Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system — including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts. A gastroenterologist helps patients with abdominal pain, digestive disorders, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, and symptoms of reflux. Early consultation allows many conditions to be detected at a stage when effective treatment is possible and complications can be prevented.

Indications for a consultation

You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist when symptoms suggest a disorder of the digestive tract. The most common indications include:

• recurrent abdominal pain, burning sensation, or discomfort after meals,
• heartburn, regurgitation, suspected reflux disease,
• bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or chronic constipation,
• nausea, vomiting, appetite disturbances,
• gastrointestinal bleeding, black tarry stools, or blood in stool,
• unexplained weight loss, weakness, anaemia,
• suspected chronic diseases such as coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease,
• abnormal test results (e.g. liver function tests, stool tests, abdominal ultrasound).

What does a consultation involve?

During the consultation, the gastroenterologist takes a detailed medical history regarding symptoms, duration, diet, and lifestyle. A physical examination is performed, and if necessary, further diagnostic tests are ordered, such as:

• blood tests (liver enzymes, ESR, CRP, amylase, lipase, and others),
• abdominal ultrasound,
• gastroscopy,
• colonoscopy or rectoscopy,
• tests for Helicobacter pylori infection,
• stool tests, including occult blood testing,
• additional imaging or functional tests of the digestive tract.

Based on the results, the physician establishes a treatment plan, dietary recommendations, or refers the patient for further diagnostic procedures.

How to prepare for the consultation

• Bring previous test results: ultrasound, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, blood or stool tests.
• Prepare a list of current medications, especially those affecting digestion, the liver, or the stomach.
• Write down your symptoms, their frequency, and situations in which they worsen.
• If you have food intolerances or notice reactions after certain foods, note this information.
• If an endoscopic procedure (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) is planned, you may receive separate detailed instructions.