Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders related to the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and gallbladder. Gastroenterologists specialize in a variety of conditions ranging from acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to liver diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Key Areas of Gastroenterology:
● Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine lining.
● Acid Reflux (GERD): A common condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
● Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
● Liver Diseases: Includes conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, which can impair liver function.
● Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
● Gallbladder Disease: Disorders like gallstones, which can lead to pain and blockages in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
