Gastroenterologist North Carolina

Individuals who struggle with chronic digestive issues or who experience an acute onset of unpleasant digestive symptoms may require treatment from a gastroenterologist. North Carolina residents in need of a gastroenterologist can find it with Carolina Digestive Health Associates. We operate in every major hospital in the Charlotte region and also operate eight private offices and five endoscopy clinics in the area. We provide digestive health services, screenings, and procedures thanks to our 14 highly trained and experienced gastroenterologists.

What Is a Gastroenterologist?

Simply put, a gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the health of the digestive system and the treatment of digestive diseases. Gastroenterologists must complete more extensive medical schooling than standard doctors, including certification in internal medicine and the treatment of specific digestive health conditions. They also thoroughly study the anatomy and physical and structural functions of the human digestive system.

Gastroenterologists generally complete a four-year undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school. Next, the doctor must complete a three-year residency in internal medicine followed by a three-year fellowship, researching specific gastrointestinal diseases and medical conditions. At a minimum, official status as a gastroenterologist requires about 13 years of formal education and practical experience. Some gastroenterologists go even further and complete certification for the treatment of specific conditions. For example, a gastroenterologist focusing on colon cancer treatment would likely complete extensive coursework in oncology.

Why Would I Need to See a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in the treatment of individuals who suffer from digestive diseases. Some of the most common types of digestive disease like irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer entail few to no visible symptoms in the early stages of these diseases, but they can quickly escalate to dangerous or even life-threatening levels if left unchecked.

Some of the most common symptoms of serious colorectal conditions may appear as isolated incidents or responses to certain foods, but it is always important to seek specialist care if digestive symptoms interfere with daily life or do not improve with lifestyle and dietary changes. Some of the most common symptoms that encourage people to see gastroenterologists include:

• Heartburn or acid reflux disease
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent nausea
• Inconsistent or difficult bowel movements
• Periods of constipation followed by diarrhea
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping.

If you experience any of these symptoms for several days or intermittently, it may be time to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

What Can a Gastroenterologist Do for Me?

Gastroenterologists can provide acute care for isolated episodes of adverse bowel symptoms. If a patient suffered some type of internal damage or contracted a temporary illness, a gastroenterologist can accurately diagnose and treat the issue. If a patient struggles with a chronic issue like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or colon cancer, the gastroenterologist will act as a major caregiver throughout the course of the patient’s treatment. Some patients may require long-term or permanent treatment to manage their digestive health issues.

Anyone living with a chronic digestive disease needs care from an experienced gastroenterologist. Some conditions like irritable bowel syndrome may entail different symptoms for different patients, and a gastroenterologist can recommend an appropriate treatment method on the individual level. Gastroenterologists can also help patients manage their symptoms long-term, develop new diet plans, recommend supplements, and prescribe medications.

When to See a Gastroenterologist

Some digestive health issues occur from specific incidents, such as adverse reactions to prescription medications, food poisoning, or as symptoms of other illnesses. However, some gastrointestinal diseases take time to manifest noticeable symptoms. If an individual starts to notice changes in bowel habits, adverse reactions to certain foods, or persistent abdominal pain, it is very important to investigate these issues as soon as possible to rule out the most serious possible diagnoses.

If you struggle with persistent digestive issues, you need treatment from a certified gastroenterologist. North Carolina residents who need digestive health care can find a full range of screenings, surgical procedures, and other digestive health services with Carolina Digestive Health Associates. Contact us during regular business hours at (704) 486-5194 to schedule a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists.

Carolina Digestive Health Associates

Carolina Digestive Health Associates is a group of gastroenterologists serving the residents of North Carolina. We have fourteen highly rated GI doctors who provide service at eight offices and five endoscopy centers. Our doctors work in all major hospitals in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Our physicians, together with our highly trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners, cover a wide range of specialties and are skilled in diagnosis and treatment. Whether you have chronic problems with your digestive tract, a recent, acute attack or simply want a checkup, our team is here in North Carolina to help you reach your healthcare goals.

What We Do

Our team of gastroenterologists in North Carolina is trained to diagnose gastric conditions involving the esophagus, the stomach, the liver, the colon and the rectum. Once we make a diagnosis, we can form a treatment plan tailored to the specific patient and their needs. Some of the common conditions we treat include:

• Constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Celiac disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Colorectal cancer
• Diarrhea
• Esophageal cancer
• Fatty liver
• Gallstone
• Gastritis
• GERD
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose intolerance
• Obesity
• Ulcers

Our team has experience diagnosing and treating these conditions and many more. North Carolina residents in the Charlotte area have come to trust our expertise and our friendly customer service.

Procedures

Our specialists cover a wide variety of fields within gastroenterology and can perform an array of procedures once they have made a diagnosis. Some of the more common procedures are:

• Rectal manometry. This test determines if the rectum is functioning properly and helps to diagnose fecal incontinence and chronic constipation.
• Breath test. A GI doctor can diagnose certain digestive conditions by measuring the gases which a patient exhales.
• Colonoscopy. By means of a camera inserted into the body, doctors can view the intestine and look for polyps, ulcers, bleeding, inflammation and even cancer.
• Polypectomy. If doctors discover polyps during an endoscopy, they will use this procedure to remove them.
• Upper endoscopy. Similar to a colonoscopy, this procedure views the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum for inflammation, ulcers and abnormal growths.
• Esophageal manometry. This test is to determine the strength of the muscles that you use to swallow, which can affect conditions like heartburn.
• Feeding tubes. A GI doctor can insert a feeding tube when necessary if a patient is not able to feed him or herself.
• ORBERA Gastric Balloon. The FDA has approved our non-surgical program to help patients lose weight and form healthy habits to maintain a stable, healthy weight in the long term.

Research

At Carolina Digestive Health Associates in North Carolina, we participate in many clinical research trials. Medicine is a field that constantly advances, and we encourage and participate in this process to discover new and better ways to diagnose and treat digestive disorders. Sometimes, these trials provide treatment options to our patients in North Carolina that they would not be able to get anywhere else.

When Should You Come to See Us?

Persistent or severe symptoms are reasons to schedule a consultation with us in North Carolina. We also recommend regular screenings starting at age 45 for colon cancer. You may need to see a general practitioner first to get a referral. Come see us if you experience any of the following:

• Constipation. Fewer than three bowel movements a week means constipation. If it persists, contact us.
• Diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common problem, but if it doesn't go away it could be a sign of something more serious.
• Heartburn. A burning your stomach and chest could be your stomach acid inflaming the lining of your esophagus.
• Stomach pain. Severe stomach pain could mean you have a gallstone. More persistent, burning pain could be an ulcer.
• Bloating. If you bloat after a meal, your body might be reacting to something you ate. A gastroenterologist can diagnose the cause.
• Hemorrhoids. If the veins in your rectum are swollen or feel irritated, you may have hemorrhoids, which a GI doctor can treat.
• Blood in your stool. If your stool is black and tarry, or if there is red in the water after a bowel movement, you may have a severe problem that requires immediate attention.

For any of the above symptoms or a cancer screening in North Carolina, contact Carolina Digestive Health Associates for a consultation. Call us at (704) 486-5194 and let one of our highly skilled gastroenterologists assist you.