Gastroenterology

Hemorrhoids are also known as piles, and are a painful condition when veins around the anus or in the lower rectum become swollen. The swelling causes a lot of pain and discomfort. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop outside the anus and can be caused by bowel movements that cause them to bulge out due to constipation.

Hepatitis refers to the swelling of the liver. It can be caused by viral infections, chemicals, drug abuse, some medications and immune disorders.

Abdominal pain or stomach ache, refers to discomfort in any area between the chest and the groin. It may be due to infection, abnormal growth, inflammation, blockage or an intestinal disorder.

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch connected to the large intestine. The appendix may become blocked by bacteria, fecal matter and possibly a tumour. This causes the appendix to swell up and this inflammation causes pain usually around the navel or the upper section of the abdomen. The pain may worsen and last for several hours if there is inflammation. The condition may require an emergency surgery.

Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining. It can be acute or chronic.Stress, alcohol or regular consumption of pain relievers can lead to gastritis. It is not serious and symptoms usually improve quickly with proper medications.

Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that keeps food or liquid from passing through your small intestine or large intestine (colon). Causes of intestinal obstruction may include scar tiissue in the abdomen that form after surgery, intestinal inflammation, diverticulitis, hernias and colon cancer.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic disorder of the large intestine or colon that is mainly triggered by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It causes recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.There is no cure for Irritable bowel syndrome but it can be managed to make the symptoms more comfortable.

Peptic ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They are sores formed as a result of inflammation and are caused by the bacteria H. pylori. They also occur as a result of erosion from stomach acids. An overproduction of stomach acid can cause digestive juices to penetrate the lining of the stomach and duodenum, creating peptic ulcers.

An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the lining of the anus and usually develops due to strain when passing large or hard stools. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements. Anal fissures are usually caused by trauma or injury to the anal canal that can occur when passing large stools as a result of constipation. It can also be caused by repeated diarrhea, that cause irritation in the anal lining. At times, the fissure can be deep enough to expose the muscle tissue underneath. It is common condition and can be acute or chronic.

Pancreatic cancer is the cancer of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ is between the stomach, liver and intestine in your abdomen. Digestive enzymes are released by the pancreas into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food. Hormones, insulin and glucagon are also released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and is usually discovered only in the later stages. The most common type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Stomach cancer is the cancer of the stomach and is also known as gastric cancer. Stomach cancer usually develops in the lining of the stomach and the most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or heartburn, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). GERD is a common condition where you experience a burning pain in the lower chest area when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder that need to be removed if it lodges in the bile duct.Gallstones are formed when bile does not properly process cholesterol and other undigested substances in your gallbladder that harden and block bile ducts.

​Internal Medicine is concerned with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of disorders of the internal structures of the body - the heart, lungs, the liver and gastro-intestinal tract, the kidneys and urinary tract, the brain, the spinal column, nerves, muscles and joints.

A blood test is an important diagnostic tool used to evaluate your overall health. Blood is drawn and tested for a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.

A barium test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect a variety of abnormalities and problems in the digestive system. A patient swallows a chalk-like mixture called barium and it is tracked as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. 

Gastroscopy is the procedure where a thin flexible scope with a light and camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth to investigate digestive signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper gastro-intestinal tract.

Hepatitis is a condition where the liver swells and can be a life-threatening condition caused by viral infections, chemicals, drug abuse, some medications and immune disorders. There are several forms of viral hepatitis including hepatitis A, B and C, which are caused by hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, respectively. Each type of viral hepatitis is spread by different methods and needs different treatment.

Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining is inflammed due to infections or stress and is usually treated using medications. The type of medications depends on the cause of the condition. Antacids neutralise stomach acid and provide relief from pain. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) and H2 blockers reduce the production of stomach acids. Antibiotics help eradicate H.pylori bacteria.

Anal fissures are small cuts and tears in the lining of the anus that are painful and itchy. Most anal fissures do not require extensive treatment and most cases heal on their own within a few weeks. Certain home care treatments can promote healing and help relieve discomfort.If your symptoms aren’t relieved within two weeks, you may require other treatments.

An appendectomy is performed to remove an inflammed appendix due to appendicitis. It could burst if not treated immediately, causing bacteria and abscesses to spread in your internal system, leading to a life-threatening situation.

Food poisoning occurs when you eat food that is contaminated or spoiled. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Food poisoning can usually be treated at home and will usually resolve within five days.

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They’re usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids. Treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer and range from antibiotics to proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists and anticid medications.