Gastroenterology

Up to 70 million Americans have digestive disorders today.

Screening tests such as colonoscopy prevent colon cancer .

At multispecialty medical practice, Boulevard Medical HealthCare/Tender Medical Care, P.C., Nirmala Tummalapenta, MD, and the team of experts offer gastroenterology care on-site r office in the Bronx, New York. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule today.  

What is gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine that evaluates, diagnoses, and treats conditions and diseases within the entire gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. This includes:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine (colon, rectum, and anus)
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Bile ducts
• Liver

Gastroenterology focuses on every aspect of these organs, including their health and function both independently and in combination with the rest of the digestive tract.

When might I need to see a gastroenterology specialist? 

Your internal medicine provider at Boulevard Medical HealthCare/Tender Medical Care, P.C.,

may send you to an in-house gastroenterology specialist if you have frequent symptoms such as:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Blood in your stool, on toilet tissue, or in toilet bowl
• Pale stools
• Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)

Symptoms in the upper digestive tract could come from issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common causes of lower digestive tract symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colon polyps.

Many other conditions, including gallbladder disease and liver disease, can also cause disruptive issues.

People over the age of 45 need to see a gastroenterology specialist annually for colon cancer screening (usually a colonoscopy) as well. Up to 75% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented with colonoscopy screenings.

What does gastroenterology diagnosis involve? 

Boulevard Medical HealthCare/Tender Medical Care, P.C., has the best-equipped facility in their area, giving you a complete range of diagnostic testing on site. 

You may need noninvasive or minimally invasive tests such as an upper GI series to examine your upper digestive tract, a colonoscopy to examine your large intestine or a manometry test to check esophagus function. 

What types of gastroenterology treatments are available?

Your specific treatment plan varies with your diagnosis, the stage of your condition, and your personal wishes. Gastroenterology treatment often includes lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, as well as medication to help your digestive system function better. 

In some cases, GI disorders may require minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove obstructions or restore normal function. In late-stage serious conditions, with colon cancer or Crohn’s disease as examples, you may need more complex surgery to remove the affected part of your intestine.

Boulevard Medical HealthCare/Tender Medical Care, P.C., provides full-spectrum gastroenterology and holistic whole-body care in one convenient office. Call the office or book your appointment online now.