Gastroenterology

The function and disorders of the digestive system.


By Kai Colvin, Senior Medical Research EditorLast modified: January 23, 2012




Gastroenterology Defined

What is Gastroenterology? It is the analysis or treatment of Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. Gastroenterology deals with the function and disorders of the digestive system.


Disorders And Conditions Of Gastroenterology

Important disorders include Esophageal Disorders, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease, Colon Polyps, Ulcerative Colitis, Pancreatitis, Gastroenteritis,Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract, and Anorectal Disorders. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, a class of conditions that causes inflammation in the small intestines.

Ulcerative colitis attacks specifically in the colon unlike its counterpart of Crohn’s disease. Living with ulcerative colitis is stressful. UC leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as rectal bleeding, and searching for a treatment that reduces inflammation and ulcerations in the lining of the colon.

Gastroenterology Studies:

-Physiology of the gastrointestinal organs.

-Digestion and immersion of nutrients into the body.

-Waste removal from the digestive system.

-Role of the liver as a digestive organ.

Gastroenterologists employ endoscopies (upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy), with narrow, flexible lighted tubes with built-in video cameras, to visualize the inside of the intestinal tract. Advanced procedures using endoscopes include ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, EMR (removal of tumors without surgery (endoscopic mucosal resection), Stents (placement of internal drainage tubes) and EUS (endoscopic ultrasound).

It is important to live a healthy life in general to put your body in the best circumstances.











Acid Reflux


Acid reflux is the reappearance of digested particles from the stomach into the esophagus.


Crohns Disease


A long lasting abnormality leading to the expansion of the gastrointestinal track.


Cystic Fibrosis


Cystic Fibrosis is a disorder of the group of cells that create sweat and mucus in the body.


GERD Disease


Disorders of the digestive system are common occurrences. The most popular deviations of the digestive system include pain in the stomach, ulcers, constipation and Crohn’s disease. Another familiar abnormality of the digestive system is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prolonged irregularities of the digestive system should be evaluated by a physician.


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a deviation from the normal role of the colon that leads to gastrointestinal upset.


Peptic Ulcer Disease


Peptic ulcer disease is the eating away at the liner of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.




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