Managing gastrointestinal and liver well-being is crucial for overall health. There are many Gastroenterologists and Liver Specialists in Ludhiana, and they offer expert care in various aspects concerning whichever condition one suffers from.Here are some of the things one should know about gastro related issues and how they can be diagnosed.
Understanding Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is an area of specialisation that incorporates everything that deals with the digestive system and its conditions, from the mouth to the anus and some organs like gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, liver and many other digestive organs. A doctor in this medical field is called a gastroenterologist, usually called a Gastro Doctor. A gastro doctor is an all-rounder because he deals with everything digestion-related, including the liver, compared to the liver doctor, who only treats conditions related to that specific organ. There are numerous gastrointestinal conditions that a lot of people face nowadays, and some of them include acid reflux, inflammatory bowel syndrome or IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, lactose intolerance and diarrhoea, to mention a few. Some can be treated with home remedies, but if left untreated, they can be life-threatening. Multiple factors, including bacteria, viruses, and parasitic infections, can cause these gastrointestinal diseases. Even a diet can temper your gut health by eating a lot of processed food /consuming food that is low in fibre, eating dairy products, autoimmune diseases, lifestyle and genetics.
Liver And Diseases Associated With It
A liver doctor diagnoses challenges related to the liver and its function because the liver helps it store glucose as glycogen and releases it to maintain blood sugar levels; it supports metabolism and detoxification, which helps separate toxins from the bloodstream. It also stores some vitamins and minerals for later use. A liver doctor has the aptitude to diagnose and treat liver-related conditions only under gastroenterology, and they are usually referred to as hepatologists. There are various kinds of diseases or conditions related to gastrointestinal problems, and according to statistics, most of them are due to cirrhosis. The most common cause of cirrhosis is heavy consumption of alcohol. Some factors can lead to liver degradation or liver cirrhosis, such as viral infections, which include hepatitis A, B, C, D and E that replace healthy liver tissues with scarred tissues over time. Although some conditions may not show symptoms at an early stage, some do. Below are ways to diagnose all gastro-related issues.
How Gastroenterology Problems Are Diagnosed
There are several ways to diagnose gastro-related issues: imaging tests and procedures.
- A stool test is performed to check whether there are parasites or changes of colour in the stool, indicating some under conditions. A faecal occult blood test can be performed on the stool to check the amount of blood in the stool.
- X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans are examples of imaging tests. These tests can be conducted to see different parts and areas of the stomach or other gastro organs.
- A physical examination is performed to check if there is any family history of the disease in case it is hereditary.
- Blood tests are also conducted to determine the condition that one may have. Blood tests such as Complete Blood Count(CBC), Liver Function Test, and Gastrin, to mention a few, can help assess the liver and what is affecting digestion.
Finding the best Gastro Doctor in India helps when performing routine checkups and timely diagnoses to help them know and manage gastro conditions one is faced with, be it haemorrhoids or any other related condition. Choosing the best doctor based on reviews and expertise enables one to get prompt treatment if needed.
