Digestology
WHAT IS DIGESTOLOGY?
Digestology (also known as Gastroenterology) is the medical specialty responsible for preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system.
That is, it deals with conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts and liver.
All these organs are in charge of the digestion process, that is to say, making the body’s cells able to process all the food and liquids we consume, taking advantage of those nutrients that the body needs and rejecting those that don’t .
Some of the most common diseases treated by the specialty of digestology at Clínica Eupnea Palamós are: gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, hepatitis, functional disorders of the digestive system, hiatal hernia, etc.
The specialist doctor in this discipline is the digestologist or gastroenterologist. At Clínica Eupnea Palamós we have this specialist who, together with other professionals such as nutritionists or endocrinologists, work to offer our patients a complete diagnosis.
If you want to make an appointment with a digestologist in Palamós or if you simply had a doubt, you can fill out this form to contact us without any obligation.
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES AT CLINIC EUPNEA PALAMÓS
- Food intolerance test: it is used in order to detect the foods that cause allergy or intolerance in the patient, causing complicated digestion (with heaviness, diarrhea, among others).
- Helicobacter Pylori test: Helicobacter Pylori is the bacterium responsible for many cases of gastric ulcers. This bacterium is detected by a highly sensitive breath test. First, the patient will have to take a urea tablet marked with C-13. The presence of Helicobacter Pylori is detected by confirming the presence of this isotope in the breath (since the bacterium reduces urea to urease and carbon is released in the form of C13O2 during respiration.
- Gastroscopy: consists of the introduction of a small tube through the mouth in order to visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
- Colonoscopy: consists of the introduction of a colonoscope through the anus in order to visualize the colon.
- Polypectomy: procedure carried out to remove polyps, in this case located in the digestive tract. The test is done with the help of an endoscope.
- Abdominal ultrasound: thanks to this test, you can perform a quick ultrasound study of organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder and pancreas.
What is gastroenterology and what problems does it treat?
- Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the digestive system, such as stomach issues, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
When should I see a gastroenterologist?
- You should see a gastroenterologist if you experience issues like persistent abdominal pain, digestive problems, frequent acid reflux, blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, or liver problems.
What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
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What can I do to improve my digestion?
- You can improve digestion by maintaining a balanced diet, reducing intake of irritating foods, avoiding heavy meals before bedtime, chewing slowly, and engaging in regular physical activity.
What are the main risk factors for liver diseases?
- The main risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, intake of hepatotoxic medications, liver infections, and family history of liver diseases.
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
- Symptoms may include abdominal pain, gas, bloating, alternating between constipation and diarrhea, feeling of incomplete bowel movement, and mucus in stools.
When should I have a preventive colonoscopy?
- Typically, a preventive colonoscopy is recommended at the age of 50 to detect colon cancer or polyps. In some cases, if you have additional risk factors, your doctor may recommend it earlier.