues.
The Part of Your Body a Sealy TX Enterologist Oversees
Enterologists and colon doctors work in a similar vein. That’s because the colon is another name for your large intestine. However, that isn’t all there is to your intestinal tract. Your intestinal tract includes the entire latter half of your digestive system.
This part of the system spans from the end of your stomach to the end of the digestive system. It includes your small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. This part of the system absorbs the nutrients from the food the beginning of the system breaks down. It is also in charge of removing any waste from your body.
Starting from your small intestine, this part of your intestinal tract is 20 feet long. That’s right; although it’s only an inch or so in diameter, it’s long enough to be several times your height. Your small intestine is in charge of absorbing nutrients from the food your stomach broke down.
It then connects to your large intestine, which is about five feet long. It’s a couple of inches wider in diameter than your small intestine. This portion of your intestinal tract absorbs water from waste, creating stool. It then passes through your rectum, which works to remove it from your body.
So, if anything goes wrong with your intestinal tract, there’s something wrong with the way it processes the nutrients or waste. Common symptoms you may have are constipation, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Although these may pass with medicine or time, there may be an underlying issue if they’re persistent.
Intestinal Issues You May See an Enterologist For
Your body expresses any digestive issues in comfortable or painful ways. You may experience stomach pain, constant constipation, or frequent diarrhea. If you can’t explain away these symptoms, there may be an underlying issue you’re unaware of. A Sealy TX enterologist can diagnose and treat the cause of your symptoms or help you manage them.
Other than those symptoms, there are other disorders they can pinpoint and treat. One of those is the stomach flu, which is the inflammation of the small intestine. Some severe disorders include Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis. They can also pinpoint and treat some cancers.
Some of these disorders are long-term conditions with no actual cure. However, you can manage the symptoms with the appropriate medicine and treatment plan. At the same time, there are some that you can treat and are preventable if the doctor catches them early.
Colon cancer is an example of a preventable issue. You can go through a colorectal cancer screening, which is a non-surgical procedure. The procedure allows the doctor to inspect the inside of your rectum and colon. During the screening, they can take samples and remove any suspicious tissues which may house cancerous cells.
If you’re experiencing any persistent digestive symptoms, don’t hesitate to give the clinic of Katy Stomach Doctor a call.
Treatments and Procedures a Sealy Enterologist May Offer
For the most part, eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising keep your digestive system in good condition. And, if your digestive system protests to your eating habits, your doctor may suggest a new diet. This diet may be temporary to allow your intestines to recover. Or, this diet may be permanent to help manage your symptoms.
The doctor may also prescribe medicines. Sometimes, one of your intestines has an infection that needs some extra help. Other times, taking medication may be one of the more efficient ways to ease your symptoms. It can range anywhere from a laxative to an antibiotic.
Of course, there are also several non-surgical procedures that an intestinal or colon doctor can conduct. These tests allow them to get more specific information. That’s because some disorders have overlapping symptoms, even if they have different causes. Some tests may include a biopsy, blood testing, or an endoscopic procedure.
The doctor inserts a tiny camera into your body during an endoscopic procedure. This camera allows them to view the inside of your intestinal tract. Although it can’t pinpoint the cause of every disorder, they use this procedure as a type of cancer screening.
Contact the Clinic of Katy Stomach Doctor James Maher
Digestive symptoms are one of the common issues people see a doctor for. Your primary care doctor may refer you to an enterologist. Usually, this happens because your condition may need more specialized knowledge. Or, you may need a test only an enterologist’s medical center may offer.
Here at the clinic of Katy Stomach Doctor, Dr. James Maher can diagnose and treat any of your digestive symptoms. Whether you have something mild or more severe, he has the knowledge and expertise to help ease your discomfort. Call us or visit the office to schedule an appointment with a Sealy TX enterologist today.
Sealy, Texas Fun Facts:
- Sealy was founded in 1879.
- The community gets its name from George Sealy, who was a director of the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad.
- The city began as a railroad town, which in turn brought a lot of commercial opportunities to its residents.
- For more fun facts, visit Sealy’s official page.