Do you know what is studied under Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the problems related to the GI tract.

It involves a detailed study of the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal organs, including the motility of organs like the stomach and intestine, removal of waste from the system, the digestion and absorption of nutrients into the body, and the function of the liver, pancreas, etc. as digestive organs.

Some possible areas of concern are:

Hepatology – focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas.
Pancreatic diseases like diabetes, pancreatitis, etc
Transplantation – in severe cases of organ failure or damage, e.g., liver transplant in chronic liver failure, etc.
Inflammatory bowel disease or chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
Gastrointestinal cancer, like, colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, etc.
Endoscopic surveillance – to check for abnormalities in the GI tract.
Reflux esophagitis, which is commonly due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, and many more conditions.

Gastroenterologists in Mumbai

Gastroenterologists in Delhi

Gastroenterologists in Bangalore

Gastroenterologists in Hyderabad

Gastroenterologists in Chennai

Who is a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists are trained to diagnose, treat and manage problems of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associated/accessory digestive organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.

Following are the examples of some of the Gastroenterology Diseases that people visit a gastroenterologist for:

Peptic ulcer disease,
Gastric cancers,
Oesophageal cancers,
Achalasia,
Barret’s esophagus,
Colon polyps,
Colon and bowel cancers, etc.

What are the different types of diseases in Gastroenterology?

Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD
Dyspepsia/Indigestion
Nausea and Vomiting
Peptic Ulcer/Gastric ulcers
Abdominal Pain
Belching, Bloating, Flatulence
Gallbladder Disorders
Biliary Tract Disorders
Gallstone Pancreatitis
Gallstone Pancreatitis
Gallstones
Constipation and Defecation Problems
Diarrhea

Gastroenterology: signs, and symptoms, complications, organs affected, comorbidities,?

Signs and Symptoms

Swollen, tender gums
Tooth sensitivity
Cavities
Dysphagia
Fever
Dry mouth
Vomiting blood
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Ascites
Jaundice
Heartburn, Chest pain
Acid reflux
Loss of appetite
Pneumonia
Stomach ulcers
Nausea and Vomiting
Unintentional weight loss
Indigestion
Intolerance to fatty foods
Dehydration
Inability to pass gas
Diarrhea or constipation
Abscesses
Fatigue
Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
Abdominal swelling
Anemia
Muscle cramps, joint pain
Dark urine
Intense itching
Hepatomegaly
Steatorrhea
Increased heart rate
Dizziness
Lethargy
Blood clot
Biliary colic

Gastroenterology: Complications

Constipation
Fecal impaction
Bowel obstruction
Diarrhea
Bacteremia
Dental abscess
Mouth cancer
Varices
Coagulation disorders
Esophageal stricture
Esophageal ulcer
Esophagitis
GERD, Dysphagia
Orchitis, Oophoritis
Nerve damage
Bleeding
Peritonitis
Perforations
Jaundice
Ruptured appendix
Sepsis
Kidney failure
Hypoglycemia, Hypokalemia
Toxic megacolon
Strangulation of intestines
Liver failure
Cirrhosis
Hepatic encephalopathy
Malnutrition
Cholestasis
Splenomegaly

Gastroenterology: Organs affected

Mouth
Teeth
Salivary glands
Oesophagus
Stomach
Large and Small intestines
Liver
Pancreas
Gallbladder

Comorbidities

Functional dyspepsia,
GERD,
Chronic constipation,
Hypertension,
Pancreatitis,
Hepatitis,
Genetic disorders,
High levels of acid in the stomach,
Tumors in any part of the GI tract,
Cardiovascular disorders in the blood vessels (thinning of the walls, etc.),
Obstruction of any ducts or tubes, etc.

Gastroenterology: What are the different diagnostic tests?

Physical examination

Swelling,
Color changes of skin and whites of the eyes,
Rashes, mouth ulcers,
Fever,
Dehydration,
Weight loss,
Evaluation of lymph nodes,
Hernia,
Pulse rate,
Breathing rate, etc.

Gastroenterology: Diagnostic tests (Endoscopic procedures)

Gastric Endoscopy
Colonoscopy,
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP),
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or upper endoscopy),
Sigmoidoscopy, etc.

Gastroenterology: Laboratory procedures

Blood tests – to test for specific antigens, immunoglobulins, etc.
Blood culture – the presence of abnormal bacteria in the blood.
Breath tests
A hydrogen breath test,
Glucose hydrogen breath test,
Lactose and fructose hydrogen breath tests, etc.
Fecal occult blood test – to check for hidden (occult) blood in the stool.
Stool culture – the presence of abnormal bacteria in the GI tract, for example, H. pylori, etc.

Radiographic diagnostic procedures

MRI,
CT scan,
X-rays,
Barium swallow,
Ultrasound,
Colorectal transit study,
Defecography,
Upper GI barium enema (aka. Upper gastrointestinal series),
Lower GI barium enema (aka. Lower gastrointestinal series),
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP),
Oropharyngeal motility (swallowing) study,
Radioisotope gastric-emptying scan, etc.

Gastroenterology: What are the treatments for gastrointestinal disorders?

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer

Gastric acid secretion inhibitors
H2 Antihistamines – Cimetidine
Anticholinergics – Pirenzepine
Proton Pump Inhibitors – Omeprazole
Prostaglandin – Misoprostol
Gastric acid neutralizers (Antacids)
Systemic – Sodium bicarbonate
Non-systemic – Magaldrate
Ulcer protectives – Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS)
Anti H. pylori drugs – Tinidazole, Metronidazole

Emetics –

Apomorphine, Ipecacuanha

Gastroenterology: Antiemetics

Anticholinergics – Hyoscine, Dicyclomine
H1 antihistamines – Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine
Neuroleptics (D2 blockers) – Chlorpromazine, Prochlorperazine
Prokinetic drugs – Metoclopramide, Domperidone
5-HT3 antagonists – Ondansetron
NK1 receptor antagonist – Aprepitant
Adjuvant antiemetics – Dexamethasone, Benzodiazepines

Digestants

Pepsin
Papain
Pancreatin

Gastroenterology: Gallstone dissolving drugs

Chenodiol
Ursodiol

Laxatives (Purgatives, Cathartics)

Bulk-forming agents
Dietary fibers – Bran
Psyllium (Plantago)
Isapghula
Stool softeners
Docusate (DOSS)
Liq. paraffin
Stimulant purgatives
Diphenylmethanes
Bisacodyl
Sod. Picosulfate
Anthraquinones (Emodins)
Senna
Cascara sargada
5-HT3 agonists – Prucalopride
Prostaglandin analogue – Lubiprostone
Osmotic purgatives – Magnesium sulfate, Lactulose, Lactitol

What is the consultation cost for a Gastroenterologist?

The average price for consulting Diabetology India ranges between INR 500-1000. The cost of consultation in major cities of India are as follows –

New Delhi – INR 500 to 1300
Mumbai – INR 500 to 3300
Chennai – INR 400 to 1500
Bengaluru – INR 500 to 1500
Hyderabad – INR 200 to 1200