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.

🧬 Organs Involved

🔍 Organ📋 Function
👄 MouthBegins digestion with chewing & enzymes
🧪 EsophagusTube carrying food to the stomach
🍲 StomachBreaks food with acid & enzymes
🌀 Small IntestineAbsorbs nutrients from digested food
🧻 Large IntestineAbsorbs water & forms stool
🍷 LiverDetoxifies and produces bile
🧈 GallbladderStores bile for fat digestion
🥣 PancreasProduces enzymes & insulin

⚠️ 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

🔬 Tests & Procedures in Gastroenterology

🛠️ Procedure📝 Purpose
📹 EndoscopyVisual exam of GI tract via camera
🧫 ColonoscopyChecks colon & rectum for abnormalities
💉 Liver Function TestBlood test for liver health
⚗️ Stool TestsDetects infections, blood, parasites
🧪 BiopsyTissue sample for lab analysis

🌿 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