You may be advised to see a specialist in diseases of the digestive tract, known as a gastroenterology clinical trials, if you experience symptoms such as abnormal bowel movements, rectal bleeding, frequent heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty swallowing, or are old enough to start regular colon and rectal cancer screenings. .
If your symptoms are new or mild in severity, you may want to see your regular doctor first for a preliminary examination. He or she will decide whether you should be referred to a specialist.
What is gastroenterology clinical trials?
When considering the human gastrointestinal system, many are tempted to limit it to the stomach and intestines. In fact, gastroenterology examines the normal function and disease of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver.
The American College of Gastroenterology defines a gastroenterology clinical trials as “a physician with specialized training in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver… The unique training that gastroenterologists receive gives them the ability to provide high-quality, comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. Gastroenterologists perform most of the research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as well as the interpretation of results and are considered experts in this field.”
Procedures performed by gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists perform the following procedures and treatments for which they have received extensive training:
- Upper endoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Polypectomy
- Dilation of the esophagus and intestines
- Hemostasis
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Conditions managed by gastroenterologists
The most common conditions, diseases and disorders diagnosed and treated by gastroenterologists include:
- Cancer (gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, colorectal)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome (CAPS)
- Celiac disease
- Gastroparesis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Gallbladder disease
- GERD (heartburn, acid reflux)
- Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the lowest part of the anus and anus)
- Hepatitis C
- Polyps (abnormal tissue growths)
- Ulcers (painful ulcers in the lining of the stomach)
- Pancreatitis
There are some common signs and symptoms that may warrant a visit to your gastroenterology clinical trials, who can then diagnose and treat any of the myriad associated disorders.
Here are seven symptoms to consider when scheduling a consultation with your gastroenterology clinical trials:
1. Abnormal bowel movements
Constipation
If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, your constipation may be caused by a blockage, neurological problems, a muscle or hormonal disorder, diet, or other factors. A gastroenterologist can help determine the cause.
Diarrhea
If loose stools persist for more than a few days, it may be caused by a virus, parasite/bacteria, lactose intolerance, drug(s) reaction, or evidence of other digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to name a few.
Excessive gas
Although everyone experiences gas, excessive gas can be a concern and may indicate lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer, among other symptoms.
2. Rectal bleeding
The causes of blood in the stool can vary in severity, but it generally means that there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. This can be caused by an anal fissure (a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus), hemorrhoids, or something that requires medical attention, such as cancer.
3. Frequent heartburn
Occasional heartburn is probably nothing to worry about, but frequent heartburn can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and possibly esophageal cancer. If acid reflux occurs frequently, you may be diagnosed with GERD and given medication to ease your discomfort. An examination can confirm the diagnosis.
4. You are of legal age (45+ years) for regular colorectal cancer screenings
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The screening test is preventive and should be done before symptoms appear. Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps detected and removed during a colonoscopy. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Some patients need screening colonoscopies earlier, especially if they have a family history of colorectal cancer.
5. Abdominal pain and bloating
Occasional mild abdominal pain and bloating may not be sufficient reason to visit a specialist. However, if it persists after almost every meal or is accompanied by nausea or painful bowel movements, tell your doctor, who may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further tests.
6. Sore throat or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Some diseases can cause difficulty swallowing or make you unable to swallow. Frequent or worsening esophageal pain or difficulty swallowing may require a gastroenterology clinical trials to perform an upper endoscopy to determine the cause and begin treatment.
7. Unexplained weight loss
Diet and exercise usually lead to gradual weight loss. However, a sudden, rapid decline, such as 5 percent over six to 12 months, may indicate an underlying condition such as chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or a peptic ulcer.
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