In this article, we will discuss about Gastroenterologist Definition, What type of diseases do gastroenterologists treat, and Procedures a gastroenterologist perform
Gastroenterologist definition
Gastroenterology is one of the branches of medical science related to normal function and various diseases throughout the digestive system that include esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.
Gastroenterologists are a term for doctors who specialize in this branch of science. A Gastroenterologist must have a deep knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology of the aforementioned organs as well as the appropriate movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, it should also be able to advise patients on ways and means to maintain healthy digestion and metabolism, increase nutrient absorption from food and dispose of residual metabolism.
What type of diseases do gastroenterologists treat?
After knowing about Gastroenterologist Definition, then What type of diseases do gastroenterologists treat?
Gastroenterologists generally deal with health disorders related to the digestive process of food, absorption of nutrients, and the expenditure of residual digestion from within the body. If you have indigestion, your GP will usually refer you to a gastroenterologist. Specifically, there are several medical conditions that can be treated by a gastroenterologist, namely:
Increased stomach acid disease or GERD
Increased stomach acid or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a type of disease treated by gastroenterologists. This condition is characterized by pain in the heart or burning sensation in the chest due to the rise of stomach acid towards the esophagus.
Gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcer is a wound that appears inside the abdominal wall, lower esophagus or duodenal (upper part of the small intestine). Gastric ulcers can be caused by inflammation caused by H. Pylori bacteria as well as the tissue depletion caused by stomach acid. Gastric ulcers are one of the most common medical conditions and often occur in many people.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system, especially in the organs of the colon. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. In some cases, IBS can cause intestinal damage.
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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a type of disease that can cause inflammation and infection of the liver organs. This type of hepatitis can be transmitted through blood contact, such as sharing the use of syringes, organ transplants, blood transfusions, se**xual inter**course (if there is blood contact through the wound), and others. For most people, this disease is a long-term chronic disease can even lead to death.
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas
Inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis is one of the rare diseases when the pancreas develops inflammation. It is caused by enzymes produced by the digestive organs triggering chemical reactions and attacking pancreatic organs. In severe cases, this pancreatitis can cause bleeding on the gland, tissue damage, infection, the appearance of cysts, to pancreatic cancer.
Tumors or cancers of the gastrointestinal tract
Gastroenterologists also treat a wide range of tumors and cancers in several organs of the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, bladder, rectum, anus, and other organs.
Other medical conditions also treated by gastroenterologists are
- Heartburn,
- Wounds on the walls of the stomach and small intestine,
- Medical conditions of the bladder,
- Bleeding in the digestive system,
- Crohn’s disease, and
- Celiac disease.
Gastroenterologists also have comprehensive knowledge of preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. And they have a number of procedures for the treatment of patients.
Procedures a gastroenterologist perform
The procedures that a gastroenterologist will perform include:
Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy, for detection of causes of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver
Endoscopy
Endoscopy, camera hose examination to see the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes performed in conjunction with a biopsy.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy, endoscopic examination, but to see the condition of the stomach through the upper gastrointestinal tract
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy, examination to determine bowel condition and detect the appearance of polyps or cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy, examination to determine the cause of the disorder in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, examination in scarring, bile or the presence of tumors in the bile ducts.
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