Understanding the Duties and Diseases Handled by Gastroenterology Specialists

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who has special expertise in treating various disorders of the digestive tract, including disorders of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, bile, to the rectum. At the hospital, specialist doctor gastroenterology belongs to the department of internal medicine specialist.

To become a specialist in gastroenterology, a general practitioner must undergo medical education as a specialist in internal medicine and study the field of digestive health at the subspecialist gastroenterohepatology (KGEH). The duration of specialist medical education taken varies, but is generally 5-6 years.

Diseases Treated by Gastroenterology Specialists

In general, gastroenterology specialists treat health problems related to the process of digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and removal of digestive waste from the body. More specifically, there are several conditions that are treated by gastroenterologists, including:

  • stomach ulcer

    Gastric ulcers occur when there is a sore on the stomach wall due to erosion of the lining of the stomach wall. Usually characterized by severe stomach pain, which is felt in the solar plexus area.

  • Stomach acid disease

    This condition is characterized by pain in the pit of the stomach or a burning sensation in the chest due to stomach acid rising into the esophagus (esophagus).

  • Pancreatic inflammation

    In this condition, the pancreas becomes inflamed due to the influence of enzyme disorders in the digestive tract.

  • Irritable bowel ssyndrome

    Irritable bowel syndrome including long-term disorders of the digestive system that attacks the large intestine with symptoms such as flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.

  • Hepatitis

    In this condition, the liver or liver will experience inflammation and over time can be damaged. Often characterized by a yellow-looking body, may be accompanied by fever, nausea, and a feeling of fullness around the stomach. The main cause of hepatitis is a viral infection.

  • Gastrointestinal cancer or tumors

    Gastroenterologists also treat various kinds of tumors and cancers in several digestive organs, such as the anus, large intestine, pancreas, stomach, bladder, and several other organs.

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Gastroenterologists have in-depth knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract. If needed, they will perform several procedures to treat the patient.

Some of the medical procedures performed by a gastroenterologist include:

  • Liver biopsy, to detect the cause of inflammation and fibrosis in the liver.
  • Endoscopy, an examination using a camera-tipped tube to assess the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Can be done together with a biopsy and removal of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Gastroscopy, endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, generally to assess the condition of the stomach.
  • Colonoscopy, to examine the condition of the intestine, and detect the possibility of polyps or colon cancer.
  • Sigmoidoscopy, to determine the cause of disorders or lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, to identify scar tissue, gallstones, or tumors in the bile ducts.

When Hcurrent Pcheck toGastroenterology Specialist?

Digestive tract disorders can occur in both men and women, regardless of age. However, people aged 50 years and over are more prone to disorders in the digestive tract. As a preventive measure, you should immediately consult a gastroenterologist if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Often feel stomach pain or heartburn.
  • Stomach pain recurring and not getting better.
  • Vomiting blood or having bloody stools for no apparent reason.
  • Difficulty swallowing food for no apparent reason.
  • The color of the skin and the whites of the eyes becomes yellow, accompanied by fever and a feeling of bloating or pain in the pit of the stomach.
  • The body is easily tired, decreased appetite or weight decreased drastically or suddenly.

During the examination, the gastroenterologist may ask some questions about your medical history and daily lifestyle to diagnose the condition you are experiencing. That way, the doctor can determine the right treatment and procedure to treat you.

Examination needs to be done as soon as possible so that the health problems experienced do not get worse. The sooner treated, the potential for damage to the digestive organs can be reduced. This can increase your chances of recovery, and you can get back to your daily activities soon.