The digestive system is one of the most critical systems in our body — for processing, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of wastes. When one system becomes out of balance, overall health, energy, and well-being are jeopardized. Medical Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that diagnoses, treats, and manages disease of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
What Is Medical Gastroenterology?
Medical Gastroenterology is the non-surgical management of gastrointestinal tract conditions. Gastroenterologists are extremely skilled medical professionals who employ advanced diagnostic technology like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and imaging studies to evaluate the GI tract’s health status and provide customized treatment strategies.
Unlike surgical gastroenterology that involves surgery on organs of the digestive system, medical gastroenterology relies primarily on medication treatment, dietary modification, and low-invasive procedures to treat most disorders of the digestive system.
Medical Conditions Often Treated by Medical Gastroenterologists
Acid Reflux (GERD): A medical condition in which stomach acid flows back to the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
Gastritis and Peptic Ulcers: Infection, drug or lifestyle inducing ulcers or inflammation of stomach lining.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Functional disease that causes abdominal cramps, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, in which there is chronic inflammation of the intestines causing pain and diarrhea.
Liver Diseases: Fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis that derange the function of the liver.
Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, commonly due to gallstones, heavy alcohol use, or infection.
Gastrointestinal Infections: From infections with parasites, viruses, or bacteria that produce diarrhea, vomiting, or belly pain.
Gallbladder Diseases: Gallstones and inflammation that can disrupt digestion.
Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures
A number of diagnostic techniques are used by gastroenterologists to assess digestive health:
- Upper GI Endoscopy: A flexible, camera-equipped scope is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach, esophagus, and upper part of the small intestine.
- Colonoscopy: View the colon and find polyps, inflammation, or bleeding sour.
- Ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans: To scan the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
- Blood Tests and Stool Tests: To identify infections, liver problems, or inflammation.
Treatment in gastroenterology medicine is usually personalized and can include:
- Medications: Antacids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or probiotics.
- Dietary Changes: A diet plan to improve symptoms and digestion.
- Lifestyle Changes: Like stress reduction, quitting smoking, alcohol limitation, and weight management.
- Endoscopic Treatments: Therapeutic interventions that are nonsurgical in nature for removal of polyps, control of bleeding, or dilatation of narrowed segments.
Why Medical Gastroenterology Exists?
The health of the gastrointestinal tract is vital to the overall wellness. Early identification and best treatment of gastrointestinal disease will prevent ulcers, bleeding, malnutrition, or even cancer. Preventive medicine is the aim of medical gastroenterology in the pattern of periodic screening, especially in those with a family history of GI diseases or chronic GI diseases.
Holistic Care at Mythri Hospital
In Mythri Hospital, our Medical Gastroenterology Department marries skill, technology, and human touch to deliver the best results for our patients.
Our highly qualified Gastroenterologists with a rich experience are equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of digestive disorders using the advanced diagnostic apparatus and non-invasive treatments. Whether acid reflux, liver disease, or chronic digestive pain, we offer a one-stop-shop to restore your digestive system and improve the quality of your life. From the proper diagnosis to ongoing care, Mythri Hospital offers personalized, evidence-based treatment to each patient.