The medical professionals who diagnose and treat the anomalies and diseases related to oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and biliary system (liver, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts) are known as gastroenterologists. They are considered experts in this field and are trained in providing a complete and comprehensive care for the patients with the gastrointestinal ailments.

When to visit a Gastroenterologist in Amritsar?

Frequent digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, changes in the bowel habits or to consistency of stool may lead to a visit to gastroenterologists.To get the best treatment, choosing a gastroenterologist becomes very crucial. SarvhitGastrocity has the leading gastroenterologist in Amritsar who serves the best gastro-related treatments.

Causes of gastrointestinal conditions

Human gastrointestinal(GI)tract can become upset with many factors. The majority of them are related to unhealthy lifestyle which is adopted by many individuals nowadays. The other factors are

  • Intake of Low-fibre diet
  • Being stressed
  • Less fluid intake in the form of water
  • Intake of excess dairy foods
  • Aging
  • Pregnancy
  • Genetic factors
  • Taking excess antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
  • Consuming antidepressants, iron pills, and strong painkillers.
  • More usage of anti-diarrheal medications that weaken bowel muscle movements.

Common Gastrointestinal Disorders

A wide range of health concerns affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of the human body. Some common gastrointestinal disorders explained by gastroenterologist in Amritsar are:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (also called spastic colon, irritable colon, or nervous stomach) is a disorder caused due to abnormal contraction of colon muscles. The common symptoms are changes in bowel movement, pain or cramps in the stomach, bloating, and constipation.

Treatment includes:
  • Increasing dietary fibers
  • Avoiding excessive caffeine
  • Hydrating well throughout the day
  • Monitoring and avoiding foods that trigger IBS
  • Minimizing stress by learning ways to cope with it
  • Taking medicines as prescribed by the gastroenterologist
  • Improving the sleep habits

Constipation

Constipation is a functional problem that makes it hard to have a smooth bowel movement. The stools are infrequent or incomplete. It may also cause strain during bowel along with anal problems such as fissures and haemorrhoids.

The treatment includes
  • Intake of more fiber and water in diet
  • Regular exercising.
  • Passing the stool whenever there
  • is an urge without resisting.

However, if the above treatments don't work then the gastroenterologist in Amritsar may suggest laxatives for easy bowel movements.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids also called piles are a condition that causes enlarged, swollen, and bulging blood vessels in and around the rectum. These are of primarily two types – internal and external. The symptoms are itching, irritation, pain, discomfort, and swelling around the anus.

The treatment of both types of haemorrhoids includes
  • Improving bowel habits by avoiding constipation and straining during bowel movements.
  • Using ligating bands to eliminate vessels.
  • Surgery for very large, painful, and persistent internal and external haemorrhoids.

GERD(Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

GERD is a common digestive problem that occurs when the acid present in the stomach reverses back to the oesophagus. The oesophagus is connected to the stomach through a small muscle valve called oesophagealsphincter (LES). Acid from the stomach can get into oesophagus when this valve is not closed properly. The GERD symptoms cause hyperacidity, cough as well as bitterness and soreness in the mouth. Theinitial treatment suggested by the doctor is the intake of antacids or use of proton pump inhibitors. Laparoscopic procedure called LINX can be done in acute cases.

Anal Fissures

Anal Fissures causes a tear in the thin tissue lining of the anus which causes pain and bleeding while passing the stool.There are visible large or small skin cracks around the anus. The initial treatment may include painkillers, increased intake of dietary fibers, and sit baths. If the treatments don't relieve pain then surgery might be needed to repair the muscles.

Gallstones

Gallstones are one of the common gallbladder diseases. The gallstones are small hardened deposits that collect inside the gall bladder. The bile produced by the liver is stored in this pear-shaped organ. If the bile contains more quantity of cholesterol and bilirubin; it hardens in the form of stone. Gallstone symptoms are sharp, sudden, and extreme pain in the abdomen and lower back. The effective treatment suggested by the leading gastroenterologist in Amritsar is the gallstone removal surgery called Cholecystectomy.

Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer is the abnormal multiplication of the cells of the liver due to chronic liver diseases. Initial symptoms of cancer are, but latterly sudden weight loss, stomach pain, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice occurs. Liver Cancer is treated by either Liver replacement or Hepatectomy which is the surgical removal of either the whole or the part of the liver followed by chemotherapy and radiations in some cases.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon)which is the part of the digestive tract. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea as well as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and cramps. Treatment starts with medicines and in severe cases surgery can be done. Various surgeries Colostomy, Ileostomy, Colectomy, or Proctocolectomy can be performed.

Preventing gastrointestinal disorders

Many of the above-mentioned disorders can be prevented effectively by adapting to certain lifestyle measures, but certain recommendations listed below by gastroenterologist in Amritsar can be taken to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

  • Consuming smaller and frequent meals – This pattern of eating boosts metabolism and prevents excess eating during a single meal resulting in improvement in digestive health.
  • Increasing quantity of Fiber in diet– Fiber rich diet helps in increasing the weight, size, and softness of stool. Additionally, eating fiber makes one feel fuller and enhances digestive health, and prevents digestive disorders.
  • Drinking plenty of water- The digestive health is also maintained when there is sufficient intake of water as it cleans the GI tract. Water also helps the body to absorb nutrients in a better way.
  • Exercising regularly- Exercising helps a lot in preventing gastrointestinal disorders. It promotes blood flow to the organs in the digestive tract and also improves gut health.

The concluding note

Gastrointestinal disorders can affect an individual at any point of time and at any age. It is good to understand the importance of good digestive health to avoid gastrointestinal problems. But it is required to visit a gastroenterologist if you suspect symptoms of digestive disorder. With the best gastroenterologists in Amritsar, SarhvitGastrocity will serve all your gastro-related treatment needs with fully equipped and modern infrastructure facilities.