Gastroenterologist  kerala
                     What Does a Gastroenterologist 
Do?
https://drharikumar.com/gastroenterology/
A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis 
and
treatment of disorders related to the digestive system. This includes the 
organs from  the mouth to the anus, such as the esophagus, stomach, liver, 
gallbladder, pancreas,
small intestine, and large intestine (colon). Gastroenterologists are trained to 
manage a  wide range of conditions, including:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A chronic condition where 
stomach acid  flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like 
heartburn.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease 
and ulcerative  colitis that cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder of the colon 
that may cause  abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Liver Diseases: Diagnosis and management of various liver 
conditions, such as  hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
Gallbladder Issues: Disorders affecting the gallbladder, including 
gallstones and  inflammation.
Pancreatic Disorders: Conditions such as pancreatitis and 
pancreatic cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening: Gastroenterologists often perform 
colonoscopies to screen  for colorectal cancer and identify polyps that may 
lead to cancer.
Swallowing Disorders: Evaluation and management of difficulties in 
swallowing.
Gastroenterologists use various diagnostic tools, including endoscopy and 
imaging  studies, to examine the digestive organs and provide accurate 
diagnoses. They may  also offer medical and procedural interventions, 
such as prescribing medications,
performing endoscopic procedures, or recommending surgery when 
necessary. Regular  visits to a gastroenterologist are crucial for the 
prevention, early detection, and  management of digestive health issues.
What are the common signs and symptoms of a 
gastrointestinal disorder?
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort:
●Persistent or recurrent pain in the abdomen, ranging from mild to 
severe.  Changes in Bowel Habits:
● Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for an extended period.
●Changes in the consistency, color, or frequency of bowel 
movements.  Heartburn and Indigestion:
● Persistent burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or 
discomfort after  eating.
Nausea and Vomiting:
● Frequent nausea or vomiting that is not related to pregnancy or 
temporary  illness.
Bloating and Gas:
●Excessive gas, bloating, or a feeling of fullness even after small 
meals.  Unexplained Weight Loss:
●Significant weight loss without intentional dieting or lifestyle 
changes.  Blood in Stool:
● Visible blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools, which may indicate 
bleeding  in the digestive tract.
Fatigue:
●Persistent fatigue or weakness that cannot be explained by other 
factors.  Difficulty Swallowing:
● Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, which can be painful or 
accompanied  by a sensation of food getting stuck.
Jaundice:
● Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating potential liver or 
gallbladder  issues.
Unexplained Anemia:
● Low red blood cell count, leading to fatigue, weakness, and 
pale skin.