What are the things that a Gastroenterologist treats

A Gastroenterologist is a medical professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions and diseases that affect the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive tract extends from the mouth to the anus and includes the pharynx present in the back of the throat, the esophagus which is also known as the food pipe, the stomach, the small intestine, and the large intestine including the rectum, and the anal canal.

Some common symptoms that indicate a possible ailment or problem with our digestive tract include

Abdominal pain:

Abdominal pain is the pain that is felt in the region between the chest and the groin. Different types of pain can be experienced ranging from cramps, squeezing, piercing, stabbing, etc. A number of conditions can result in abdominal pain including some which are not related to the gastrointestinal tract

Bloating: 

Bloating is a feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdominal region which is usually secondary to the presence of gas or air. A number of medical conditions affecting the digestive tract can result in bloating.

Difficulty swallowing:

Difficulty swallowing persistent and prolonged difficulty with swallowing either food or water and sometimes with a feeling of the presence of a lump in the throat. Usually, problems with the pharynx and esophagus are associated with this symptom.

Heartburn:

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breast bone. While it is normal to experience heartburn sometimes, especially after a heavy or fatty meal, persistent and severe heartburn, and if associated with other symptoms requires an immediate medical opinion

Constipation:

Constipation is difficulty in having a bowel movement, or a complete absence of bowel movement. A number of conditions can lead to the development of constipation. Constipation that is persistent or repetitive requires a medical opinion to evaluate the underlying cause. Early assessment and management is important as chronic constipation can lead to the development of other complications associated with the digestive tract.

Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is the presence of loose or watery stool or bowel movements. While it is usually associated with an infection or dietary factors, persistent and severe diarrhea requires medical evaluation as it can lead to severe dehydration and become life-threatening, or it can be indicative of another serious underlying condition.

Changes in bowel movements and habits:

Changes in bowel movements and habits such as increased frequency of bowel movements, the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels, or alternating diarrhea and constipation also require a medical opinion and a consultation with a gastroenterologist

Blood in stool:

The presence of blood in stool requires an evaluation and detailed investigations to identify the underlying cause and the source of the bleeding. Blood in the stool can either present as bright red blood which indicates a source of bleeding that is in the lower half of the digestive tract, or the stool can be black and tarry which indicates bleeding from the upper part of the digestive tract such as the esophagus, stomach, or the small intestine. This can be caused by both harmless and easily manageable conditions as well as some potentially serious medical conditions.

Bleeding from the rectum or the anus:

Bleeding or loss of blood from the rectum or the anus can be seen either as an isolated event or in association with a bowel movement. A medical consultation is required to evaluate the underlying causes which may be piles, diverticulitis, or even cancers of the large intestine

Pale stools along with yellowish discoloration of the skin and the eyes:

The development of jaundice which is the yellowish discoloration of the skin and the eyes along with the passage of pale stools is an indication of a problem or dysfunction of the liver or the gall bladder. A gastroenterologist consultation is necessary to identify and manage the underlying cause responsible for these symptoms.

Weight loss that is unexpected:

Some problems of the digestive tract can result in the improper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients leading to progressive or sudden weight loss. A medical opinion of gastroenterologist is required to evaluate the underlying cause responsible for this condition.

What are the conditions that are treated by a Gastroenterologist?

The digestive tract is affected by a number of medical conditions that may be present at the time of birth or those that may develop later in life. A number of factors are responsible for these medical conditions including genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits. A look at the common diseases treated by a gastroenterologist would include the following

Peptic Ulcers: 

Peptic ulcers are inflamed lesions that develop on the inner walls of the food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and intestine, and they develop when the acid secreted by the stomach for the digestion of food damages the inner lining of the digestive tract. An organism known as Helicobacter pylori are implicated in the development of peptic ulcers.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease also commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a condition that develops when the acid secreted by the stomach flows back into the esophagus and causes irritation, lesions, and in extreme cases bleeding.

Indigestion:

Indigestion also known as dyspepsia is a feeling of fullness, burning sensation, bloating, and upper abdominal pain, especially after a meal

Haemorrhoids or piles

The presence of enlarged and inflamed venous cushions in the rectum and the anus, can result in pain and bleeding

Anal fissures: 

Anal fissures are the presence of a tear in the inner lining of the anus and usually result from the passing of very hard stools.

Food allergies:

Food allergies result from an exaggerated response of the immune system to certain food items and can present as skin rash, hives,

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome  is a condition of unknown cause that results in diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, abdominal bloating, and pain

Hepatitis:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by alcohol consumption, viral infections, medications, etc., and presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, etc.

Gallstones and Gall bladder problems such as cholecystitis:

The presence of hard crystallized deposits within the gallbladder and inflammation of the gallbladder result in severe pain, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, problems with bowel movements, etc.

Cancers can affect the stomach, esophagus, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas and present with a range of symptoms as the disease progresses.  

Acute and chronic pancreatitis:

Acute and chronic pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas which is an important organ essential for digestion and maintaining blood sugar levels, and acute pancreas develops suddenly and can last for a few days, while chronic pancreatitis develops slowly and lasts for a long period. Both these conditions present intense pain in the upper part of the abdomen, along with nausea and vomiting.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases that affect the lower part of the large intestine, and present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, tiredness, and anemia. These are chronic conditions that require careful management.

All these conditions are treated and managed by gastroenterologists. Regular visits to a gastroenterologist are advisable for individuals who are at higher risk of developing cancers of the digestive tract as they perform screening procedures that help with the early identification of these conditions.

There are a number of subspecialties in gastroenterology such as GI Physiology and Functional Bowel Specialization which deals with problems affecting the lower 2/3^rds of the digestive tract, Hepatology which deals with diseases affecting the liver and gall bladder, Gastrointestinal Oncology which deals with cancerous and noncancerous tumors affecting the digestive tract. Some gastroenterologists also perform surgical procedures and are known as Surgical Gastroenterologists, while others perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and are known as Interventional Endoscopy Specialists. When signs and symptoms related to the digestive tract are present or noticed, it is advisable to book an appointment or at least get an online consultation with a gastroenterologist nearby.