Introduction
Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions related to the digestive system. They are trained to treat a variety of digestive tract diseases and conditions, ranging from mild to severe. This article will discuss some of the common diseases and conditions that gastroenterologists treat.
Esophageal Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and eosinophilic esophagitis. GERD is a common disorder in which the contents of the stomach, including acid, flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Barrett’s esophagus is a change in the lining of the esophagus that is associated with GERD and increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing and other symptoms.
Stomach Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders of the stomach, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastroparesis, and stomach cancer. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, usually caused by an infection or the use of certain medications. Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, often caused by a bacterial infection. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties slowly, causing nausea and other symptoms. Stomach cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the stomach.
Intestinal Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders of the small and large intestines, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Colon cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the large intestine.
Liver Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders of the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a virus or other factors. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is scarred and cannot function properly. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in the liver. Liver cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the liver.
Gallbladder Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders of the gallbladder, including gallstones, cholecystitis, and gallbladder cancer. Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that can be caused by gallstones or other factors. Gallbladder cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the gallbladder.
Pancreas Disorders
Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders of the pancreas, including pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by gallstones or other factors. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces. Pancreatic cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the pancreas.
Conclusion
Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions related to the digestive system. They can diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including esophageal disorders, stomach disorders, intestinal disorders, liver disorders, gallbladder disorders, and pancreas disorders. If you have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder, it is important to seek the advice of a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). What Is a Gastroenterologist? https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/what-is-gastroenterologist
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Barrett’s Esophagus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/barretts-esophagus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352420
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Eosinophilic Esophagitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eosinophilic-esophagitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351837
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Gastritis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352270
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Peptic Ulcer Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354279
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Gastroparesis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354223
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Crohn’s Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Ulcerative Colitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hepatitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351722
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cirrhosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351208
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Gallstones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cholecystitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholecystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353987
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Pancreatitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20360331
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Diabetes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
Additional References: What diseases do gastroenterologists treat?