Gastroenterologists specialize in digestive disorders, studying and diagnosing everything from acid reflux to hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine or gastroenterological surgery.
While gastroenterologists are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of General Surgery, they must also complete a yearlong fellowship program in gastroenterology.
In addition to services provided by internal medicine and surgical specialists, gastroenterology offers its own set of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that treat diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-resistant bacteria, malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
7 Gastrointestinal Problems Modern Doctors Need to Deal with Today
Gastrointestinal diseases can range from an occasional upset stomach to life-threatening colon cancer. They affect all parts of the digestive tract, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines. They can be sudden or chronic. Let’s see what modern gastroenterologists have to deal with daily on the job!
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
In the United States, almost 15 million people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, abnormal stool patterns, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder whereby the patient experiences pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen and reports symptoms of altered bowel movement in their stool consistency. The complications associated with IBS have been shown to impact patients’ quality of life.
2. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Bacterial infections can be severe and life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated using conventional methods. The rise in antibiotic resistance, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has been an increasing health concern in the United States. Bacteria resistant to conventionally prescribed antibiotics are commonly associated with infections like urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia, and skin infections.
3. Bloating
In the United States, approximately 12 million people suffer from bloating, which refers to abnormal growth and enlargement of the abdominal cavity. Bloating can be caused by excessive gas buildup in the digestive tract but can also occur due to more severe conditions such as Crohn’s disease and IBD.
4. Malabsorption
Malabsorption is a process whereby the body does not correctly absorb nutritional substances like vitamins, minerals, and some proteins. Malabsorption can be caused by many reasons, including IBD and celiac disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, an estimated 60 million people in the United States suffer from malabsorption.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD is a condition that affects the intestines and causes inflammation, which can lead to pain or discomfort in the abdominal area and disease progression, depending on the severity of symptoms. IBD can be categorized into two types, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
6. Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or intestine, which can be caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. PUD can lead to severe bleeding and abdominal pain and may be associated with complications such as perforation or peritonitis. After peptic ulcers heal, they may leave a stoma, a hole in the stomach wall that allows digestive fluids to leak into the body. PUD has been estimated as the fourth most common reason for hospital admissions in the United States, with 20 to 30 million people suffering from it.
7. Irritable Stomach & Small Intestine (IBS-SSI) & IBS-D
IBS is one of the most common diseases in the United States, affecting 15 million people. IBS is commonly referred to as a chronic condition, meaning it lasts more than three months. The symptoms of IBS include severe abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel movement that may occur at any time of day.
Bottom Line
The gastroenterology job openings offering these experts a variety of challenges, rewards, and responsibilities are increasing rapidly in the United States and worldwide.
Becoming a gastroenterologist may be a great choice if you’re interested in a medical career. This field is expanding more rapidly than most specialties, so there is always room for new skills and knowledge. In addition, it requires adaptable, creative individuals with a passion for the medical field. It also requires teamwork and a desire to manage chronic illnesses.
In addition, individuals who are interested in the possibilities of traveling or studying abroad can choose to pursue their careers as gastroenterologists. The international job market offers several options for those interested in working abroad and provides a valuable experience that can be applied to many varied settings, especially overseas.