Gastroenterologists specialises in diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide range of disorders affecting the digestive system, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They employ advanced procedures to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.
Not every health issue can be addressed by your regular general physician. In certain cases, you may need to see a specialist based on your specific condition. For concerns related to the digestive system, a gastroenterologist is the expert to consult. These specialists, who focus on gastroenterology, are skilled in diagnosing, managing, and treating various digestive system disorders. Continue reading to discover more about the role of a gastroenterologist and when it is advisable to seek their expertise.
Who is a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterology is a medical speciality dedicated to the digestive tract, liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. A physician specialising in these areas is known as a gastroenterologist or GI specialist. These experts possess comprehensive knowledge of the functioning of digestive organs and structures. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver. Dr Sanjay Jain is one of the best gastroenterologists in Delhi, specialising in treating a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
What are the Different Types of Gastroenterologists?
While many gastroenterologists treat general gastrointestinal diseases, some develop expertise in specific areas, such as:
- Pancreatic diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver diseases
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Liver transplantation
- Conditions requiring complex endoscopic procedures
A gastroenterologist may also choose to specialise as a hepatologist, focusing on the diseases of the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists frequently collaborate with oncologists (cancer specialists), surgeons, and radiologists (imaging specialists).
What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?
Gastroenterologists treat a variety of gastrointestinal diseases affecting the stomach and intestines, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Celiac disease
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Stomach ulcers
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Haemorrhoids
- Colorectal polyps
They also treat various esophageal disorders, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Swallowing difficulties
- Hiatal hernias
- Oesophagitis
Moreover, gastroenterologists can treat liver diseases, including:
- Toxic hepatitis
- Viral hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Fatty liver disease
Also, they help treat several biliary, pancreatic, and gallbladder diseases, such as:
- Cholecystitis
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
When to See a Gastroenterologist?
Your doctor may recommend a visit to a gastroenterologist if you experience issues related to your digestive system. Symptoms that might require consultation with this specialist include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
- Excessive bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, then consult a gastroenterologist at the earliest. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Sanjay Jain, one of the best gastroenterologists in Delhi.
Which Tests and Procedures Does a Gastroenterologist Perform?
Gastroenterologists are trained to perform a variety of nonsurgical procedures, including:
- Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: A tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to inspect the rectum and colon. A colonoscopy allows for viewing the entire rectum and colon, while a sigmoidoscopy focuses on the lower colon and rectum.
- Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera and light, known as an endoscope, is passed down your oesophagus to examine parts of your digestive system.
- Polyp Removal: During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists can remove polyps (noncancerous or precancerous growths) from the colon.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: This combines an endoscope with an ultrasound device to create detailed images of your digestive tract and nearby organs.
- Capsule Endoscopy: You swallow a pill containing a small and wireless camera that takes images of your GI tract, allowing your doctor to see inside your small intestine.
- Liver Biopsy: Tissue samples are taken from the liver and assessed under a microscope to look for signs of inflammation or disease.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure uses endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat issues involving bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
- Oesophageal Dilation: A long, thin instrument is used to stretch or open a portion of the oesophagus.
- Feeding Tube Insertion: A feeding tube is inserted into the abdomen for nutritional support.
Navigating digestive health issues often requires specialised care beyond what a general physician can provide. This is where gastroenterologists, experts in gastroenterology and related fields, play a crucial role. These specialists diagnose, treat, and manage a wide array of conditions affecting the digestive system, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in bowel habits, consulting a gastroenterologist is advisable. These specialists utilise advanced diagnostic tools like colonoscopy, endoscopy, and imaging techniques to provide accurate assessments and tailored treatment plans.
Are you looking for the best gastroenterologists in Delhi? With Apollo, schedule a consultation with Dr Sanjay Jain right now to receive expert care.