Medical phrases or terms can be complicated and confusing. Many a time we mistake some medical terms for another, which in return can create a lot of fuss. One such example is that of a gastrologist and gastroenterologist. These are two such terms which are widely used and can easily be mistaken for one another. To clear the confusion, given below is the difference between gastrologist and gastroenterologist. 

 

Gastroenterology meaning and who is a Gastroenterologist?

 

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the functioning and disorders of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. It is important to know what is the difference between gastrointestinal and gastroenterology. Gastrointestinal tract refers to the collection of organs in the body that help in digestion of food. They are – the mouth, the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), gallbladder, the bile duct, the liver and the rectum. 

 

A gastroenterologist is a gastroenterology specialist. They are the specialized individuals who diagnose and treat the problem afflicting your digestive system.  While some gastroenterologists treat common diseases of the GI tract, others focus on a particular aspect of gastroenterology study. Gastroenterologists are trained to perform a variety of procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc. that help them diagnose the disorders. Your primary care doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist if they detect any serious issues in the GI tract. Some of the common conditions treated by a gastroenterologist are – 

 

    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    • Celiac Disease
    • Hepatitis 
    • Jaundice 
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Gallbladder Disease
    • Haemorrhoids (Swollen Veins in the Lowest Part of the Rectum and Anus)
    • Polyps (Abnormal Tissue Growths)
    • Stomach and other ulcers
    • Pancreatitis ( or any other condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas) 
  • Cancer (Gastrointestinal, Liver, Pancreatic, Colorectal)

 

The digestion of your food completely depends upon the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, it becomes imperative that you take good care of it. The disorders of the GI tract are vital and can cause serious harm if ignored. Thus, it’s best that you look out for the red flags right from the start and immediately consult the best gastroenterologist in India for the right treatment. Apart from this, one should also take proper care of what they eat. Most of the above mentioned disorders of the GI tract are caused by the food that we eat. Seek guidance from nutrition counselling services, who will help you plan what to eat and what to avoid. 

 

What is gastrology and who is Gastrologist? 

 

Gastrology meaning according to medical science is that branch of medicine that focuses on the illnesses of the stomach and the stomach. The term is not widely used and also not recognized as a terminology in the United States. A gastrologist is a gastrology specialist who diagnoses and treats the ailments of the stomach. Diseases of the stomach can be anything that disrupts the normal functioning of the stomach. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, etc. If you experience any discomfort in your stomach, you should immediately consult a gastrologist. 

 

Some of the disorders of the stomach are as follows-

 

  • Stomach cancer- Stomach cancer develops over the year. Hence attention must be paid at the very beginning when one notices the symptoms in order to stop the cancer from growing. 
  • Ulcer- Ulcers are a very common condition and can affect anyone. Here painful sores are developed in the lining of the oesophagus, the stomach and the intestines. These occur when the stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. 
  • Viral gastroenteritis -Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines because of a virus. Can be caused by consuming contaminated food. 
  • Gastroparesis -This is a condition where the stomach takes longer than usual to empty. 

 

Stomach problems often originate in the digestive tract or are caused by the conditions of the digestive tract. 

Some of the stomach problem causes are – 

 

  • Infections- can be viral, bacterial or parasitic 
  • Celiac disease can also lead to disorders of the stomach 
  • Disorders of the reproductive system, circulatory system, nervous system, etc. which affect the stomach 
  • Gallstones
  • Inflammatory bowel disease 
  • Consumption of contaminated or stale food items.
  • Poor eating habits 
  • Food poisoning or food intolerance and food allergies. For eg- a person having allergy of peanuts, Lactose intolerance, etc. 

 

What is the difference between a Gastroenterologist and a Gastrologist?

While these two specialists closely work on almost the same parts of the body, a gastrologist is someone who particularly focuses only on disorders affecting the stomach. The field of work of both gastrologists and gastroenterologists are closely related and they both cooperatively work in curing diseases of the patient. 

However, as gastroenterology is a study of the digestive system, and the diseases of the stomach are common in both the branches, gastroenterologists are able to treat the disorders of the stomach. Patients can always consult a gastroenterologist for their problems of the stomach. 

 

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