Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This would include problems relating to the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.
Gastroenterologists are doctors who undergo additional specialized training after completing a three-year Internal Medicine residency. Thus, they usually complete 5-6 years of additional specialized training after graduating from medical school.
GASTROENTEROLOGY TALK
Stomachache? Check Again
By overlooking the occasional stomachache, you could be making a fatal mistake. Diseases such as stomach ulcers or colon cancer might very well have triggered the pain you are feeling. Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that pays close attention to the digestive system and its disorders.
Visit a Professional
Stress, genetics and an unhealthy diet all contribute to digestive disorders. It is vital that sufferers consult a professional promptly upon experiencing pain in their stomachs. Digestive disorders, such as colorectal cancer, usually experience a high rate of treatability if detected at an early stage. Instead of focusing on surgical treatments, gastroenterologists conduct endoscopic examinations and biopsies are to detect stones and growths, to inject medicine and route other lingering ailments.
Common symptoms
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain/bloating
- Jaundice
- Swallowing a foreign body
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rectal bleeding
- Difficulty in Swallowing
- Weight Loss
Common problems
- Colonic polyps and cancers
- Heartburn
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gallstones
- Esophagus cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Hepatitis/liver diseases
Useful Links
- American College of Gastroenterology
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Association
