Sometimes we get various kinds of stomach problems. Stomach aches, we feel bloated, we feel like we can't digest food... It's really annoying when things like this keep happening, isn't it? So, did you know that there is a doctor who specializes in diseases related to the digestive system? That doctor is called a gastroenterologist . Let's talk about it in more detail today.
Who is a gastroenterologist?
Simply put, a gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of your digestive system – that is, all the organs involved in digestion. They first train as general practitioners. After about three years of medical school, they gain experience treating all kinds of diseases. Then, to become a gastroenterologist, they have to study specifically for three more years. Finally, they receive a special certificate. This is what says that they are specialists in diseases of the digestive system. Also, they have special qualifications to perform certain tests and treatments that general doctors do not do, and to understand the results of those tests and treatments.
Is there a specialist in the digestive system of young children? (Pediatric Gastroenterologist)
Yes, there really are. We call them `(Pediatric Gastroenterologist)`. These doctors are first trained as a `(Pediatrician)`. Then they receive about three more years of special training in the digestive system. They focus most on diseases of the digestive system and liver of babies, toddlers, and young children . They are especially concerned with the nutrition of children. These people are specially trained to recognize the symptoms of children and to examine the inside of their little bodies.
What parts of the body does a gastroenterologist focus on?
When you hear this name – (Gastroenterologist) – 'Gastro' means stomach , 'entero' means intestines . 'ologist' means specialist. So, mainly the stomach and intestines. But, our digestive system is much bigger than that.
Think about it, this system starts right from the mouth when we eat.
Next , the throat, esophagus, stomach , small intestine, and large intestine belong to it.
Not only that, but the organs that produce bile and digestive enzymes that help digest food are also involved. They are:
- Liver
- Gallbladder (place where bile from the liver is collected and stored)
- Pancreas
- Bile ducts (tubes that carry bile)
So a gastroenterologist looks for diseases that occur in all these organs .
Why do we need to see a gastroenterologist?
Good question. Maybe you have digestive symptoms (e.g., stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation), but your regular family doctor may not be able to diagnose it, or the medications they prescribe may not be effective. In that case, it's a good idea to see a specialist.
Or, if you already know you have a serious digestive condition (such as IBD), it's best to see a specialist to get the best treatment for it.
Because these specialist doctors are constantly researching, researching, and testing for these types of diseases, they are better able to diagnose the disease accurately and quickly, and treat it with fewer complications .
What are the main diseases that a gastroenterologist treats?
There are many diseases . Let's look at some of the main ones.
Gastrointestinal diseases:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disease that causes frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (this includes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis)
- Celiac disease , an allergy to the protein gluten found in wheat flour
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food allergies and intolerances to various foods
- Stomach ulcers
- Diverticulitis ( small pouches that form in the large intestine and become infected )
- Appendicitis (this often requires surgery)
- Small growths in the colon called ``Colorectal polyps`` (it is important to remove these as they can turn into cancer)
- Hemorrhoids
Esophageal disorders:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition caused by stomach acid coming up into the esophagus (we also call this acid reflux).
- Esophagitis
- Hiatal hernias ( part of the stomach protruding into the chest )
Liver diseases:
- Viral hepatitis (e.g. hepatitis B, C)
- Liver damage due to toxins (Toxic hepatitis)
- Fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis ( hardening of the liver )
Pancreatic, biliary and gallbladder diseases:
- Gallstones
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
What are the symptoms that you should tell a gastroenterologist?
If you have any of these symptoms, it is very important to tell a specialist:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated stomach
- Digestive problems, indigestion
- Gas and gas pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rectal bleeding (this may be red or black)
- Diarrhea (frequent bowel movements)
- Constipation or difficulty pooping
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Heartburn (like in GERD)
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
What does a Gastroenterologist do?
First, the doctor will physically examine you. They will palpate your abdomen, listen with a tube, and may even insert a finger into your rectum (digital rectal exam).
Then, they may order blood tests , stool tests , or external imaging tests like X-rays to get more information.
However, if these tests alone cannot accurately diagnose the disease, gastroenterologists are specially trained to perform endoscopic procedures.
What is endoscopy?
Simply put, this involves inserting a long, thin, flexible tube (called an endoscope) with a camera attached into the body and looking directly at the internal organs. This can provide a great deal of information.
There are several main types of endoscopy tests:
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): This involves examining the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) with a tube inserted through the mouth.
- Small bowel endoscopy (`Enteroscopy`): This is used to look at the entire small intestine.
- Colonoscopy: Many people have heard of this. A tube is inserted through the anus and the entire large intestine (colon) is examined.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: A small part of an ultrasound machine is attached to the end of the endoscope and the deep tissues of internal organs (especially the gallbladder and pancreas) are examined.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): This is a slightly more complicated test. It is done like an upper endoscopy, and a special material is inserted into the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts and an X-ray is taken.
- Polypectomy: Removal of small growths (polyps) in the stomach or intestines during an endoscopy.
Endoscopy tests not only help to see exactly what the disease is, but they also have other benefits. The doctor can pass small instruments through the endoscope and take tissue samples (biopsies) and send them to the laboratory. They can also perform minor treatments . For example, they can widen a blocked area, stop bleeding, or remove small tumors before surgery. In many cases, they can be done right away.
Do gastroenterologists also treat cancer?
Yes, most of the time, a gastroenterologist is the first to diagnose cancer in the digestive system (such as the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder). They can use endoscopy and biopsy to find cancerous growths and take samples to confirm the diagnosis.
If cancer is confirmed, further endoscopic tests may be performed to see how far it has spread (called `staging`).
In some cases, gastroenterologists can remove certain types of cancer through the endoscope (dissecting) or destroy them with lasers.
The types of cancer they are mainly associated with are:
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
Not only that, but someone with another type of cancer may also need the help of a gastroenterologist to see if the cancer has spread to the digestive system, or to manage side effects of cancer treatments (e.g., `(Chemotherapy)`, `(Radiation therapy)`) that affect the digestive system (e.g., mouth/intestinal ulcers `(Mucositis)`, `(Radiation enteritis)`, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nutritional deficiencies).
What is the difference between a Gastroenterologist and a Proctologist?
Good question. The term ``proctologist'' is rarely used these days. Instead, the term ``colorectal surgeon '' is more commonly heard.
Simply put, a ``Proctologist'' or ``Colorectal surgeon'' are surgeons . They are specially trained to perform surgery on diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. They spend about five years in general surgery after medical school, and then they receive specialized training in the colorectal area.
However, a gastroenterologist is a medical specialist, not a surgeon . His main job is to diagnose diseases, treat them with medication, and perform tests like endoscopy.
A gastroenterologist can tell you whether you need surgery or not. But he doesn't perform the surgery. He refers you to a colorectal surgeon. This is the main difference.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Our digestive system is a complex, interconnected system of organs. It's a constant process of breaking down the food we eat, absorbing the nutrients we need, and expelling the waste products. So, if something goes wrong with this system, our bodies will feel it.
Stomach upset and digestive problems are very common. But it's not easy to find out exactly what's causing them. That's when you need the help of a specialist. A gastroenterologist can understand how all these organs work together, find out exactly what's wrong with your digestive system, and give you the treatment you need.
Therefore, if you have persistent stomach pain or digestive problems, don't be afraid to see a gastroenterologist. It can provide you with great relief.
` Digestive system, gastroenterologist, stomach diseases, endoscopy, colonoscopy, liver, stomach
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