Gastroenterology Diseases

Gastroenterology diseases are as varied as the different organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract- the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestines, the colon and the rectum.

Diseases of the esophagus usually present with difficulty of swallowing accompanied with pain upon swallowing. This condition can mean a growing obstructive mass.

Heartburn is a frequent gastroenterology symptom that warrants consultation with a gastroenterologist.  This is condition can be due to too much acid production in the stomach. Gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD is reflux of stomach contents or acid into the esophagus or throat gives a burning painful sensation. Consequent aspiration in the lungs of stomach contents can result in aspiration pneumonia, a fatal condition.

A feeling of heartburn isn’t just a warning symptom of gastric or duodenal ulcer but is also a symptom of gallstones. That sharp stab of pain at your upper right side of your abdomen and shoulder blades indicate gall stones.

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom that impels a person to seek the services of a gastroenterologist.

Right-sided abdominal pain that occurs with a yellow discoloration of the skin or the eyes and pale stools imply liver or gall bladder disease. Jaundice coupled with abdominal pain and fever signifies an obstructed gallstone with infection. This is usually an emergency room scenario. A person comes in the emergency room writhing in pain and needs urgent care.

Vomiting is an all too frequent symptom of diseases related and unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract.  If vomiting involves fresh blood or even darkly colored blood that can look like “coffee-ground-like substances,” the condition relates to a stomach disorder. It can suggest a trivial illness such as peptic ulcer disease to a serious condition like stomach cancer.

Bloating with or without peristaltic pain; a change in bowel habits; constipation or diarrhea; alternate constipation and diarrhea warrants further evaluation by a trained gastroenterologist. The causes of these symptoms are the so-called inflammatory bowel diseases particularly Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcerative colitis. They may not be lethal but makes daily life miserable for sufferers. Irritable bowel syndrome consists of several episodes of diarrhea occurring daily at unexpected times for several months then alternates with constipation. There is cramping, bloating and gas that disrupt a person’s daily activities.

Bloody stools frighten people that lead them to seek consultation. The blood may be fresh or dark that resembles cooked blood or tarry stools. This can be a sign of a host of diseases such as colon cancer, hemorrhoids, bacterial or protozoal infection of the intestines.

Colo-rectal cancer cases are increasing. A family history and presence of polyps is a predisposition to the disease.  Fresh blood in the stools, bloating, weight loss, and generalized weakness are some symptoms. The best to get determine if you’ve got this disease is to undergo for screening such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

Anorectal disorders include external and internal hemorrhoids as well as rectal cancers.

Tumors of the gastrointestinal usually give vague generalized symptoms and aren’t specific. Loss of appetite and weight, general lethargy or an overall lack of general well being occur in late stages of colon or stomach cancer.

These conditions are by far the most widespread of gastroenterology diseases. If you’ve been feeling rundown by that heartburn or anxious about fresh blood in your stools, seek the expert opinion of a well-trained gastroenterologist. Understandably, people are embarrassed talking about bowel habits but an early diagnosis of your condition may mean saving your own life.