Gastroenterology Details
Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines (small and large), liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Gastroenterologists are medical specialists trained to manage and treat a wide range of issues, such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux that can damage the esophagus.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A disorder that causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis that cause chronic inflammation of the intestines.
- Liver diseases: Including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.
- Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block bile ducts.
- Peptic Ulcers: Sores that develop in the stomach or duodenum due to excessive stomach acid or infection.
- Celiac Disease: An immune reaction to consuming gluten, which can damage the small intestine.
Gastroenterologists use various diagnostic procedures, including endoscopy (a camera inserted into the digestive tract) and colonoscopy (to view the colon), to detect diseases. They also manage treatment plans that may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or surgeries when necessary.
