GASTROENTEROLOGY

Gastroenterology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of diseases of the digestive system. This medical field encompasses organs related to the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What Diseases Does Gastroenterology Concern?

Gastroenterology concerns a wide range of digestive system diseases. These diseases can be classified as follows according to the organs involved:

• Esophagus: Reflux disease, esophagitis, esophageal cancer
• Stomach: Gastritis, gastric ulcer, stomach cancer
• Small Intestine: Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease
• Colon: Ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, colon polyps, colon cancer
• Liver: Hepatitis A-B-C, cirrhosis, fatty liver (hepatic steatosis)
• Gallbladder: Gallstones, cholecystitis, bile duct obstructions
• Pancreas: Acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer
• What Are the Symptoms of Gastroenterological Diseases?

Digestive system disorders can present with a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms that may be observed include:

• Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Bloating, gas problems
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Blood in stool

These symptoms may be early warning signs of serious digestive system diseases. Gastroenterological assessment is crucial for determining the underlying cause of these symptoms.

Diagnosis Methods

Gastroenterologists utilize various advanced diagnostic and imaging methods to accurately diagnose diseases:

• Endoscopy: Allows detailed examination of the stomach and upper digestive tract.
• Colonoscopy: Used for visualization of the colon and rectum.
• Ultrasound: Effective in evaluating internal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
• Biopsy: Involves taking samples from abnormal tissues for pathological examination.

These diagnostic methods enable the early detection of digestive system diseases and the development of effective treatment plans.

What Are the Causes of Gastroenterological Diseases?

The causes of frequently encountered conditions in gastroenterology range from genetic predisposition to lifestyle factors. Digestive system diseases are complex health issues that can affect different organs and can arise from various external or internal factors.

A diet high in fatty, spicy, and processed foods can trigger various problems in organs such as the stomach, intestines, and gallbladder. Low-fiber diets can predispose individuals to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Tobacco and alcohol use can cause direct damage to the gastroenterological system. Tobacco increases stomach acid production, leading to reflux, while alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa and has a toxic effect on the liver, potentially resulting in serious diseases such as fatty liver and cirrhosis.

Stress and psychological factors are significant triggers for functional digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome). Sustained stress can alter digestive system motility and disrupt the gut flora.

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of certain diseases (such as colon cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). A family history of these conditions may put an individual at higher risk. Long-term use of certain medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, etc.) can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa, ulcer formation, and imbalances in gut flora.

Given all these factors, maintaining regular lifestyle habits, healthy eating, and regular health checks are critical for the prevention of gastroenterological disorders.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Gastroenterological Diseases

Digestive system diseases often present with mild symptoms in their early stages. However, if not diagnosed in a timely manner, these conditions can progress and lead to serious health issues. Therefore, early diagnosis in gastroenterological diseases not only facilitates the treatment process but also improves quality of life.

Some digestive system disorders, such as colon cancer, stomach cancer, and liver diseases, respond much better to treatment when detected early. For example, a polyp identified via colonoscopy can be removed before it evolves into cancer. Similarly, if a gastric ulcer is recognized in the early stages, it can be completely healed with medication.

Thanks to early diagnosis:

• Intervention can be made before the disease progresses.
• The need for surgical procedures may be reduced.
• Treatment duration and costs are lowered.
• The risk of complications is decreased.
• Long-term health losses can be prevented.

Gastroenterological symptoms are often prone to neglect. Complaints like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits are often considered "temporary," leading individuals to refrain from seeing a doctor. To raise awareness in society, it is particularly important for individuals over the age of 45 to undergo regular digestive system screenings. For those in risk groups, these checks should begin at younger ages.

The early detection of gastroenterological diseases holds significant importance for both individual and societal health. Hence, symptoms related to the digestive system should be taken seriously, and necessary investigations should not be neglected. Gastroenterology plays a vital role in preserving digestive system health and preventing diseases. Early recognition of symptoms allows for the prevention of potential serious health issues through accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that complaints related to the digestive system should not be ignored, and expert evaluations should be sought when necessary.