Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a medical speciality dealing with the study of the digestive system and its disorders. It is also the study of the normal function and diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. It involves a detailed understanding of the normal action of the gastrointestinal organs including the movement of the material through the stomach and intestine, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, removal of waste from the system and function of the liver as a digestive organ. In a nutshell, all normal activity and disease of the digestive organs is part of the study of Gastroenterology.
What do they treat?
The following are common diseases and symptoms treated by a gastroenterologist:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastro-Oesophageal Acid reflux
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)
- Hepatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Jaundice
- Polyps in the large intestine
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Reflux esophagitis (caused by gastroesophageal disease)
- Haemorrhoids
- Bloody stool, cramping, bloating
What do they do?
A gastroenterologist may perform a number of procedures to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. However, these procedures are not surgical.
Treatment usually involves short- term or long-term medication. Gastroenterologists may, however, refer the patient to a gastrointestinal surgeon if surgery is required.
One of the major procedures performed by the gastroenterologist is endoscopy. It involves the use of narrow flexible tubes with a built-in video camera that can be inserted into the intestinal tract.
This helps the doctor to visualise the inside of the tract and effectively diagnose intestinal disorders.
When to see a gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist can be consulted if you experience digestive problems. Symptoms usually include chronic pain in the abdominal area. Bloating, gas and diarrhoea are other common digestive disorders that may require evaluation by a gastroenterologist. Mild symptoms such as nausea, stomach upset, etc may also indicate a larger problem. For instance, a stomach upset may uncommonly indicate malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance.
By identifying these disorders, future damage to the digestive system can be prevented. Some patients may also observe extreme symptoms such as blood in their stools. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for any new symptoms of digestive disorders.
The training and knowledge of a gastroenterologist make them highly adept in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. As physicians and proceduralists, they are able to complete the diagnostic process and, in many cases, also embark on a successful treatment plan.
Thus, a gastroenterologist may be trusted with the complete and accurate treatment of digestive diseases.