Gastroenterologists: An Overview

A gastroenterologist is doctor who specializes in the diseases and treatments of the digestive system, which is also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroenterologists in Kolkata are extensively trained to diagnose and treat various illness and conditions that affect the GI tract i.e. oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and biliary system which includes liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. The study of gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine.

Gastroenterologists are well versed with how the food moves through one’s digestive tract and the physical and chemical break down of food, also known as digestion, which also includes the absorption of nutrients and the removal of waste products from the body. Gastroenterologists also focus on the proper and healthy function of the liver.

Usually, gastroenterologists tend to care for patients in an hospital setting, including nursing homes and outpatient medical centres. The speciality of gastroenterologists lies in the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the following symptoms and conditions:

· Abdominal pain and discomfort

· Bleeding in the digestive tract

· Cancer (e.g., colorectal, gastric, pancreatic or liver cancer)

· Constipation and diarrhoea

· Difficulty swallowing

· Diverticular disease and other diseases of the colon (e.g., polyps, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], colitis, Crohn’s disease)

· Gallbladder disease

· Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

· Haemorrhoids

· Hiatal hernias

· Inflammation in the digestive tract (e.g., gastritis)

· Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis, jaundice)

· Malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, lactose intolerance)

· Upset stomach, nausea or vomiting

· Ulcers

· Unexplained weight loss

The minimum requirement to become a gastroenterologist is a minimum of 13 years of education and undergoing extensive training.

Digestive diseases

Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract. During the process of digestion, food and liquids are broken down into its constituent parts (called nutrients) that the body can absorb and use as energy and which help in healthy cell growth and development. Our digestive tracts are made up of the oesophagus (food tube), stomach, large and the small intestine, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder.

Few important information:

The first sign of problems that you find in cases of diseases in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms:

· Bleeding

· Bloating

· Constipation

· Diarrhoea

· Heartburn

· Incontinence

· Nausea and vomiting

· Pain in the belly

· Swallowing problems

· Weight gain or loss

A digestive disease is any health problem relating to the digestive tract. Conditions may range from mild to serious. Some of the most common diseases include cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance. If you experience any such symptoms, immediately book an appointment with the Best Gastroenterologist in Kolkata or a city near you to get yourself treated at the first sign of trouble.

Tests for digestive problems can include

· colonoscopy,

· upper GI endoscopy,

· capsule endoscopy,

· ERCP also known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and

· endoscopic ultrasound.

There are many health care professionals who can help you to diagnose and treat your digestive problems but your best bet would be a gastroenterologist, a specialist who has received the extra intricate training in the diagnosis and treatment of any digestive disorders.