What Is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that deals with the digestive system and its disorders.
You might not think about your GI system very often, but it’s a crucial part of your overall health. It includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. It is responsible for helping you digest food and absorb nutrients. Problems that can arise within your digestive system include conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and more.
The doctors at Saddleback Medical Group Gastroenterology specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions, as well as provide routine checkups and screenings for gastrointestinal (GI) health. We also offer a variety of treatment options to help our patients manage their conditions, including medication, dietary changes, and surgery when necessary.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your digestive health, don’t hesitate to call Saddleback Medical Group Gastroenterology at (949) 770-7163 to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Signs and Symptoms of GI Issues
How do you know when it’s time to visit a GI doctor? There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with your gastrointestinal tract. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to call us, so we can help you determine what’s causing your symptoms and develop a plan to treat it:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss or gain
- Blood in your stool
If your symptoms or concerns don’t go away after a week or two, it’s important to see a doctor.
Common GI Conditions We Treat
More than 20% of Americans suffer from a GI condition. That's one in every five people. Many different types of GI conditions exist, but luckily, we're here to help. At Saddleback Medical Group Gastroenterology, we routinely treat patients for all sorts of GI problems.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained GI specialists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of gastrointestinal disease and illness, including:
- Acid reflux
- Appendicitis
- Celiac disease
- Colon polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Gallstones
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- GI cancer
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Hiatal hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Ulcers
GI Diagnostic Tests
When you arrive for your appointment at Saddleback Medical Group Gastroenterology, our specialists will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have. Should you need diagnostic tests, we will provide you with all the information you need to prepare.
Tests and procedures we perform, either at our facility or at the Digestive Care Center, include:
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- GI pill cam
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
GI Care in Laguna Hills, CA
If you’re having any problems with your digestive health, don’t hesitate to contact the GI pros at Saddleback Medical Group Gastroenterology in Laguna Hills, California. You can call us at (949) 770-7163 or request an appointment now.
