A lot of people suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD, regular acid reflux, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Such people should see a specialist known as a gastroenterologist in order to get the proper treatment for their ailments before the issue worsens and cause other problems.
A specialist in Gastroenterology in Petal, MS, works with patients who suffer from various issues of the digestive system and prescribes whatever medicine or treatment is necessary. Here is a look at what the gastroenterologist will do for patients.
Who Should See a Gastroenterologist
Those people who suffer frequently from heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive ailments may be wondering what doctor to see first. If they have a primary care physician, their insurance will probably require them to see the PCP first who will then refer them to a specialist for the particular digestive ailment they are experiencing. After trying over-the-counter drugs such as Prevacid, Nexium, and Zantac, if the person doesn’t get any relief, a specialist will surely be needed to get to the root of the problem. The specialist will use Ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans to pinpoint the problems.
More about Who Should See a Gastroenterologist
The gastroenterologist will also see patients who are experiencing problems with their liver, pancreas, and colon, sometimes doing a colonoscopy to check for polyps and other signs of cancer. A person may be frightened of going to a specialist, automatically thinking that it means cancer, but it is better to be with a specialist in case there is something that needs specialized training. In fact, a gastroenterologist should be seen regularly (at least every three years) when a person reaches the age of 50.
Finding a Gastroenterologist in Mississippi
A person’s primary care physician will be able to find a specialist for patients who need a gastroenterologist in Mississippi. Hattiesburg G.I. Associates is a gastrointestinal clinic that sees patients with various issues in the digestive tract, ranging from hemorrhoids to irritable bowel syndrome to colon cancer. If a person needs to see a specialist in Gastroenterology Petal MS, the clinic is available. Visit website at for more information.
