Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muharrem Taşkoparan – Gastroenterologist in Ankara

Endoscopy lets doctors examine organs and spaces inside the body. The doctor uses an endoscope: a flexible tube with a light and camera. Together, these provide a live image of internal structures.

Doctors use endoscopy for several purposes. For example, it helps them diagnose and treat digestive system diseases. They can examine the food pipe, stomach and intestines. These images help reveal lesions, tumors and other abnormalities.

Endoscopy can avoid some invasive surgical procedures and reduce discomfort. In addition, doctors may use it to stop bleeding or take a biopsy. For instance, if the doctor sees an abnormality, they can take a tissue sample during the examination. A laboratory then analyzes the sample.

Colonoscopy lets a doctor examine the inside of the colon and rectum. The doctor uses a colonoscope: a thin, flexible, long tube. Its tip contains a camera and light.

First, the doctor inserts the colonoscope through the anus and advances it along the bowel. The camera shows the bowel’s inner surface and helps identify abnormalities.

Doctors use colonoscopy to look for polyps and other possible signs of cancer. They also investigate causes of inflammation, bleeding, pain, diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Doctors typically use light sedation to help patients feel comfortable during the examination. Beforehand, patients follow a preparation plan. This usually includes dietary changes and bowel cleansing so the doctor can examine the lining clearly.

The doctor can usually discuss the visible findings immediately. However, a laboratory may need a few days to analyze tissue samples from a biopsy.

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with digestive health. It covers the tract from the mouth to the anus, including the food pipe, stomach and intestines. It also includes the rectum, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

Gastroenterologists assess and manage digestive symptoms and diseases. These include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, reflux and bleeding. Other examples are ulcers, colitis, hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, colon polyps and colorectal cancer.

Doctors use several tools to diagnose these conditions. For example, endoscopy, colonoscopy, endosonography and capsule endoscopy help them examine the digestive tract. They may also use laboratory tests, genetic tests and biopsies.

Treatment depends on the patient’s condition and symptoms. Options include lifestyle changes, medicines and endoscopic procedures; sometimes surgery is necessary. In addition, gastroenterologists work with surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and pathologists when care requires several specialties.

Reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back into the food pipe (esophagus). The valve between the stomach and food pipe normally prevents this backflow. However, it may relax or weaken. Acid can then irritate the food pipe and cause pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the medical name for the disease.

Symptoms include chest pain, burning after meals and a bitter or sour taste. People may also notice excess saliva, difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat. Hoarseness and a chronic cough can occur as well.

Without treatment, repeated acid irritation can lead to complications. For example, these include inflammation (esophagitis), narrowing and ulcers in the food pipe. Barrett’s esophagus involves changes in the cells of the lower food pipe. This condition carries a risk of esophageal cancer, so monitoring matters.

Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes and medicines. For example, avoid lying down just after meals and eat smaller portions. Other measures include limiting alcohol and caffeine, stopping smoking and losing weight. Medicines can reduce stomach acid or help the valve function. Finally, surgery may be an option for severe reflux or cases that resist treatment.

Fatty liver disease means excess fat builds up in liver cells and can affect liver function. Heavy alcohol use can contribute to this condition. However, people who do not drink alcohol can also develop it. The term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes this form.

Many people have no symptoms. Others may notice abdominal pain, tiredness or weight loss. Doctors often find fatty liver during an examination, blood test or imaging study for another reason.

Several factors can contribute to fatty liver. For example, alcohol-related disease involves excessive drinking. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol or triglycerides can accompany NAFLD. Rapid weight loss and certain medicines may also play a role.

Over time, fatty liver can lead to inflammation and liver cell damage. In some cases, this progresses to cirrhosis: scarring that reduces liver function. Cirrhosis can cause serious, potentially life-threatening problems.

Treatment usually focuses on lifestyle changes. These include a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss and reducing or stopping alcohol. Together, these measures can reduce liver fat and improve liver health. For severe disease, doctors may consider medicines or a liver transplant.

Heartburn occurs as a result of stomach acid refluxing back into the esophagus. This usually happens due to a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve between the stomach and esophagus.

Other possible causes of heartburn include:

Peptic Ulcer: An ulcer in the stomach or duodenum can cause heartburn.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterium can lead to ulcers that cause heartburn.

Certain Medications: Some medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and some other painkillers, can cause heartburn.

Stress and Anxiety: These conditions can increase stomach acid and lead to heartburn.

Eating Habits: Overeating, eating too quickly, fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, mint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks can cause heartburn.

Other Conditions: Pregnancy, obesity, and smoking can also lead to heartburn.

Symptoms usually worsen after meals or when you lie down. Antacids or other over-the-counter medicines may relieve them. However, consult a healthcare professional if symptoms become constant. A gastroenterologist typically assesses these symptoms.

Intestinal gas is a normal part of digestion. It mainly comes from swallowed air and the digestion of food.

First, you swallow air while eating, drinking, talking or chewing. Your body then releases this air as gas.

In addition, bacteria in the intestines help digest food and produce gas. This gas usually contains carbon dioxide, hydrogen and sometimes methane. Some foods produce more gas than others. For example, beans, cabbage, broccoli and onions may increase gas. Fizzy drinks can also contribute. Fats and proteins usually produce less gas than carbohydrates.

Excess gas can cause discomfort and bloating. Lifestyle changes may help manage it. For example, eat more slowly, reduce foods that increase gas and avoid fizzy drinks. Increasing physical activity may also help.

Consult a healthcare professional if gas persists, causes pain or leads to uncomfortable bloating. Also seek assessment if you have weight loss, blood in stools or lasting diarrhea or constipation. A gastroenterologist typically evaluates these symptoms.

Esophageal stricture means narrowing in part of the food pipe (esophagus). It often causes difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia. Food or liquids may feel stuck when they reach the narrow area.

Several conditions can contribute to this narrowing. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) lets stomach acid irritate the food pipe. Over time, scarring can narrow it.

Another cause is eosinophilic esophagitis. In this condition, eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) accumulate in the food pipe. Allergic reactions or other factors can trigger this accumulation, which may cause narrowing and hardening.

Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease, can also harden tissues, including the food pipe. In addition, radiation treatment for head or neck cancer may cause burns and scarring. Swallowing chemicals or very hot liquids can cause similar damage.

Treatment often involves endoscopic balloon dilation. First, the doctor places a thin, flexible endoscope in the food pipe. The doctor then positions and inflates a balloon in the narrow area to widen it. In some cases, a stent helps keep the area open.

Finally, treating the underlying cause is important. For example, acid-suppressing medicines can help manage GERD.