Too Much Screen Time Can Damage Children’s Vision

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Recent research suggests increased time on digital devices has adversely affected children’s eye health and general well-being.

Children Increased Digital Device Usage During the Pandemic

According to a recent paper published in the Journal of School Health, global research studies conducted during the pandemic discovered children and teens significantly increased their screen time. This is not surprising, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of children to adjust to remote learning and depend on digital devices for their education.

Recreational screen time also increased during the pandemic. A study in JAMA Pediatrics found 12- to 13-year-old children in the United States increased their non-scholastic screen time from 3.8 hours per day to 7.7 hours a day.

Digital Eye Strain and Health Risks

Staring at screens can lead to many types of eye problems. For example, too much time on electronic devices puts children at risk for digital eye strain, characterized by itchy, red, watery eyes that can feel irritated and uncomfortable. Staring at screens can also increase the likelihood of dry eye, uncorrected refractive errors and unstable binocular vision.

Using digital devices can also have long-term health consequences. Because it is a passive activity, excessive screen time can cause overeating and even obesity. Studies also show depression and anxiety increase with more screen time, and students’ coping skills decrease. It can also result in physical discomforts like shoulder, neck and back pain.

Using Self-control With Digital Devices

Digital devices are a helpful tool when used in moderation. Remote learning provided essential education to millions of students during the pandemic, and it continues to be an important option for students.

“Schools can make sure time spent on digital devices is maximized for learning and less digital time is encouraged for other activities,” said lead author Professor Shahina Pardhan, director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University. “Governments should work with schools to help shape home-based learning guidelines that encourage creative learning away from devices, including promoting other types of activities and frequent screen breaks” (Medical Xpress).

Tips to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

As parents become more aware of how many hours their children spend on digital devices at school, they can help their children establish screen time limits at home. Here are some helpful guidelines for creating healthy boundaries for your family’s digital device usage:

  • Teach kids the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
  • Limit kids’ video games, online games and TV to weekends.
  • Remind kids that the time they spend on digital devices at school counts toward their daily screen time limits.
  • Talk to your family ophthalmologist about how digital devices can impact their vision.

Schedule Comprehensive Eye Exams for the Family

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam with dilation for your family members? Annual eye exams provide more than just a check-up on your eyesight. They offer a window into your overall health. Call today to make an appointment for a complete eye examination so you can enjoy clear vision for years to come.

How Can a Gastroenterologist Help Me?

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Gastroenterology is a specialized type of medicine devoted to the investigation, identification, and treatment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas are all part of the gastrointestinal tract. Any disturbance in this essential system can have a damaging impact on an individual’s overall wellness and should be evaluated by a gastroenterology expert. Professionals in this field are called gastroenterologists. Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is a leading chief doctor-led system of gastroenterologists (GI specialists) in Louisiana, and we are committed to offering education and remedies that let our clients achieve their ideal intestinal health. You can find a local gastroenterologist in New Orleans, LA by contacting our staff. What does a GI doctor achieve, and when should you find one? Keep reading to find out.

How does one become a gastroenterologist?

After graduating from medical school, some individuals continue their studies and finish approximately 5 – 6 years of specialty training in the area of gastroenterology. These GI specialists have an extreme understanding of what healthy digestion and stool elimination look like, in addition to standard ailments and disturbances that can interfere with gastrointestinal operation. A GI doctor receives thorough instruction on how to execute endoscopic exams, such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopies, which can all be performed to identify and treat different conditions of the GI system.

What is a GI doctor’s specialty?

A gastroenterologist could handle an extensive assortment of digestive afflictions and conditions. A few of the most widely treated diseases include:

  • Cancer: A GI physician will help treat cancers of the GI tract, including colon cancer and gastric cancer.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease: Ailments like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease result in chronic inflammation in the GI system.
  • Pancreatitis: This ailment entails inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Gallbladder stones or cholelithiasis: When bile condenses into solid matter in the gallbladder, gallbladder stones are the outcome.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD: This affliction is marked by repeated and constant heartburn.
  • Celiac disease: The immune system behaves unfavorably to the consumption of gluten, which drives injury to the small intestines.

In addition to handling the above conditions, GI doctors commonly carry out regular colonoscopies to recognize, address, and prevent colon cancer, which is one of the top reasons for cancer fatalities in the country. You can meet a colonoscopy doctor nearby through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. A doctor in our network is available in New Orleans, LA.

When should a person visit a GI physician?

You might talk to a GI specialist when you’re suffering any indicators or symptoms of GI ailments, such as:

  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Chronic constipation
  • White bowel movements
  • Severe or repetitive heartburn
  • Excessive flatulence
  • Lasting diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding

Even if you do not exhibit all of the listed signs, we advise you to visit a GI physician for standard colonoscopies. You should start regular colorectal cancer tests at around 45 years old and then once every decade if you are of low risk and your findings are negative. If you are at elevated danger, like having a family history of colon cancer or serious bowel disease, then it is typically recommended you receive exams earlier and more often. You can find a GI physician nearby by talking to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

Would you like to talk to a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA?

If you or a loved one is experiencing disturbing intestinal indicators, you can believe in the GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to deliver skilled, patient-centric treatments. Our kind GI physicians are among the chief professionals in the industry, and our goal is to reach the utmost clinical principles. Call our facility in New Orleans, LA to discover more.

What You Need to Know About Your Risk Factors: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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You’ve been hearing about it more and more, and it’s true: Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths — but it can be prevented! Early detection is key. For everyone. Because an increasing number of people younger than 40 are being diagnosed with colon cancer … which we can all work to change.

Keeping yourself colon-cancer free means educating yourself about your risk factors, and taking care of your colon by getting a colonoscopy (at age 45, or sooner if you have risk factors).

Risk Factors

Cancer can develop without symptoms that you notice, but when you know your risk factors, you can be more aware of the potential for it to develop — and you can help prevent colon cancer or detect it in its earliest stages in order to increase your survival rate.

Family History

Know your family history: Has anyone in your direct bloodline (including parents, siblings, or children) been diagnosed with colon cancer?  It’s also important to know if any of them had any precancerous polyps that were detected, or any hereditary syndromes that may impact your chances for developing cancer.

Personal History

Beyond that, it’s vital to monitor your own personal history. If you have had any precancerous polyps detected in a prior colonoscopy, no matter how long ago, it’s imperative to continue monitoring things and having routine colonoscopies. Additionally, if you have other health conditions, you may be at increased risk.

Diet

While we are still learning more and more every day, some studies indicate that there may be a chance that what you eat can impact your risk for colon cancer.

In general, we’d love for everyone to eat a balanced, healthy diet full of fresh foods — for a plethora of reasons — and if it helps lower your risk for colon cancer, we’re all for it.

Missing a Colonoscopy

You know it’s something you have to do, but you put it off. But not getting your colonoscopy when you should puts you at greater risk of developing colon cancer in its later stages, which makes it less treatable. In fact, colon cancer mortality doubles if you skip your colonoscopy.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

You know your risk factors, and you’re discussing them with your doctor. The number one way for you to prevent colon cancer is to have a colonoscopy — by age 45, or sooner if you have those risk factors.

A colonoscopy isn’t just about detecting if you already have colon cancer: A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer by actually looking into your digestive tract to see if there are any polyps hanging around. Polyps usually have no symptoms, so we need to be able to have a camera go through to see. And those polyps can be precancerous — so by locating and removing them, we’re able to prevent colon cancer.

For anyone with colon cancer risk factors including a personal history of colon polyps or a family history of colon cancer, a screening colonoscopy, not a stool test, is the right test for you.

In addition, you want to follow tips for a healthy colon to reduce the chances of those polyps even developing in the first place.

Again, what you eat can also play a part: Diet can help prevent colon cancer. Taking care of your health now is benefitting you in the long run — so go ahead and schedule your colonoscopy today!

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

We’re seeing patients for all your intestinal concerns and scheduling colonoscopies — even our Colonoscopy Now — so contact us today to set up your appointment!

Watch Dr. Peter Park Discuss Colorectal Cancer

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On a recent segment of Public Health Matters, Gastroenterologist Dr. Peter Park and Megan Casem, nurse case manager at the Harford County Cancer Prevention Program, discuss colorectal cancer and the importance of getting a colonoscopy screening along with what the Harford County Health Department is doing to help in this area.

Watch the video by clicking the link here. 

Understanding the Anatomy of the Digestive System

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To help digest and properly utilize the food you consume, your body has a highly functional system known as the gastrointestinal or GI tract. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we concentrate on the maintenance and wellness of this vital body system. Our aim is to help you become more in tune with your digestive health, and our experts address a broad array of gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. If you’re in need of a GI specialist in New Orleans, LA, our team can connect you with digestive health experts in your area. We invite you to read on to discover more about the digestive system and how it functions.

What should I know about the gastrointestinal system?

Your digestive tract is made up of a sequence of connected organs that transport and break down the food items you eat. As a result of mechanical and chemical digestive factors, these bodily organs break down food into its most fundamental composition so your body is able to absorb the nutrients it relies on and get rid of the waste. The digestive system consists of hollow organs, like the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and large bowel, that store and propel food through the body. Additionally grouped in the digestive system are the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. These organs hold and generate digestive enzymes and juices, along with conducting other functions.

What structures comprise the gastrointestinal system?

The various portions of the digestive tract work collectively to conduct the critical function of digesting food. GI organs in the order of digestive function are:

  • Oral Cavity: The primary part of the digestive tract, the mouth is where chemical and mechanical digestion starts. We mechanically break food down into smaller bites by chewing, and the saliva begins the chemical part of the digestive process.
  • Esophagus: When food has been diminished into manageable bites, it is delivered to the stomach by passing through the esophagus. The esophagus performs muscular contractions as we swallow, advancing food to the next phase of digestion.
  • Stomach: The stomach is a cavity housed in the upper part of the abdomen. It is where food is stored and mixed with enzymes and acid that further the chemical digestive process.
  • Pancreas: The pancreas creates enzymes that process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and generates insulin, which helps you process sugar.
  • Gallbladder: The important digestive chemical referred to as bile is stored in the gallbladder.
  • Liver: The liver is responsible for many digestive functions, including bile creation and toxin reduction.
  • Small Bowel: The small intestine finishes breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and the broken-down nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • Large Intestine/Colon/Appendix: In the large bowel, water is taken from digested food and the remaining substances are prepared to exit the body as stool.
  • Rectum: The rectum is a chamber found at the end of the large intestine that stores stool until it can be evacuated.
  • Anus: Located at the very end of the gastrointestinal tract, the anus is composed of sphincter muscles that help in managing the evacuation of stool.

A doctor who detects, treats, and helps manage diseases of the intestinal system is referred to as a gastroenterologist or GI physician. You or a loved one can connect with a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, a physician-led team of skilled specialists.

What factors make the gastrointestinal system so important?

The components that make up your gastrointestinal system function to help the body process and absorb important nourishment from the food you eat. These nutrients are then used to provide you with necessary energy, aid in growth and development, and repair cells throughout the body. The processed food left over after digestion is then eliminated from the body as waste. Should you be impacted by digestive conditions, your ability to digest food and get rid of waste properly may be impeded, which can greatly influence your general health and wellness.

When should you visit a gastrointestinal doctor in New Orleans, LA?

Should you notice worrisome symptoms related to your GI health, like chronic heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, or abdominal discomfort, visiting a gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates may be in order. Our physicians in New Orleans, LA strive to place the needs of our patients first, incorporating advanced treatments and technologies to help preserve gastrointestinal health and wellness. If you experience GI symptoms, need a colorectal cancer screening, or wish to find out more on how to preserve your intestinal health, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to set up a consultation visit.

Raising Awareness of IBS: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Countless people are affected by persistent gastrointestinal (GI) distress and bowel concerns. What they might not be aware of is that this could be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This ailment impacts 10 – 15% of people and does not have a cure. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA, we aim to bring attention to this disorder throughout the month of April, which is IBS Awareness Month. Just because there is no long-term remedy, it doesn’t mean you have to live every day in discomfort.

What should I know about irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a persistent digestive condition that influences GI function and affects the large and small intestines. In short, the brain and gastrointestinal tract have problems working together, and it causes the digestive system to become sensitive and the colon muscle to contract more than usual.

These challenges can result in symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain, cramping, irregularity, diarrhea, and more. If you have this disorder, you most likely won’t experience IBS symptoms all the time. In reality, some days may be entirely normal and at other times, symptoms might be worse — it depends on the form of IBS you suffer from. The types of IBS are:

  • IBS with mixed bowel habits
  • IBS with diarrhea
  • IBS with constipation

Our IBS specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates frequently provide IBS treatment to New Orleans, LA citizens. We can determine what kind of irritable bowel syndrome you have and help you find relief.

How is IBS diagnosed?

If you’re noticing signs or symptoms of IBS, it may be smart to get the help of a gastroenterologist near you. Our team can help you determine if your symptoms are from irritable bowel syndrome or something else. Prior to a physical exam, we’ll ask a few questions to help us assess your symptoms and wellness history. In some cases, we may ask you to undergo a blood or stool sample test to rule out any conditions that could be misidentified as irritable bowel syndrome. Typical symptoms of IBS include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Gut pain
  • Gas
  • Urgent bowel needs
  • Swelling
  • Diarrhea or constipation

Once we obtain sufficient proof that you suffer from IBS, our GI specialists in New Orleans, LA can discuss the ideal irritable bowel syndrome treatment to meet your needs.

How is IBS treated?

There is no universal remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, so it could take some trial and error to identify an IBS treatment that benefits you. Despite that, many adults find that they can make some eating and physical activity adjustments and get great results. Common adjustments that generally have an impact on IBS symptoms include:

  • Consuming minor meals more often rather than three larger meals
  • Eating fewer dairy products
  • Avoiding all types of caffeine
  • Stopping smoking
  • Increasing fiber consumption (more veggies, fruits, grains, and supplementary fiber, like Metamucil®)
  • Increasing liquid consumption
  • Creating a regular exercise routine

It’s also a good idea to maintain a food journal. This can allow you to discover which foods activate irritable bowel syndrome issues so you can work on avoiding those items in the future. Additionally, if you take any medications, we might look to see if any adjustments can be made to the dosage or type.

A respite from IBS is within your reach

If you have symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence, it can be hard to schedule outings, as this condition can interrupt even the most special events. We propose coming to see our GI physicians in New Orleans, LA without delay so we can help you diagnose and treat your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. While there is no permanent solution, it is possible to manage your symptoms so you can do what you love. For further information on irritable bowel syndrome or IBS treatments, please get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible.

New Insurance Guidance Benefits Patients

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Many patients getting screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) soon will not have to pay out of pocket for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive, non-invasive CRC-screening test.

New federal guidance released in January will soon require health insurance plans to fully cover the cost of a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive result from an MTs-DNA stool-based test (Cologuard) as well as a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

“Ensuring individuals have access to this lifesaving screening will significantly reduce suffering and death from this disease,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), told MedicalXpress.

It is important to understand that if your FIT or Cologuard test comes back positive for colon cancer, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health. You are twice as likely to develop more advanced colon cancer if you skip this follow-up procedure.

In the past, cost has been a significant barrier to many people, making it a primary reason not to get the follow-up colonoscopy. This new follow-up screening coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022. Patients need to check with their insurance provider about this coverage.

“This guidance will help ensure that patients can choose the test that is best for them without worrying about out-of-pocket costs,” Anjee Davis, MPPA, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer told MedicalXpress. “Ultimately, this will save lives and support early detection of colorectal cancer.”

45 Is the New 50 for Colon Cancer Screening

Leading health organizations now recommend CRC screening starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals due to an increase in the disease in younger people.

In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and one of the most preventable through timely screenings. About 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 or older chose to be screened for colon cancer, according to the ACS.

“This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 52,000 will die from the disease,” Lacasse told MedicalXpress. “But colorectal cancer is preventable when precancerous polyps are found and removed through a colonoscopy.”

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

According to a 2019 online survey, “colonoscopy was the most frequently preferred option for average-risk patients, favored by 96.9% of gastroenterologists and 75.7% of primary care clinicians.”

Prioritize Your Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 or older, prioritize your colon cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread.

Screenings save lives. Don’t delay your diagnosis. Don’t delay your colonoscopy. Call your gastroenterologist today.

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An Eye Scan Could Detect the Risk of Early Alzheimer’s

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Does the eye provide a window into early brain changes? A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests a simple eye test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in earlier stages.

About 6.2 million Americans over age 65 live with Alzheimer’s dementia, a progressive disease that destroys memory and other critical mental functions.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are usually diagnosed when people become forgetful or act out of the ordinary. Traditional MRI scans can help doctors detect Alzheimer’s disease but not in the early stages. More advanced MRI scans can help detect the disease in earlier stages; however, these are still investigational, and this type of imaging would be costly. Experts say retinal deterioration may reflect changes in the blood vessels in the brain, which could play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Retinal Thinning Could Predict Early Alzheimer’s

Previous research suggests people with thinner retinas are at risk for memory and reasoning problems. Researchers from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, recently investigated the retina’s ability to indicate brain changes earlier in life.

The study team analyzed data from 865 Dunedin Study participants at age 45, looking specifically at the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Participants with thicker GCL and RNFL exhibited more robust cognitive performance in childhood and adulthood. However, thinner RNFL was associated with a more significant decline in mental processing speed in childhood and adulthood. According to the study, “RNFL could be an indicator of overall brain health.”

“In the near future, it’s hoped that artificial intelligence will be able to take an image of a person’s retina and determine whether that person is at risk for Alzheimer’s long before they begin showing symptoms, and when there is a possibility of treatment to mitigate the symptoms,” said Ashleigh Barrett-Young, PhD, Research Fellow at University of Otago (Medical Xpress).

Although further research is necessary to determine whether a thinning retina can indicate Alzheimer’s, this study provides hope that optical scans could assist in predicting cognitive decline.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Preserve Healthy Vision

The eye doesn’t just provide a window into early brain changes. It is an indicator of overall health. Yearly eye exams can diagnose many common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, which can cause irreversible eye damage. An eye exam can also help detect chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

When is the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam with dilation? Getting annual eye checkups can also diagnose cataracts, a common vision problem. Most people over the age of 40 have a developing cataract. The good news is that cataract-related vision loss is treatable through cataract surgery, a safe, routine procedure.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

Contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an appointment for an eye exam for you and your family members. There is no substitute for healthy vision, so call today.

Young Athletes with ACL Injury are at Risk for Arthritis

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Many young athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction can develop knee arthritis, which puts them at risk of early knee replacement and a less-active lifestyle.

How Does an ACL Injury Occur?

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments that joins the bottom of the thighbone (femur) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). A ligament is a tough, flexible band of tissue that holds bones and cartilage together, and the ACL keeps the knee stable.

An ACL tear often happens when the foot is firmly placed on the ground and a force suddenly hits the knee while the leg is slightly bent or straight. For example, it can occur when landing from a jump, changing direction rapidly or slowing down when running. An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Exercises that Build Knee Strength Can Prevent Arthritis

An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues. However, with good therapy, patients with ACL injuries can delay or even prevent knee arthritis.

A study at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, found that long-term physical therapy focused on strength and functional goals produced more favorable outcomes than therapy that adhered to a set timeline. Researchers discovered most patients stopped physical therapy about six months to one year after knee surgery, but this is too soon.

During therapy, building knee strength through jumping, heavy leg weights and agility training is essential. Utilizing exercises that support previous injuries and strengthen joints, the knee can continue to function well without the onset of arthritis.

“Exercise therapy and education is how we treat older people with arthritis, but researchers had never asked whether similar interventions could work for young people,” said Brooke Patterson, PhD, who led the study. “Almost every person who completed our new program said they had less pain and better quality of life” (Medical Xpress).

ACL Injuries Are Steadily Increasing

The incidence of ACL injury is on the rise as teen sports participation increases, and a new study by UCLA Health shows that girls are “more than twice as likely” to experience an ACL injury than boys.

There are many possible reasons that more young athletes are tearing their ACLs:

  1. Skeletal immaturity and reduced knee strength. Young athletes feel pressure to focus on one sport and play all year round. Because their bodies are not fully developed, the knees are not strong enough to withstand the impact.
  2. Improper stretching and preparation. Athletes must take time to prepare for high-intensity activity long before taking the field properly.
  3. Inadequate healing time after injury. An ACL tear is the most common knee injury, and many injuries happen because athletes return too quickly.
  4. Insufficient rest. Without enough rest, proper hydration and nutrition, young athletes increase their risk of injury or re-injury.

Call Your Orthopedist to Manage Joint Pain

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month. Are you or a family member experiencing chronic knee pain? It may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedist. Your orthopedist can create a customized treatment plan to strengthen your knee and prevent further injury. If your injury requires a surgical procedure, your doctor will thoroughly explain the details at your appointment.

A Simple Colonoscopy Screening Can Be a Life-Saving Procedure

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We do a number of things daily to sustain our health, such as caring for our teeth, working out, and eating our vegetables. But there’s one thing that repeatedly gets neglected that could really save our lives — a colonoscopy. This important test can identify and inhibit colorectal cancer, inflammatory gut issues, and other ailments. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we advise getting a colon and rectal cancer exam every decade unless suggested otherwise. Our board-certified gastrointestinal (GI) doctors frequently perform colonoscopies for New Orleans, LA individuals.

Why should I have a colonoscopy procedure?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is used to discover abnormalities and/or growths (polyps) that could be or turn malignant. Over the course of this 30 to 60-minute exam, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a miniature camera into the bowels to look for any signs of colon and rectal cancer or other concerns. Colonoscopies are often recommended as a technique to:

  • Identify the cause of gut discomfort, blood in the stool, persistent obstruction or diarrhea, or different issues
  • Screen for colon and rectal cancer
  • Check for polyps (tissue growths that can become cancerous if ignored)

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we typically suggest that you see a colonoscopy physician at about the age of 45 and again every decade for regular exams. However, contingent on your exam results or if you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, we may suggest you get tested at an earlier age and more often.

Can I just use a home colon cancer screening?

Many individuals today wonder why a colonoscopy is recommended when there are innovations in home screenings. The simple response is our gastrointestinal doctors can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of any irregular or potentially cancerous concerns than with an at-home stool specimen kit. While some people choose to use these at-home tests, they cannot replace a colonoscopy exam.

A home-based kit, for instance, might not detect any polyps that have formed in the large intestine. They may show particular signs of cancer, but a colonoscopy can detect indicators of cancer much sooner and more precisely than a home screening. At-home screenings are also not capable of detecting inflammatory digestive diseases.

What makes colonoscopies important?

Though colonoscopies may seem intrusive, the lifesaving consequences of this procedure can significantly override the few minutes of awkwardness it may cause. It’s significant to emphasize how necessary these exams can be, especially for men and women who have colon cancer in their family history. A number of individuals with colon or rectal cancer have no signs in the initial stages and might not even know they have the illness.

Several simple reasons to have a colonoscopy are:

  • This is the most effective colorectal cancer exam.
  • Despite prevalent belief, the preparation for a colonoscopy is not that bad.
  • Colonoscopies are fast and generally comfortable.
  • Though you might feel somewhat embarrassed, your GI physician is not.
  • Plainly put, a colonoscopy can protect your life.

Further, a colonoscopy can identify much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, in addition to diverticulosis. Like colon and rectal cancer, when identified early, these conditions can be treated and further harm can be prevented.

Schedule a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA as soon as possible

Even if you might feel like there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this exam can preserve your life. A colonoscopy can discover initial signals of colorectal cancer, and it can also identify diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. This standard exam may be the critical factor between life and death, as our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal doctors are well-trained to check for early indicators of cancer and other factors that could hinder cancer in the coming years. For more details on colonoscopies at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, please contact our GI office today.