A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor examines the lining of the large intestine, which is the colon, rectum, and anus, and removes abnormal growths, called polyps. A long, flexible tube equipped with a tiny video camera is inserted through the rectum into the colon. The camera displays images of the inside of the colon on a video monitor, allowing your doctor to detect any abnormal growths, which may be precancerous or cancerous. Colonoscopies are generally performed as part of a ... [Read More]
Gastroenterologists near me
Receive a Colonoscopy By Year’s End (and Maximize Your Deductible)
As we head into the last few months of 2022, now is the ideal reminder to consider the situation of your overall health and your wellness goals for the coming year. One option to help you stay on top of these goals might be to book your routine colorectal screening with an experienced GI doctor. Even though other colon cancer screening testing methods are available, colonoscopy is perhaps the most reliable and efficient of all screenings in the field. The doctors at Austin Gastroenterology ... [Read More]
Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Drops from 50 to 45
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Recent studies show a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals younger than 50 years of age, prompting ACS and USPSTF (U.S. Preventative Services Task Force) to lower the recommended screening age to 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Getting screened even younger and more often may be recommended for those at higher ... [Read More]
Types of Crohn’s Disease Treatments
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are certain genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease ... [Read More]
How Is Hepatitis A Diagnosed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of hepatitis A cases in the United States has increased significantly over the past few years, with 12,474 total cases reported in 2018 alone. The numbers could be higher – possibly closer to 24,900 cases – as there are people who have the disease but do not develop symptoms and therefore do not get properly diagnosed. In this blog, you’ll learn more about hepatitis A, specifically its symptoms as well as how it’s ... [Read More]