Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It covers conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, and liver disease.

Some liver conditions treated in this branch are caused by viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, which can range from a short-term illness to chronic liver damage if left untreated. Patients are commonly referred to this branch for symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, chronic heartburn, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis often involves an endoscopy or colonoscopy to directly examine the digestive tract, sometimes alongside blood tests or imaging. Many digestive conditions, such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, are managed long-term through a combination of diet, medication, and lifestyle adjustments rather than a single treatment.