What is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a stomach doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the digestive system. A gastrologist or a gastroenterologist treats conditions associated with the digestive system, including the GI tract (oesophagus, stomach and intestines) and biliary organs (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas).
Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist
Here are a few reasons why you must consider consulting a gastroenterologist:
Ongoing diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea can be an indication of different digestive disorders like IBS or IBD.
Constipation
The frequency of bowel movement varies from person to person. If the constipation is persistent, consult a gastroenterologist to make bowel movements more regular with lifestyle changes or medication.
Severe or frequent heartburn
Occasional heartburn is not a matter of concern, however if an individual experiences heartburn symptoms more than a few times a week, it can be a sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Feeling bloated
Bloating makes the stomach feel full or tight and can potentially be a sign of IBS, a food sensitivity, gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach), or SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
Severe or sudden abdominal pain
Abdominal pain that comes on suddenly or lasts for hours is not normal. Consistent severe abdominal pain can indicate gallstones, pancreatitis or liver disease.
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool accompanied by changes in bowel habits, can be a sign of serious medical conditions like haemorrhoids and in rare cases, colorectal cancer.
Conditions Treated by Gastroenterologists at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions including:
1. Gastrointestinal diseases (affecting the stomach and intestine)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
Stomach ulcers
Appendicitis
Haemorrhoids
2. Esophageal disorders
Difficulty swallowing
Gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn
Barrett’s oesophagus
Reflux esophagitis
Hiatal hernias
3. Liver diseases
Alcohol-associated liver disease
Cirrhosis
Fatty liver disease
Toxic hepatitis
Viral hepatitis
4. Pancreatic, gallbladder and biliary diseases
Pancreatitis
Gallstones
Cholecystitis
5. Cancers such as:
Gastrointestinal cancer
Esophageal cancer
Colorectal cancer screening
What Procedures Do Gastroenterologists Perform?
A gastroenterologist conducts a physical examination followed by blood tests and imaging tests such as GI X-ray examinations to diagnose abnormalities of the GI tract. A gastroenterologist may also conduct an endoscopy for a detailed examination of all the organs in the digestive system.
The procedures used to diagnose, treat and manage gastrointestinal diseases include:
1. Endoscopy
During an endoscopy, a gastroenterologist doctor uses a camera that attaches to an endoscope (a long and thin tube) to look inside the body. Gastrologists performs an endoscopy to investigate symptoms like:
Persistent heartburn
Nausea and vomiting
Problems with swallowing
Stomach pain
Unexplained weight loss
2. Colonoscopy
A gastroenterologist can examine the entire colon and rectum in a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a gastroenterologist might look for:
Early signs of rectum or colon cancer
Cause of bowel habit changes
Causes of specific symptoms like unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.
Other treatments may include:
3. Intra-gastric balloon for obesity treatment
Intra-gastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach. This procedure limits the food intake and makes an individual feel full faster.
4. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
This procedure combines the use of X-rays and an endoscope to diagnose and treat problems affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
Why Choose Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, for Gastroenterology Treatment?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel movement, persistent abdominal pain, chronic heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss and any other digestive issues, consult the best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment. The gastroenterology department at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon offers a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic procedures like endoscopic examinations as well as treatments for digestive disorders, liver diseases, pancreatic conditions and routine consultations.
How Can I Book an Appointment with the Best Gastroenterologist at Artemis Hospital?
Early detection and treatment of gastroenterological conditions is crucial for positive outcomes and improved quality of life. Prompt intervention can alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, prevent progression and reduce the risk of complications associated with digestive issues. To schedule an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, simply call on +91-124-4511111 or book an appointment via our online portal or Artemis Mobile App, available for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, you can contact us on WhatsApp at +91 9599285476 for assistance with booking an appointment.
FAQs
What is a paediatric gastroenterologist?
A paediatric gastroenterologist is a doctor who specialises in children’s digestive, liver or nutritional issues. They treat gastroenterological conditions in children from birth through age 18.
Which part of the body does a gastroenterologist focus on?
A gastroenterologist specialises in treating gastrointestinal diseases and conditions related to the organs in the digestive system, including the GI tract (oesophagus, stomach and intestines) and biliary organs (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas).
Do gastroenterologists treat cancer?
Yes. A gastroenterologist specialises in treating cancer that affects organs of the digestive system. Through diagnostic procedures like endoscopy and biopsy, a gastroenterologist identifies, locates and removes cancerous tumours throughout the GI tract and biliary system.
How is a proctologist and gastroenterologist different?
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialise in conditions associated with the digestive system. A proctologist on the other hand, is a surgeon who diagnoses or treats conditions that affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, anus and rectum.
There are a number of ways to book an appointment at Artemis Hospital. You can call our centralised customer care number: +91-124-4511111, WhatsApp us at +91-95992-85476, or register on our Online Patient Portal. Alternatively, you can download and register on our Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.