07/23/2024
Gastroenterology is the branch of internal medicine. The study of disorders and normal function pertaining to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver is known as gastroenterology. It requires a thorough understanding of the gastrointestinal system's normal functioning, or physiology, which includes the motility of food passing through the stomach and intestines, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, the elimination of waste from the system, and the role of the liver as a digestive organ. It covers common and significant conditions like hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, gallbladder and biliary tract disease, nutritional issues, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), colon polyps and cancer, and pancreatitis.
The main focus of gastroenterologists' care is GI diagnosis and treatment. Your primary care physician will probably advise you to see a gastroenterologist for a more thorough evaluation of the problem if they discover something wrong with your GI tract. Endoscopic procedures are carried out by gastroenterologists, who view the GI tract with specialized instruments and diagnose patients. Although they don't perform surgery, they occasionally might collaborate closely with a GI surgeon. Their primary work environments are clinics and hospitals.
Postponing treatment for gastroenterology can result in serious health hazards and complications. Untreated gastrointestinal conditions can deteriorate over time and result in excruciating pain, bleeding, and malnourishment. These conditions include acid reflux, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and infections. Chronic diseases that progress silently to advanced stages that are more difficult to treat include colorectal cancer and liver disease. Maintaining overall digestive health, preventing long-term damage, and improving outcomes all depend on early diagnosis and intervention.
Who is a Gastroenterologist?
A medical specialist who focuses on disorders of the digestive system is called a gastroenterologist. General doctors train to become gastroenterologists. After graduating from medical school, they work as medical residents for three years, treating a wide range of illnesses. After that, they undergo an additional three years of study to become gastroenterologists. They are recognised as experts of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases with the certification. Additionally, it gives them the authority to interpret the results and conduct tests and procedures that general physicians are not qualified to do.
Gastroenterologists can treat patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions with high-quality and comprehensive care because of their special training. Considered experts in the field, gastroenterologists conduct the majority of research involving gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and interpret the results.
Research has demonstrated that, in comparison to other medical specialties, gastroenterologists provide more thorough consultative services and conduct colonoscopy exams of a higher caliber. This translates into fewer procedure-related complications, shorter hospital stays for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions treated by qualified gastroenterology specialists, and more precise colonoscopy detection of polyps and cancer when carried out by gastroenterologists.
Types of Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists are further specialized into following:
- General gastroenterologists
- Hepatologists for liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreatic care
- Pancreatologists for pancreatic care
- Colorectal gastroenterologists for management of diseases associated with colon, rectum, and anus
- Pediatric gastroenterologists focus on digestive, liver, and nutritional problems in infants, children, and adolescents.
- Endoscopic specialists specialize in endoscopic procedures
- Neurogastroenterologists focus on the interaction between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract
- Transplant hepatologists specialize in the management of liver transplant patients
Symptoms For Which I Must Visit a Gastroenterologist
It is possible that your general physician has not been able to properly diagnose or treat symptoms you are experiencing related to your digestive system. Or perhaps you're already aware that you have a serious gastrointestinal ailment and that you need professional medical attention. Seeing a specialist who has received additional training in treating the kind of condition you are suffering from has many advantages. More gastrointestinal research, exams, and procedures are carried out by gastroenterologists than by other medical professionals. They consequently have a higher propensity to diagnose conditions correctly, recognise issues early, and treat them with minimal complications.
Signs indicating that it’s time to see a gastroenterologist:
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Persistent diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Severe heartburn
- Frequent bloating
- Sudden severe abdominal pain
List of Diseases Managed by a Gastroenterologist
Following are the diseases that can be managed by a gastroenterologist:
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Gastrointestinal diseases (affecting your stomach and intestines), such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Celiac disease.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Food allergies and intolerances.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Stomach ulcers.
- Appendicitis.
- Diverticulitis.
- Colorectal polyps.
- Hemorrhoids
-
Esophageal disorders, such as:
- Swallowing difficulties.
- Esophagitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Hiatal hernias.
-
Liver diseases, such as:
- Viral hepatitis.
- Fatty liver disease.
- Toxic hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis.
-
Pancreatic, biliary and gallbladder diseases, such as:
- Gallstones.
- Pancreatitis.
- Cholecystitis.
Conclusion
Your digestive system is complex, consisting of numerous organs and functions. They work together to digest the food you eat, absorb the nutrients you require, and eliminate any leftover waste. Since this system is constantly in operation, you will undoubtedly become aware of any malfunctions by your feelings. Although digestive symptoms are frequently experienced, it can be challenging to determine what is causing them. An expert can assist with that. Gastroenterologists can gain a better understanding of what's wrong with your digestive system by knowing how each organ functions in concert with the others.
Choose Eternal Hospital for the best gastrointestinal care. Meet our experts today if you are experiencing signs of bad gut health. Book your appointment now!
FAQs
Q1: When is the right time to visit a gastroenterologist?
A: It is imperative that you see a gastroenterologist if you have rectal bleeding or see blood in your stool and the bleeding is accompanied by changes in your bowel habits, stool colour, or stool consistency.
Q2: What are the signs of digestive system dysfunction?
A: Constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, gas, bloating, and frequent discomfort could all be indicators that your gut is struggling to process food and get rid of waste. Most of the time, you feel exhausted. Gastrointestinal abnormalities may be present in chronic fatigue patients.
Q3: How does an endocrinologist examine your stomach?
A: First, you might be given a physical examination by a gastroenterologist. They may push a finger into your rectum or feel and hear your abdominal organs from the outside. Additional testing, such as blood, stool, or imaging tests like GI X-ray exams that take pictures of your organs from the outside, might be advised.