Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. The medical specialty devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the digestive system.
These disorders may affect the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Gastroenterologists have a thorough understanding of how food moves through the digestive tract (called motility) and the physical and chemical break down of food (digestion), including the absorption of nutrients and the removal of waste products. Gastroenterologists also focus on the digestive function of the liver. Gastroenterologists often serve as consultants to other physicians and may work in the research field. Gastroenterologists specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the following symptoms and conditions:
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Constipation and diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing
Diverticular disease and other diseases of the colon (e.g., polyps, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], colitis, Crohn’s disease)
Gallbladder disease
Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Inflammation in the digestive tract (e.g., gastritis)