Common Digestive Issues Treated by a Gastro Physician

A gastro physician, also known as a gastroenterologist, specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the digestive system. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Many people experience digestive problems at some point in life, and understanding when to seek medical help is important to avoid complications. Here are some of the common digestive issues treated by a gastro physician.



Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. It is common to experience occasional reflux, especially after eating spicy or oily food.

When It Becomes GERD

When acid reflux occurs frequently, it is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can damage the lining of the oesophagus, leading to ulcers, narrowing, or in rare cases, oesophageal cancer if left untreated. A gastro physician can provide medication and lifestyle guidance to manage GERD effectively.

Gastritis

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be caused by bacterial infections like H. pylori, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, or prolonged use of painkillers.

Symptoms and Treatment

Common symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. A gastro physician will perform tests to identify the cause and provide treatment, which may include antibiotics for infections and medications to reduce stomach acid.

Peptic Ulcers

Understanding Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. They are often caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Symptoms and Risks

Symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, and in severe cases, vomiting blood or black stools, which indicate bleeding. A gastro physician will recommend medications to reduce acid production and antibiotics if bacteria are present.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What Is IBS?

IBS is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. It is a functional condition, meaning there are no visible structural abnormalities, but the digestive system does not function properly.

Symptoms

Patients with IBS often experience abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. Although it is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect daily life.

Management

A gastro physician helps manage IBS through dietary changes, medications, and stress management techniques to improve symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Types of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Unlike IBS, IBD can cause long-term damage to the intestines.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD requires regular monitoring and treatment with medications to reduce inflammation and manage complications. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Gallstones

Understanding Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can block the bile ducts, leading to pain and digestive problems.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms include sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. If gallstones cause complications like infection or pancreatitis, a gastro physician may recommend surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Liver Diseases

Common Liver Issues

Gastro physicians also treat liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease is often caused by obesity and poor diet, while hepatitis is due to viral infections.

Importance of Early Treatment

Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and swelling in the abdomen or legs. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent liver failure.

Conclusion

Gastro physicians play an essential role in diagnosing and treating various digestive issues, from common conditions like acid reflux and gastritis to chronic diseases like IBD and liver disorders. If you experience persistent digestive problems such as abdominal pain, frequent heartburn, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, it is important to consult a gastro physician. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve your digestive health and prevent complications in the future. 

Location: Kochi, Kerala, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring Effective Liver Cancer Treatments

Image
  Liver cancer, though daunting, has seen significant advancements in treatment options. Let's delve into the various approaches and breakthroughs in liver cancer treatment that are transforming patient outcomes. Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide Liver cancer, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, requires prompt and effective treatment. With advancements in medical science, there are several approaches to treating liver cancer, each tailored to the individual patient's needs and the stage of the disease. Surgical Interventions: Surgery plays a crucial role in the treatment of liver cancer . Surgical options may include: Hepatectomy: This procedure involves the surgical removal of a portion of the liver affected by cancer. It is often performed when the tumor is confined to a specific area of the liver. Liver Transplant: In cases where the cancer has spread extensively or cannot be removed with a hepatectomy, a liver transplant may be...
Read more

Choosing a Liver Transplant Center: Key Factors to Consider

Image
  When choosing a liver transplant center, patients are faced with a complex decision. A liver transplant is a life-saving procedure that involves removing a damaged or diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor. The success of the transplant depends not only on the skill of the medical team but also on the facility, support services, and overall approach to patient care. Choosing the right transplant center can greatly influence the outcome of the transplant, the patient's quality of life post-surgery, and their chances of survival. In this blog, we will explore the key factors you should consider when selecting a liver transplant center. 1. Hospital Reputation and Experience The reputation of the liver transplant center is one of the first things to consider when making your decision. Hospitals that specialize in liver transplants are usually equipped with advanced technology and a highly skilled medical team. It’s essential to select a center with a stro...
Read more

Understanding the Liver Transplant Process: From Diagnosis to Recovery

Image
 A liver transplant is one of the most complex and life-changing surgeries in modern medicine. Whether it’s due to chronic liver disease, acute liver failure, or genetic conditions, the journey from diagnosis to recovery is both physically and emotionally intense. At the center of this process is the liver transplant surgeon , whose expertise and decisions guide the patient every step of the way—from evaluation to a new beginning. 1. The Diagnosis: When a Transplant Becomes Necessary The first stage begins with identifying the underlying liver condition. Common causes that lead to liver transplantation include: Cirrhosis (from hepatitis, alcohol, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) Liver cancer (HCC) Acute liver failure Genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease Once a diagnosis is made, patients are evaluated to determine if they are good candidates for a transplant. This includes blood tests, imaging scans, and a full physical and psychological assessment. 2. Getting ...
Read more