Gastroenterology is the medical specialty concerned with treating problems of the digestive organs: the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver and gallbladder. It covers the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of these organs.

When symptoms appear, the first point of contact is the family doctor, who will help decide whether a referral to a specialist is needed.

The first step is to take a medical history and carry out an examination. At this stage, you describe your symptoms — their duration, type and intensity, any connections and similar episodes. Details of current medication, allergies and other conditions are also recorded.

The doctor listens to the internal organs with a stethoscope and also palpates them. In many cases, a blood test and checks of various laboratory values will be carried out.

The most common examinations are gastroscopy and colonoscopy. In some cases, endoscopy may be performed under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre. Most often, however, it is carried out under light sedation in an endoscopy suite, where the strictest hygiene standards are observed.

Gastroscopy is indicated for diagnosing diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, such as hernia, gastritis, stomach ulcers and cancer.

Colonoscopy is prescribed only for investigating polyps and malignant tumours of the large intestine, as well as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

There is also the endoscopy procedure, which makes it possible to take a tissue biopsy, which is then analysed in a pathology laboratory, and to remove polyps using electrocoagulation.

There are other, less frequently used diagnostic procedures in gastroenterology: liver biopsy and enteroscopy. All these examinations are highly accurate, which is important for diagnosing gastroenterological diseases.

You should see a gastroenterologist if you have:

  • Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, belching, vomiting, hiccups
  • Bowel disturbances (diarrhoea, constipation)
  • Unexplained chest pain
  • Blood in the stool
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anaemia (low haemoglobin) and related symptoms (weakness, drowsiness, pallor).

Every clinic with a gastroenterology department is equipped with modern, expert-class equipment — this is a precondition for certification. Before a doctor is hired, they complete a long course of training, and specialists must regularly re-certify their knowledge.

Diet for gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory process in the stomach lining. In advanced form, it can lead to the development of an ulcer or cancer. A gastritis diet, together with medication, will help the body return to normal.

Gastritis can involve different levels of acidity — low and high. Accordingly, foods are chosen with the aim of increasing or reducing secretory function.

The diet for gastritis with high acidity is as gentle as possible. During a flare-up, only liquid food is allowed — milk soups with puréed rice or semolina. Once the flare-up has passed, fish and meat may be prepared without salt or spices.

With reduced secretion, chicken and meat broths should be prepared to stimulate the secretion of gastric juice. Vegetable salads, jelly and berry mousse are also allowed. However, smoked and fatty foods, as well as fizzy drinks, which have an excessive effect on secretion, remain off the menu.

A properly chosen diet will stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain.