Gastroenterology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases of the digestive system. This includes conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
During the consultation, the gastroenterologist considers how symptoms relate to food, medicines, and everyday habits, reviews previous test results, and determines whether further diagnostic evaluation is needed.
- recurrent abdominal or stomach pain and discomfort
- heartburn, acid taste, nausea, or vomiting
- bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
- difficulty or pain when swallowing
- marked changes in stool color or consistency, or blood in the stool
- unexplained weight loss or a prolonged change in appetite
Evaluation may include blood and other laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound, Helicobacter pylori testing, and in some cases gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or other instrumental studies. The doctor selects the appropriate tests based on the symptoms and clinical findings.
This information is general and does not replace an individual consultation with a doctor.
