What is the difference between gastroenterology and gastrointestinal?

Even though gastroenterology and gastrointestinal mean similar things, they are not the same. Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the digest tract and its disorders. Gastrointestinal is the digestive tract as a whole. 

 

Gastroenterology explained further

Gastroenterology mostly focuses on the treatments and identifying of diseases that have to do with the stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), gallbladder, liver, pancreas and esophagus. It also deals with studying, treating and diagnosing conditions related to the GI tract. So it includes the parts involved with the digestion of food and drinks. A gastroenterologist specializes in gastroenterology. A gastro doctor would typically come in when you experience the following:

·     abdominal pain

·     rectal bleeding 

·     change in bowel movements 

·     also, when the diagnosis is not obvious or when a diagnostic procedure is necessary 

Gastrointestinal further explained

Gastrointestinal deals with the entire digestive tract. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the field which closely focuses on the study, identification and diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Gastrointestinal deals with diseases known as gastrointestinal diseases, which affect the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. GERD, diarrhea and colorectal cancer are all examples of gastrointestinal diseases. There are two types of gastrointestinal diseases: functional and structural.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disease

This is when the GI tract looks perfectly normal when observed but isn’t moving properly. This is the most common of the two that affect the GI tract. 

 

Common Examples

·     irritable bowel syndrome

·     food poisoning 

·     constipation 

·     gas or bloating

·     GERD

·     Diarrhea

Ways you can upset your GI tract and is ability to move

·     diet low in fiber

·     stress

·     changes in routine

·     eating large amounts of dairy products

·     not enough exercise

Structural Gastrointestinal Disease 

When your bowel looks abnormal when examined and isn’t working properly. Whatever is causing this abnormality sometimes will need to be surgically removed. 

Common Examples 

·     irritable bowel disease 

·     hemorrhoids 

·     colon cancer

·     colon polyps

·     diverticular disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

The colon muscles are contract more or less often than usual

Hemorrhoids

They are swollen blood vessels that line the opening of the anal

Colon Cancer & Polyps

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, with over 130,000 Americans being diagnosed each year. It is also one of the most curable in existence. Colon cancer typically starts as polyps, non-cancerous growths located in the tissues that line the colon and rectum. Cancer happens when the polyps grow and unusual cells develop and invade the surrounding tissue. Removal of these can prevent colon cancer. Through screening tests, it can be detected and prevented before you feel any symptoms.  

Diverticular Disease 

When small pouchings are in the muscular wall of your large intestine that begin to form in the weak areas of the bowel

When it comes to diseases in the colon and rectum, it can be preventative or minimized by living a healthy lifestyle, good bowel habits and screening for cancer. A colonoscopy is recommended for patients after the age of 45. 

If you suffer from a gastrointestinal disease, you are not alone. Come consult with one of the gastrointestinal specialists. We can help you overcome this and go back to a carefree life. Call today or make an appointment online.