One of the essential systems for our body is the Digestive System. It helps in maintaining proper functionality for the rest of the body. The Medical specialty that focuses on the health of the digestive system is referred to as Gastroenterology. The word is a combination of two root words, ‘gastro’ which means stomach and ‘enteron’ means intestine. ‘logos’ means ‘the study of’ and hence gastroenterology refers to the scientific study of stomach and intestine.

The function of the digestive system is to break food into smaller parts, absorb nutrients so that various organs and cells in our body can utilize them. Lastly, it helps to pass the waste material out of the body. The process consists of different stages. Digestive System in humans is made up of the gastrointestinal tract wherein the process initiates at the mouth and then continues through the esophagus, stomach, and lastly the small and large intestines.  

Important functions of these organs are: 
Esophagus: Saliva, liquids, and foods from the mouth to the stomach are transferred by a hollow and muscular tube which is called Esophagus. 
Stomach: The stomach is present in between the esophagus and the small intestine. It releases gastric acid and digestive enzymes that help in digesting food.
Pancreas: The pancreas release insulin and glucagon that in turn helps in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps in the digestion of food by providing additional enzymes 
Gallbladder: The gallbladder works as storage for bile fluid that is produced by the liver. It helps in breaking down the fats in the body. It also works as an antioxidant by removing toxins from the body.  
Small Intestine: It helps in absorbing nutrients and minerals from food. The Major digestion process takes place in the small intestine.   
Large intestine: The function of the Large Intestine is to absorb water and mineral ions from the food and throw the waste material out of the body. It also maintains the pH level and protects the body against infections and bacterial diseases.   

The above organs play an important role in our body. Gastroenterology focuses on the treatment of diseases that affect these organs. 

The doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the diseases of the organs related to the digestive system like, the mouth, esophagus, abdomen, guts, and interrelated organs like the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts is called a Gastroenterologist doctor. 

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal infections?
Symptoms of gastrointestinal infection can be varied. The patient faces discomfort in the abdominal area and may or may not have other symptoms like;
  • Nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches
  • dehydration
  • headache
  • mucus or blood in the stool
  • weight loss

To understand what treatment is required for your issues you can try Gastroenterology online consultation with MediFlam. 

Which are Gastroenterology Diseases?
The diseases which occur in the organs of the digestive system are called gastroenterology diseases. These include:

Diseases of the Small Intestine:  Obscure bleeding and Diverticulosis, malabsorption syndrome, Tuberculosis
Diseases of the Duodenum and Stomach: Fungal Infections, Ulcers, Cancer
Diseases of the Gall Bladder: Cancer of the Bladder, Cholecystitis, Stone diseases
Diseases of the Colon: Tuberculosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cancer and Diverticulosis
Diseases of the Pancreas: Pseudo Pancreatic Cyst, Pancreas Cancer, Chronic Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis
Diseases of the Esophagus: Achalasia Cardia, Variceal Bleeding, Foreign body removal, Malignant and benign strictures
Diseases of the Liver: Cirrhosis, Acute Hepatitis, Amoebic Abscess, Chronic Hepatitis, Liver Cancer

Why MediFlam?
MediFlam has a panel of some of the best Gastroenterologists available in India. We at MediFlam make sure that our platform provides a hassle-free experience to the patient as well as the doctor at the best cost possible. Our doctors work in close conjunction with the patients to provide them a quick diagnosis, treatment, and regular follow-ups. 

Why choose online doctor consultation?
By opting for an online Gastroenterologist consultation, the patients, from the comfort of their homes, can choose from a variety of doctors selected from the best available in India. In this way, the patient can at least get a fair amount of idea related to the problem and can visit a nearby doctor if advised by the doctor consulting online or meet the same doctor if that is viable.
Read more..
Select Your Convenient Date & Time:

Finding Best Doctors

Frequently asked questions about Gastroenterologists

What does a Gastroenterologist do?

Gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats the disorders that affect the organs of the digestive system and also gives awareness about prevention of the disease and how to maintain good gastrointestinal health. The organs of the digestive system include mainly esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine.

What is the difference between a Gastrologist and Gastroenterologist?

Doctors who specialize in treating the disorders of the stomach are called Gastrologists. The word gastroenterology is a combination of two root words, ‘gastro’ which means stomach and ‘enteron’ means intestine. ‘logos’ means ‘the study of’ and hence gastroenterology refers to the scientific study of stomach and intestine.

It is a specialty that also deals with other organs that include the esophagus, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and bile ducts. The doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the diseases of these organs is called a Gastroenterologist.

What are the 5 common diseases of the digestive system?
  1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  2. Diverticulitis
  3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  4. Celiac Disease
  5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What does a Gastroenterologist do on the first check up?

Your gastroenterologist will ask you regarding the symptoms, take blood or stool check. If required, might suggest for X-rays, endoscopy, or colonoscopy to make an accurate diagnosis, so that you can get the right treatment.

How do you know if I have bacterial infection in my stomach?

When bacteria cause an infection in your gut, it’s called Bacterial gastroenteritis. You may experience symptoms like vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, and diarrhea because of the inflammation in your stomach and intestines.  To understand it better you can opt for gastroenterology online consultation and get your health concerns addressed. 

What diseases can be detected by doing Endoscopy?
  • GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease 
  • Anemia, ulcers, and hiatal hernias
  • Celiac disease
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
What causes colon cancer?

The exact cause of colon cancer is still undetermined but it usually occurs when there are some errors in healthy cells in DNA. A tumor is formed when there is an abnormality found in the cells in the large intestine (colon). Age is also one of the factors for the occurrence of colon cancer. One of the most common causes is the consumption of red meat.

Is Gastroenterology consultation possible online?

Yes, online Gastroenterologist consultation is worth approaching. Gastroenterology deals with the conditions related to Stomach, esophagus, pancreas, larger and small intestines. With the advent of modern technology, it is very possible for the patient experiencing any symptoms affecting the above mentioned organs of digestive system to at least get a probabilistic diagnosis by connecting with the leading gastroenterologists on an online platform. Then the doctor can advise the patient for further process to confirm the diagnosis and get treated at the earliest. 

Is MediFlam good for online Gastroenterology consultation?

Mediflam has a stringent process of checking the qualifications of doctors that are taken on the platform so that the patients get access to the best qualified doctors to get the best possible diagnosis. Mediflam has a panel of some of the best Gastroenterologists available in India. We at MediFlam make sure that our platform provides hassle free experience to the patient as well as the doctor at the best cost possible. Our doctors work in close conjunction with the patients to provide them quick diagnosis, treatment and regular follow ups. 

How often should I consult a Gastroenterologist?

Consulting a gastroenterologist depends on the age or the symptoms one is going through. If one is having any family history of colon or polyps cancer, you should have regular tests and checkups.

Brief information about Gastroenterologist
The medical specialty that focuses on the health of the digestive system is referred to as Gastroenterology. The doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating the diseases of the organs related to the digestive system is called a Gastroenterologist doctor. 

What is the role of a Gastroenterologist?

The role of a Gastroenterologist is to diagnose and treat digestive disorders. They also give awareness about the prevention of the disease and how to maintain good gastrointestinal health.

What are the conditions treated by Gastroenterologist?

The diseases which occur in the organs of the digestive system are called gastroenterology diseases and are treated by a gastroenterologist. These include:

  • Bowel and colon cancers
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Cholecystitis
  • Biliary tract disease
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Gastric cancers
  • Hepatitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Colon polyps
  • Esophageal cancers
  • Cancer and gall bladder stones
  • Achalasia
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Malabsorption and nutritional problems
  • Heartburn, or Gastroesophageal Reflux


What are the tests and procedures performed by Gastroenterologists?

  • Endoscopic ultrasound - Upper and lower Gastrointestinal tract including other internal organs can be examined through this procedure.
  • Colonoscopy - Colon cancer or colon polyps can be detected using this procedure.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography– Gallstones, tumors or scar tissue in the bile duct area can be identified using this technique.
  • Sigmoidoscopy - to assess pain in the bowel or blood loss
  • Liver biopsy - to evaluate inflammation, fibrosis and carcinoma (cancer)
  • Capsule endoscopy - to inspect the small intestine
  • Double balloon enteroscopy - to inspect the small intestine


Is Gastroenterologist a surgeon?
Gastroenterologists do not perform surgery. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats patients, help them manage their symptoms. In case of any severe medical conditions, if a patient needs any surgery, then the gastroenterologist directs the patient to the surgeon.

When should one consult a Gastroenterologist online?
A person should opt for gastroenterologist online consultation, if he/she is suffering from any kind of abdominal pain or any symptoms like Nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, dehydration, headache, mucus or blood in the stool, weight loss.   

What is Colonoscopy?
To detect if changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, an imaging test is done known as a colonoscopy. A long tube called a colonoscope that is flexible, is inserted into the rectum. It has a video camera at the tip of the tube. Inside part of the entire colon can be examined by the doctor. If any other abnormal tissues are found, they can be removed through this scope. Samples of tissue can also be taken during a colonoscopy.

What are the procedures offered for treating colon cancer?
Surgery is required to treat colon cancer. The doctor might recommend Chemotherapy and radiation therapies if needed
Read more..
Latest from the Medical Industry
Sign up for treatment knowledge base

Contact Us

Mediflam Pvt. Ltd.

206, Siddhraj Zori, Next to Essar petrol pump, Sargasan, Gandhinagar: 382421. Gujarat, India.

Customer Care