What does a gastroenterologist do?
The gastroenterologist deals with diseases of the digestive system (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder and bile duct, pancreas).
In case of what problems should we consult a gastroenterologist?
- bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, change in stool habitus, bloody stool or melena
- heartburn, stomach and other abdominal pain
- indigestion
- frequent nausea, persistent nausea or vomiting
- jaundice
- weight loss independent of our will
- food allergies, intolerances
Where can I get this medical specialty?
Common gastroenterological examinations
H2 exhalation test
Hydrogen exhalation test is a pain-free test for lactose sensitivity (lactose intolerance), contaminated small intestine syndrome, and fruit sugar sensitivity (fructose intolerance). Download our prospectus from here.
Helicobacter Pylori exhalation test
Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the majority of gastrointestinal inflammations and ulcers on their surface and also increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal tumours. It settles on the surface mucous layers of the gastric mucosa, feels well in acidic environments. The presence of the bacterium can be detected by a quick and painless exhalation test. Download our prospectus from here.
Heartburn
Heartburn is not a disease but a symptom, it is detected when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus and irritates the mucous membranes. It is primarily a symptom of reflux disease. Gastric ulcer may also be a sign of heartburn. Likewise, lactose and flour sensitivity can be associated with such symptoms.
Food allergies and intolerances
Many foods can cause bloating and diarrhoea for the above reasons, so it is important to examine them to set the right diet.
Celiac disease – flour sensitivity test
If someone regularly has abdominal pain, diarrhoea and bloating after eating foods containing wheat, rye, barley, it is worth considering the possibility of flour sensitivity. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. The symptoms in sensitive people are caused by gluten in the above grains. When consumed, the immune response produces antibodies that destroy the small intestinal mucosa and cause severe absorption problems. Flour sensitivity is not curable, but can be made asymptomatic with a lifetime gluten-free diet and the condition of the intestinal villi also improves. If the disease persists for a long time if left untreated, secondary symptoms such as weight loss, lactose intolerance, bone problems, iron deficiency, aphthous in the mouth, etc. During his examination, the specialist first orders various blood tests. It is very important that you do not follow a gluten-free diet before testing, as you may get “false negative” results!
