[Gastroenterology] Introduction

Gastroenterologists specialise in diseases of the digestive system.

There is significant overlap with infectiology.

 

Subspecialties

• Hepatology or hepatobiliary medicine: subspecialises in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts
• Proctology: concerns the rectum and anus

 

Etymology

Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastḗr) = belly
Ancient Greek ἔντερον (énteron) = intestine
Ancient Greek λογία (logia) = study

History taking

 

Physical examination

 

Relevant symptoms

• Abdominal distension
• Abdominal pain
• Bowel incontinence
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dyspepsia
• Dysphagia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Flatulence
• Haematemesis
• Haematochezia
• Halitosis
• Hypersalivation
• Melaena
• Nausea
• Pruritus
• Regurgitation
• Tenesmus
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

 

Digestive system diseases

 

Relevant diseases:

• Gastroenteritis 
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Gallstones 
• Coeliac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Functional abdominal pain
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Hepatological disease
• Cirrhosis
• Esophageal motility disorder 
• Achalasia
• Diverticulosis 
• Short bowel syndrome