What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the treatment of illnesses and disorders of the digestive system, which includes the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, pancreas, large intestine, liver, and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists are specialists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities of the digestive system. Gastroenterologists use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to identify the underlying causes of the symptoms and develop treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Types of Gastroenterology
Here are the different types of Gastroenterology specialties:
- General Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Motility Disorders
- Interventional Gastroenterology
- Pancreatology
- Nutrition
List of gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases encompass conditions affecting the GI tract from mouth to anus. They're categorized into functional and structural types.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are conditions that disrupt normal gastrointestinal function without structural damage. They typically cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. The functional gastrointestinal diseases include:
Structural Gastrointestinal Diseases:
Structural gastrointestinal disorders involve physical abnormalities in the digestive system, causing symptoms and complications. The structural gastrointestinal diseases include:
Symptoms of Gastric Conditions
Here are some common symptoms of gastric conditions:
It is essential to remember that these symptoms may result from various conditions; thus, it is advisable to consult a physician to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Available Gastroenterology Procedures List
Gastroenterology procedures are essential for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive system.
Diagnostic Tests Conducted in Gastroenterology
Here are some diagnostic tests commonly conducted in gastroenterology:
When to See a Gastroenterologist?
Seeing a gastroenterologist is recommended if you're experiencing severe symptoms related to your digestive system. Here are some situations where it might be appropriate to see a gastroenterologist:
- Persistent digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea.
- Changes in bowel habits, especially if prolonged.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in stool or vomit).
- Chronic heartburn or GERD not relieved by over-the-counter meds.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Family history of digestive disorders.
- Abnormal screening test results.
- Liver, pancreatic, or gallbladder issues.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
Available Top Gastroenterology Hospitals Over India
