Overview
Gastroenterology deals with diseases of the digestive system. Specialist of this division is called gastroenterologist.
Areas of focus are esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, gall bladder and pancreas and it offers solution for diseases of these organs, such as ulcer, gastritis, jaundice, cirrhosis, spastic colon (irritable bowel syndrome: IBS), stones and inflammation of gall bladder, stomach and colorectal cancers, and hemorrhoid. Different types of endoscopes are used for diagnosis. Esophagogastroduodenoscope (briefly called endoscope in general practice) is used to visualize esophagus, stomach and duodenum, while colonoscope is used to see lumen of colon.
Principal clinical signs and symptoms of gastroenterological diseases are as follows:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting.
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn (feeling of burn behind the breast bone)
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
- Abdominal pain
Doctors
