The gastroenterologists at First California Physician Partners specialize in abdominal pain treatment of various digestive conditions that affect the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, rectum, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts and pancreas. 

• Stomach ulcer treatment
• Abdominal pain treatment
• Diarrhea treatment
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Acid reflux treatment
• Barrett's esophagus
• Hemorrhoids treatment
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Constipation
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Cirrhosis
• Diverticulitis
• Colon cancer
• Hepatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Jaundice

What Is Gastroenterology?

• Gastrointestinal organs
• Movement of material through the stomach and intestines
• Digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Removal of waste from the body
• Liver

What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?

The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal tract (GI), a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube that runs from your mouth to your anus. Other gastrointestinal organs include:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Bile ducts
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas

The digestive organs produce juices to aid digestion, a process that breaks down food into nutrients your body uses for energy, growth and cell repair.

Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. They perform endoscopic procedures and usually work closely with other subspecialties to provide care for people. In an endoscopy, gastroenterologists use narrow, flexible tubes with built-in video cameras to view the intestinal tract and sedating medications to ensure the comfort and safety of patients.

Their training allows gastroenterologists to correctly interpret advanced procedures' findings and biopsy results, such as endoscopic biliary examination, removal of tumors without surgery, placement of internal drainage tubes or stents and endoscopic ultrasound.

A gastroenterologist may work with:

• Surgeons who treat conditions that require operation
• Hepatologists who specialize in the liver
• Radiologists who specialize in imaging
• Oncologists who specialize in cancer
  

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorder?

• Blood in your stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Heartburn not relieved by antacids
• Difficulty swallowing
• Constant constipation or diarrhea
• Persistent acid reflux or heartburn

People age 45 and over may benefit from consulting a gastroenterologist to screen for colorectal cancer. Having a family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk. Ask your doctor about when to start getting screenings or colonoscopies.

Help for Better Gut Health

A healthy gut is essential to your overall health and well-being. Making healthy choices can help your gut stay on track for life. Here are some tips to ease your digestion and help keep severe conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and IBS, at bay:

• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
• Avoid processed food and red meat, which increase your risk for colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Chew your food slowly. Less air while swallowing can help you feel fuller.
• Eat in moderation to avoid GERD and encourage proper digestion.
• Limit your food intake after dark. Digestion works best in the daytime.
• Reduce stress through relaxation, breathing, mindfulness and exercise.
• Create a schedule for your digestive tract and eat around the exact times each day.
• Consider taking probiotics to help ease constipation and IBS symptoms.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Modesto

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to a gastrointestinal condition, have been recently diagnosed, or know someone who has, First California Physician Partners can help. Our goal is to help you better understand your gut health. Our dedicated team of experienced gastroenterologists performs gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 209-577-3388 or booking an appointment online.