Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine primarily concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders and conditions of the digestive system. This specialized field addresses both the anatomical structures involved in the digestion process and their function. The digestive system encompasses a multitude of organs from the mouth to the anus, making gastroenterology a comprehensive specialty.
Considering the myriad of etiological factors that can influence digestive health—ranging from autoimmune responses, infectious agents, congenital abnormalities to traumatic injuries—gastroenterology often finds intersections with other medical disciplines.
Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists are physicians who have undergone specialized training and education in the field of gastroenterology. Their expert knowledge allows them to diagnose, manage, and treat a plethora of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Conditions Treated
Gastroenterologists are equipped to handle a vast array of conditions that impact the digestive system. Some of the notable conditions include:
- abdominal adhesions
- acid reflux or GERD in adults]]
- anatomic problems of the lower GI tract
- appendicitis
- Barrett's esophagus
- bowel control problems (fecal incontinence)
- celiac disease
- colon polyps
- constipation
- crohn's disease
- cyclic vomiting syndrome
- diarrhea
Diagnostic Tests
Gastroenterologists employ a variety of tests to ascertain the health and functioning of the digestive system. These tests include but are not limited to:
Abdominal ultrasound Abdominal x-ray Barium enema Barium swallow Colonoscopy Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Esophageal dilation Esophageal manometry Liver scan Pancreas scan
Procedures
Gastroenterologists not only diagnose but also perform procedures that can be therapeutic or diagnostic. These procedures encompass:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Flexible sigmoidoscopy Hemorrhoid banding Laparoscopy Liver biopsy PEG tube placement Pill endoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Endoscopy Virtual colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening
Gastroenterology Journals
To stay abreast of the latest research, trends, and advancements in the field, gastroenterologists often turn to academic journals. Some of the prominent journals include:
Gastroenterology (journal) Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology The American Journal of Gastroenterology Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology World Journal of Gastroenterology Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology Digestive Diseases and Sciences
FAQs
Consultation with a Gastroenterologist: Before consulting a gastroenterologist, patients may need to fast, refrain from certain foods and medications, and bring a list of ongoing treatments. During the initial visit, the specialist will take a complete medical history, perform a physical exam, and may suggest various tests. Scope and Focus: The primary focus of a gastroenterologist is on the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They employ tests like blood exams, stool analysis, imaging tests, and endoscopic procedures for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Endoscopic Procedures: Endoscopy procedures can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, inclusive of preparation and recovery. They are recommended to investigate symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or GI tract bleeding, or to detect and remove growths. Frequency of Consultation: Regularity of visits can differ based on individual health needs. Chronic patients may need consultations every 3-6 months. Difference between Gastrologist and Gastroenterologist: While both professions deal with the digestive system, a gastroenterologist possesses a more comprehensive skill set and knowledge base, having undergone specialized training to diagnose and treat a broader range of conditions. In conclusion, gastroenterology plays a pivotal role in healthcare, focusing on a system vital to our overall health and well-being. As research continues, the field promises better diagnostic methods and treatments for patients worldwide.
List of Gastroentrologists in the US
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
List of Gastroenterology doctors
Comprehensive list of Gastroenterologists in the United States.
External links
- Abdominal Adhesions
- Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
- Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract
- Appendicitis
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)
- Celiac Disease
- Colon Polyps
- Constipation
- Crohn's Disease
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- Dumping Syndrome
- Foodborne Illnesses
- Gallstones
- Gas
- Gastritis
- Gastroparesis
- GI Bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
- Inguinal Hernia
- Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose Intolerance
- Liver Disease
- Ménétrier’s Disease
- Microscopic Colitis
- Ostomy Surgery of the Bowel
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers)
- Proctitis
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Smoking and the Digestive System
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Viral Gastroenteritis
- Whipple Disease
- Your Digestive System and How It Works
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Resources
| External Resources & AI tools | |
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| Up To Date |  |
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| WikiMD |  WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise! |
| Health science - Medicine - Gastroenterology - edit |
|---|
| Diseases of the esophagus - stomach |
| Halitosis | Nausea | Vomiting | GERD | Achalasia | Esophageal cancer | Esophageal varices | Peptic ulcer | Abdominal pain | Stomach cancer | Functional dyspepsia | Gastroparesis |
| Diseases of the liver - pancreas - gallbladder - biliary tree |
| Hepatitis | Cirrhosis | NASH | PBC | PSC | Budd-Chiari | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Acute pancreatitis | Chronic pancreatitis | Pancreatic cancer | Gallstones | Cholecystitis |
| Diseases of the small intestine |
| Peptic ulcer | Intussusception | Malabsorption (e.g. Coeliac, lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, Whipple's) | Lymphoma |
| Diseases of the colon |
| Diarrhea | Appendicitis | Diverticulitis | Diverticulosis | IBD (Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis) | IBS | Constipation | Colorectal cancer | Hirschsprung's | Pseudomembranous colitis |
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Contributors: Latasha Myatt , Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Spt
