Health Implications of Eye Color

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Changes in eye color could be benign or serious, so it is always wise to visit your ophthalmologist if you have concerns.

Why Are My Eyes Changing Color?

Most eye color changes are harmless, but some alterations can indicate you have a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

  1. Pigment loss — There are a few reasons you may lose pigment in the iris. One condition is pigment dispersion syndrome, where pigment rubs off the back of the iris and can increase eye pressure.
  2. Black pupils — Trauma or a blow to the eye could cause the pupil to remain dilated, which can make the eye look black. Iris damage can cause tissue loss and make the eye color look different.
  3. Red eyes — Uveitis, or inflammation of the eyeball, can be caused by infection or inflammatory conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
  4. Hazy ring around the cornea — Most older adults develop a condition called senilisis, or an accumulation of fat in the eye. The ring can appear blue or white, and it can sometimes appear to alter the color of the iris.
  5. Cloudy eyes — Cataracts can make the eyes look milky white and make vision appear hazy and blurry. The good news is that cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery, and you can have intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted that are customized to your vision needs.
  6. Eye color darkening — Glaucoma medication called prostaglandins can make brown eyes look darker and hazel eyes appear brown. Another condition that can darken the iris is a nevus or freckle. This can cause a dark spot on the iris and is usually benign, but if the freckle changes over time, it can be concerning for possible melanoma.

Make an Appointment for an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam

If your eyes look like they are changing color, do not panic. It’s always best to call your ophthalmologist for an appointment. In most cases, eye color changes have no bearing on your health. However, eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration can develop slowly and often do not cause symptoms in the early stages.

When is the last time you scheduled a full exam with dilation? A yearly comprehensive eye exam tests more than your vision. It offers a window into your overall health. An ophthalmologist can sometimes detect signs of hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol while checking your eyes. Make your eye health a priority and call today.

Losing Weight Helps Knee Arthritis, Pain

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To maintain your health and mobility, it is important for individuals to sustain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise.

According to a recent study, weight gain of 11 pounds may increase some patients’ need for total joint replacement surgery.

Researchers reported the odds of knee surgery increases by 35 percent for women and 25 percent for men.

Weight Affects Osteoarthritis

Researchers from Melbourne, Australia, reviewed 20 prior studies that examined the relationship between weight gain and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million US adults. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Symptoms of arthritis can include swelling, pain and stiffness most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

OA was more likely to develop with an 11-pound weight gain, which had significant negative effects on knee joints. Knee pain and stiffness increased while range of motion decreased, the study revealed.

“We know that people tend to put on nearly 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) a year as they get older, but the good news is that there is evidence from previous studies that it is possible to prevent weight gain,” lead researcher Anita Wluka, PhD, told Medical Xpress. Dr. Wluka works with the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Review Your Options

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, getting optimal sleep and reducing stress.

Doctors may treat osteoarthritis of the knee with muscle strengthening exercises, medications and supportive devices, such as crutches or canes. Surgery may be recommended if other treatment options have not been effective. (CDC)

By implementing these treatments and losing 10 percent or more of total body weight, knee arthritis may improve for some patients. Other patients, however, might need a new artificial joint if the pain continues or worsens.

Total knee replacement surgery can offer relief if you are suffering from chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis or other joint problems. An orthopedic surgeon performs this procedure, which offers long-term relief from chronic joint pain.

It’s important not to delay your diagnosis and treatment for any knee problems. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Discover Why It Is Essential to Get a Colonoscopy Exam

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Are you aware that the five-year survival rate for individuals with colon cancer is 90% if the condition is found and treated early on in its development? In terms of catching colorectal cancer and additional colorectal concerns, colonoscopy has gained a reputation in the gastroenterology community as the most reliable, effective exam.

The skilled practitioners at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates regularly conduct colonoscopy screenings for patients throughout our community. Keep reading as our New Orleans, LA digestive health team discusses the important role colonoscopies play in safeguarding gastrointestinal health.

Who is a good candidate for a colonoscopy?

Undergoing routine colonoscopies is recommended for adults 45 years of age or older. Younger patients might also be advised to have a cancer screening if meeting any of the following criteria:

  • You have a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Your family medical history includes colon cancer or polyps
  • You show signs or symptoms that could indicate colon or rectal cancer, including:
    • Blood in the stool
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Abdominal pain
    • Unintentional weight loss

Please note that the symptoms here are also seen with other gastrointestinal diseases, making it vital to set up a colonoscopy exam to assess your symptoms and digestive health. Contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn more information about other conditions that may be uncovered with a colonoscopy screening.

How long does a colonoscopy exam take?

For most individuals, the whole colonoscopy exam typically takes a few hours, from preparation to recovery. You should make plans to arrive at your colonoscopy doctor’s facility or endoscopy center in New Orleans, LA 1 – 1.5 hours before your scheduled exam time. This will provide you extra time to fill out any necessary patient forms and change into a medical gown. Once you are ready, you’ll be shown into the exam room, where the medical staff will administer a sedative to make you feel more relaxed and at ease throughout the colonoscopy exam.

Generally speaking, a colonoscopy exam takes 15 – 30 minutes. Your physician will carefully position the colonoscope (a flexible, probe-mounted video camera) into your rectum, gradually advancing it forward and watching the live video feed for any conditions. If colorectal polyps are detected during the screening, your GI doctor may remove them at this time.

After the colonoscopy, you will relax in a recovery area to allow the sedative effects to diminish. This might take up to an hour, depending on the quantity of sedation required and your reaction to it. It’s common to be drowsy for the rest of the day, so plan ahead to have someone escort you home. You should also avoid strenuous activity or completing important paperwork until you recover. You will be given a printed report outlining your procedure results and will likely be contacted by your GI doctor regarding any biopsy results typically within seven days.

Routine colonoscopies are a small investment in time for the diagnostic benefits and peace of mind they provide. To hear more about what to expect when undergoing a colonoscopy screening, connect with a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you to find a doctor who offers colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA.

Does a colonoscopy carry any risks I should consider?

When it comes to risks, there is a small possibility that some indications or conditions (including colorectal growths) might not be readily visible in your colonoscopy procedure. It’s crucial to reach out to your GI specialist and keep them informed of any persisting or new symptoms.

Additional possible risks affiliated with a colonoscopy screening include piercing of the large intestine, unfavorable response to the sedative medication, or bleeding (in the event any growths are excised). Keep in mind, however, that less than 1% of colonoscopies incur complications, most of which are minor. If you have any questions or concerns involving the risks associated with a colonoscopy, our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team will be pleased to go over those with you.

Find a colonoscopy doctor in New Orleans, LA

Given that colon and rectal cancer rates are trending upward in the younger adult population, the importance of having a colonoscopy to preserve your gastrointestinal health cannot be emphasized enough. If you are age 45 or older or have an elevated risk of developing colon or rectal cancer, contact the gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn more about a colonoscopy exam. Take charge of your GI health and get in touch with our New Orleans, LA team today.

Explore the Differences Between a Colonoscopy and an Endoscopy Procedure

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Have you been experiencing abdominal pain or bowel conditions? An endoscopic procedure can offer a minimally invasive solution to pinpoint the gastrointestinal (GI) problems affecting your health. Our gastrointestinal doctors in New Orleans, LA utilize endoscopic services to examine the different areas of the GI tract. These options help lessen the need for more invasive procedures and long healing times.

An endoscopy is a commonly performed procedure that assists with the diagnosis of conditions found in the esophagus, throat, stomach, and the rest of the abdomen. Among the more well-known endoscopic assessments is a colonoscopy screening, which aids in identifying and reducing the development of colon and rectal cancer.

What are the differences between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, and how might these endoscopic procedures improve your health? Continue reading to learn more about these exams offered at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our experienced team works to ensure patients in and around the New Orleans, LA area can get the treatment needed for digestive health.

What are the primary differences between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy?

Even though an endoscope (a long, thin, and bendable device containing a camera and light) is used to obtain high-resolution pictures for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, there are a few primary distinctions between these two procedures.

In instances when the upper portion of the digestive tract must be viewed, an upper endoscopy is conducted. With this approach, the endoscope is positioned in your mouth. It then travels through the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. Comparatively, a colonoscopy might be conducted if the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract needs to be examined. With a colonoscopy procedure, the endoscope is positioned in the rectum and advanced into the large intestine (colon).

Further differences involve the preparation process for colonoscopies vs. endoscopies. When preparing for a colonoscopy procedure, you’ll likely only consume clear liquids for 24 hours prior to your appointment. Instructions on how to clear your bowel of stool will be given and might involve the use of laxatives or cleansing solutions. This permits easy assessment of the rectum and large intestine.

Prepping for an upper endoscopy is simpler. You should fast from drinks or food for around six hours before the procedure and cease taking certain blood thinners as recommended by your doctor. If you’d like to learn more about the variations between an endoscopy vs. a colonoscopy, request an appointment with our Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team to have your questions answered.

How are endoscopies performed?

During the course of an endoscopy exam, a slender, flexible device (endoscope) is positioned into your mouth and carefully advanced beyond the throat and eventually into the small intestine. If necessary, special equipment can be attached to the endoscope to help provide solutions for a variety of concerns. These tools can be utilized to collect tissue for biopsies, remove food that’s stuck in the upper GI tract, or open a narrowed area (stricture).

Reasons for needing an endoscopy procedure vary. If you notice symptoms that affect your health, our endoscopy specialists in New Orleans, LA may recommend scheduling this type of exam. An endoscopy can allow our team to identify the ideal treatment option for your ailment. In many instances, an endoscopy can be a helpful approach if you experience the following:

  • Bloody stool
  • Persistent bowel changes (such as diarrhea or constipation)
  • Unexplained abdominal discomfort
  • Chronic heartburn or chest pain

How do colonoscopies work?

During a colonoscopy exam, an endoscope is gently positioned in the rectum and colon. The device sends real-time video images to a monitor so your physician can assess the large intestine. During this time, tissue biopsies can be taken to learn if cancer cells are present, and precancerous polyps (growths) can be excised.

It’s crucial to have a colonoscopy procedure if you have a family history of colon cancer or when you turn 45. Colonoscopies can also be performed if you notice the following signs or symptoms more consistently:

  • Feeling bloated
  • Ongoing fatigue
  • Thin or narrow stools
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Change in bowel movements
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Bloody stools

Find relief from GI problems with endoscopic options

An endoscopic approach can allow your healthcare practitioner to find and treat GI conditions like intestinal blockages, growths, unexplained abdominal discomfort, and other problems. When you schedule a consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, compassionate care for your digestive issues is close at hand. We look forward to helping you get relief from your GI symptoms and bowel disorders. Get in touch with our gastroenterology specialists in New Orleans, LA now to arrange for a treatment consultation.

Why You Should Have a Gastrointestinal Doctor on Your Medical List

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You go to your primary doctor for your annual tests, so why do you need a gastrointestinal doctor? Many reasons!

A gastrointestinal doctor has a specialty: Your digestive system. And your digestive system includes your esophagus all the way where your food travels through everything in your digestive tract…to its exit.

That means a gastroenterologist is more well-versed in every tiny nuance of your gastrointestinal system and is up-to-speed on every in-the-minute cause and treatment option. Your gastrointestinal doctor can often diagnose and treat those issues more efficiently than your primary doctor, because your gastrointestinal doctor has all the tools at their disposal.

Plus it always helps to know where to go when you have stomach pain, instead of waiting for it to get better (which can make things worse).

When you’d see a gastrointestinal doctor

  • Whenever you have pain in your throat, like difficulty swallowing or a burning down your throat, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Anytime your stomach hurts after eating – whether from ulcers,  indigestion or from something like Celiac Disease or lactose intolerance – a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • If you get frequent heartburn, acid reflux or GERD, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Sudden weight loss (when you aren’t actively dieting or exercising frequently) means something is amiss, and a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Bowel movement concerns – including diarrhea and constipation – that occur persistently can indicate an issue that a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Any bleeding from the rectum isn’t normal and should be investigated…so a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
  • Plus when you turn 45 (or have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer), you’ll need a colonoscopy from a gastrointestinal doctor.

A gastrointestinal doctor can work with you to keep your colon healthy (and you can use these 6 Tips for a Healthy Colon to get started) and reduce your pain and discomfort.

Metro Detroit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. can help!

Schedule your appointment today with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., and let us talk with you about your gastrointestinal concerns. We can figure out what’s causing you pain and get you on the path to feeling better!

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Is in November

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Many Americans likely know at least one person who has or who has experienced some form of cancer. You may even be affected by this condition. While many can identify the signs of breast cancer, or other common types of cancer, stomach cancer is one form that can come about quietly and quickly, and commonly isn’t diagnosed until it’s in the later stages. In an effort to draw attention to this frequently silent disease, November is designated as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month.

Read on to explore important information to know about stomach cancer so you may have a heightened awareness of this disease and know what to do should you ever find yourself dealing with this health concern. In the event you or a member of your family has stomach cancer or is at an increased risk, get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to request a visit. Our group of experienced gastroenterologists in New Orleans, LA can help you receive the advanced treatment you need.

What, exactly, is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is diagnosed in around 30,000 people across the United States annually. It develops when the cells located in the stomach start to grow uncontrollably. Gastric cancer commonly develops over several years and starts with premalignant growths within the stomach lining. These developments commonly go unnoticed given that they don’t generally present any associated symptoms.

Given that evaluating for gastric cancer is not as common as colon cancer, it might often go undetected until the condition has spread or grown quite large. When this stage occurs, individuals will most likely begin to have signs or symptoms.

Are there common signs of stomach cancer?

As the condition progresses, several common gastric cancer symptoms may occur, including:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Heartburn symptoms/abdominal discomfort
  • Feeling full even after having a small meal
  • Blood in the stool

If you notice any of these stomach cancer symptoms, our skilled New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists can help. Please contact our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to visit a skilled provider.

Who is at risk of gastric cancer?

As indicated by the American Cancer Society®, the average age of a person diagnosed with stomach cancer is 68. Furthermore, approximately 60% of those with a stomach cancer diagnosis are over 65.

There are an array of additional things that increase a person’s chance of having stomach cancer outside of their age, including:

  • Previous stomach problems (such as Menetrier disease, polyps, acid reflux, or stomach ulcers)
  • Tobacco and alcohol use
  • Ethnicity (more prevalent in Asian/Pacific, Native American, African American, and Hispanic individuals)
  • Gender (more common among males)
  • Location (more prevalent among those from South American, Central America, Eastern Europe, and East Asia)
  • Diet (more common in those who eat a high-sodium diet or a large amount of processed foods)
  • Family history of gastric cancer
  • Weight (more prevalent in overweight or obese persons)
  • Occupation (more prevalent in people who work in the coal, rubber, or metal industries)

How is gastric cancer treated?

In the event you or a family member has been diagnosed with gastric cancer, our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal (GI) doctors can determine a dynamic gastric cancer treatment plan depending on the type, stage, and progression of the disease.

Forms of treatment protocols our team might consider involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other services. We will also take your age, overall health, and additional information into account when devising a treatment plan.

Is there a way to prevent gastric cancer?

Although there is no absolute method to prevent the occurrence of gastric cancer, there are a few things you can do to lower the risks, such as:

  • Consuming a balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits (particularly citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges) and veggies, limited processed or red meats, and whole grains
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding tobacco use

Elevating awareness is the first step in preventing stomach cancer

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we strive to help all patients live happy, healthy lives. Even though our team is devoted to addressing your GI needs, we are passionate about providing the information required to potentially prevent certain gastrointestinal conditions and issues. Since Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is in effect, now is the ideal time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists to learn your risk of gastric cancer and how you might take steps to protect your GI health.

Shoulder Injuries Common in Racket Sports

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Across America, pickleball is gaining popularity as a fast-paced, competitive sport for all ages and skill levels.

In fact, pickleball is the new major league sport of choice for many professional athletes. NFL Super Bowl champs Drew Brees and Tom Brady, NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Love and other high-profile stars now own or partner with Major League Pickleball teams.

Invented in 1965, this popular indoor-outdoor sport combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The game can be played as singles or doubles, with two or four players.

Before taking the ready position on the court, players need to protect their bodies from injury.

Stretching May Prevent Rotator Cuff Problems

Like other paddle or racket sports, pickleball requires repetitive movement and motion of your arms and legs. During a game, players use a paddle to hit a plastic ball with holes over a slightly modified tennis net on a badminton-size court.

When making an overhead shot or slam, the force generated by the rotator cuff tendon can cause, aggravate or worsen rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles and four tendons around the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons work together to provide the range of motion in the shoulder.

Additionally, playing racket sports could lead to other injuries, like meniscus tears, tendon ruptures and aggravation of arthritic knees (MedicalXpress).

To help prevent these repetitive motion injuries, experts say stretching and exercising before playing sports helps to maintain the body’s flexibility and strengthen the muscles.

Doctors in sports medicine advise players to warm up before and ice down after every game. Drinking plenty of water and wearing proper shoes are some additional safety tips to reduce injury.

Pay Attention to Pain Warnings

“Consider seeing a physician if you have pain that gets progressively worse in the shoulder or pain that persists for a long time after your activity,” Bruce Moseley, MD, of the Baylor College of Medicine, told MedicalXpress. “These may be warning signs of a torn rotator cuff tendon, so make sure to get it checked.”

The severity of the pain or injury may determine the treatment needed for a full recovery. Doctor recommendations for a torn rotator cuff tendon may include physical therapy, altering activity, rest, pain medication or injections to reduce inflammation.

If the pain does not respond to nonsurgical methods or the injury worsens, shoulder arthroscopy or other surgery options may be advised.

“The success rate of surgery to permanently fix the problem goes down as the size of the tear goes up …,” Moseley told MedicalXpress. “If we can get to the tear and fix it while it is small, the success rate is much higher.”

Do not let shoulder problems, knee pain or injuries keep you from playing pickleball or other sports you enjoy. Take a minute to request an appointment with your orthopedist for an evaluation.

Race Could Affect the Disparity in Certain Eye Diseases

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Eye disease does not affect all races equally. Studies show that Black individuals may be at increased risk for chronic eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

November Is National Diabetes Month

Diabetic eye disease is a family of eye conditions affecting people with diabetes. These include the following:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Diabetic macular edema
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 11.7 percent of non-Hispanic Black Americans compared to 7.5 percent of non-Hispanic white Americans.

Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss, so it’s important to detect it early. Unfortunately, in many cases, diabetic eye disease has no early warning signs, so getting treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Black Patients Are at Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) often occurs with long-term diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision loss and blindness.

Although there are few symptoms of DR in the early stages, people may experience floaters, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, shadows and missing areas of sight. Data from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) study found that Black individuals were four times as likely as white individuals to have vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, DR causes 17 percent of vision loss among Black individuals.

Black Individuals Are More Likely to Develop Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to the brain. Black individuals are five times more likely to develop glaucoma than white individuals and are six times more likely to go blind from glaucoma. The disease also typically strikes Black patients 10 years earlier than other ethnicities.

Often known as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma usually has no symptoms in the early stages. However, once the condition is diagnosed, it often has already caused permanent vision loss. Black individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant, as they are at a 20 percent higher risk for glaucoma than those with no family history of the disease.

Importance of Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

The most effective way to prevent eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration is by scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams.

“Being that Black patients do not get eye exams as early or frequently, this increases risk for or prevalence of conditions like glaucoma and diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy going undetected,” said Darryl Glover, OD, a private practitioner from Durham, North Carolina. “This puts Black patients in a disadvantaged position by setting off a cascade of events that negatively impact how they function in life. Overall, we need to see all walks of life earlier and more frequently, especially in the Black community” (Healio).

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? Call your ophthalmologist to verify the date of your last eye exam with dilation. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension must be especially vigilant, as they may be at increased risk for eye disease. Your eyes offer a window into your overall health, so contact your eye care center today.

Prevent Reflux with a GERD-friendly Thanksgiving Diet

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Thanksgiving is probably the most anticipated meal of the year, but it can cause serious discomfort for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This year, plan your Thanksgiving menu early to help minimize troublesome symptoms from acid reflux. .

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 20 percent of Americans have GERD. There is no single cause for the condition, but it is characterized by a weak muscle between the esophagus and stomach. The most common symptoms of GERD are regurgitation and heartburn, but not everyone with GERD experiences both symptoms.

National GERD Awareness Week

November 20-26 is National GERD Awareness Week, a time for people who experience symptoms of GERD to seek medical treatment. This year, Thanksgiving falls on the Thursday within National GERD Awareness! If you or a family member has GERD, you can create a GERD-friendly holiday meal that can reduce painful heartburn.

As you plan your menu and shopping list, remember the common GERD trigger foods, which include:

  • Coffee
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Chocolate
  • Mint
  • Tomatoes
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Fatty foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Fried foods

Tips to avoid heartburn on Thanksgiving Day

You can also make some strategic decisions about the Thanksgiving meal to prevent GERD symptoms. Many traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes are high in fat and may aggravate heartburn. Consider replacing casseroles with steamed or roasted vegetables seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Timing is also important. Experts suggest eating earlier in the day to allow more time to digest the meal. Alcohol is a heartburn trigger for many people, so you may want to avoid alcohol or just have a small glass of wine with your early meal. Instead of an after-dinner coffee or glass of spirits, consider drinking a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Seek prompt treatment for GERD symptoms

It is easy to make excuses for heartburn, but delaying GERD diagnosis and treatment could pose serious health risks. Untreated GERD can cause chest pain or a narrowing of the esophagus called a stricture. It can also cause pre-cancerous changes to the esophageal lining called Barrett’s esophagus.

Make an appointment with your gastroenterologist

Contact your gastroenterologist if you experience persistent heartburn, regurgitation, or any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling that food is trapped behind the chest
  • Choking or wheezing
  • Weight loss

Your doctor can recommend lifestyle modifications and medication, if necessary. Call today to make an appointment to discuss your symptoms.

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Get Your Colonoscopy Before Year’s End (and Maximize Your Deductible)

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As we head into the fall and winter months, now is an ideal reminder to take stock of the state of your health and your wellness goals for 2023. One way to help make sure you stay on top of your goals might be to schedule your regular colorectal health screening with an expert GI specialist.

Although other testing methods are available, in the world of colon cancer screening, colonoscopy remains one of the most efficient and reliable of all screenings available. The specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates regularly conduct colonoscopy screenings to help patients identify indicators of colorectal cancer early on and to provide care for any concerns concerning the colon. Keep reading to hear more related to colonoscopies with our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology doctors.

Why is colonoscopy the preferred screening when checking for colon cancer?

Not only does it assist in helping evaluate for markers of colorectal cancer, having a colonoscopy also allows your GI specialist to ascertain the general health of your colon and also take out any polyps discovered in the course of the exam.

Colonoscopy may be recommended for individuals who are at least 45 years of age or for those who:

  • Are from specific ethnicities (African Americans are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer than people of other groups, though no ethnicity is immune.)
  • Have a history of bowel cancer in their family
  • Consume a diet that is low in fiber but high in calories and fat
  • Have specific inflammatory bowel diseases (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) that have been known to increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer

It’s imperative to consult with a digestive health specialist to understand your risk regarding cancer and when to schedule a colonoscopy.

When is the optimal time for me to go in for a colonoscopy?

In the big scheme of things, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to be proactive regarding the care of your health. However, deductibles are due to reset for the majority of health insurance plans, on Jan. 1, so if you have already met your plan’s deductible, now might be the optimal time to get in a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA and to take advantage of your deductible having already been met. If you’re enrolled in a plan that has a flexible savings account (FSA), the end of the year is your last opportunity to use up any money that won’t carry over into the next year.

Additionally, performing any needed health screenings now will set you up to enter into the new year with the knowledge that you’re prioritizing your health needs.

How does a colonoscopy screening work?

Colonoscopies are a frequently performed exam that takes place in a private room at your doctor’s practice location or a local endoscopy center. Upon your arrival at the exam site, preparations will be made, and you will be asked to lie on your side, and a member of our team will administer intravenous (IV) sedation in measured and controlled amounts to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. After sedation is administered, your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates gastroenterology doctor will start the colonoscopy exam by carefully inserting a scope via your rectum and up through the colon, ascertaining your bowel health by way of the camera affixed inside the end of the scope. Depending on the results of the colorectal screening, the test usually takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Reserve a time for your colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA

Colorectal cancer is the cause of over 50,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, but the odds of survival increase exponentially if the cancer is recognized and treated in the early stage of its development. This is the reason it’s imperative to enlist the help of an expert colonoscopy doctor who can recognize the warning signs of cancer and work with you if additional treatments are called for. With the knowledge and resources of our physician-led group of gastrointestinal providers available, the providers at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are here to assist you in ringing in a new year in which caring proactively for your health is a top priority. For additional information regarding colon cancer screenings or to visit with a provider specializing in colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA, please reach out to our GI office today.