Gastroenterology

🩺 What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders.
It deals with the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and related organs.

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🧬 Organs Involved

🔍 Organ	📋 Function
👄 Mouth	Begins digestion with chewing & enzymes
🧪 Esophagus	Tube carrying food to the stomach
🍲 Stomach	Breaks food with acid & enzymes
🌀 Small Intestine	Absorbs nutrients from digested food
🧻 Large Intestine	Absorbs water & forms stool
🍷 Liver	Detoxifies and produces bile
🧈 Gallbladder	Stores bile for fat digestion
🥣 Pancreas	Produces enzymes & insulin

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⚠️ Common Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders

• 🔥 Acid Reflux / GERD – Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus
• 💨 IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – Abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowels
• 🚽 Constipation – Infrequent or hard bowel movements
• 💩 Diarrhea – Frequent, loose stools
• 🧪 Ulcers – Sores in stomach lining
• 🎯 Crohn’s Disease / Colitis – Inflammatory bowel diseases
• 🦠 Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver
• 🧬 Celiac Disease – Immune reaction to gluten

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🔬 Tests & Procedures in Gastroenterology

🛠️ Procedure	📝 Purpose
📹 Endoscopy	Visual exam of GI tract via camera
🧫 Colonoscopy	Checks colon & rectum for abnormalities
💉 Liver Function Test	Blood test for liver health
⚗️ Stool Tests	Detects infections, blood, parasites
🧪 Biopsy	Tissue sample for lab analysis

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🌿 Tips for a Healthy Digestive System

• 🥗 Eat a fiber-rich diet
• 💧 Drink plenty of water
• 🚫 Limit fatty, spicy, and processed foods
• 🧘 Manage stress
• 🚶 Stay active
• 🩺 Regular check-ups if you have chronic symptoms