Gastroenterologists Treat More than just Diarrhoea. A Guide to the Best Digestive Tract Care.

September 3, 2025

Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
MD (Gen.Med) (Gold Medalist) DNB Gastroenterology MNAMS, Fellow in Advanced EUS Consultant - Gastroenetrologist

Gastroenterology is the specialised branch of medicine that involves diagnosing, treating, disorders and diseases of the digestive system. It covers organs starting from the oesophagus, including the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts, all the way to the rectum.

Physicians specialising in this field are called gastroenterologists, and they have a deep understanding of digestion, liver function, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.

Gastroenterologists commonly treat conditions like acid reflux, IBS, Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, and colon polyps, among other diseases. They undertake procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies.

It is vital to consult a specialist in case of gastroenterological problems since they have adverse effects on a person’s general health as well.

When should I Consult a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist can diagnose conditions ranging from minor irritations, like acid reflux, to serious illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease and even cancer.

There are certain situations where consulting a specialist becomes necessary. These include:

1. Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea
   Our body can take 1-2 days to deal with and recover from eating contaminated food through bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea. But if the problem persists for more than 5 days, it is best to consult an expert.
2. Blood while coughing or blood in the stools
   If you have bloody or dark stools or cough up blood, it could indicate a problem in the digestive tract. This would require immediate consultation with a gastroenterologist.
3. Disruptive heartburn
   If acidity or heartburn is frequent, occurring more than twice a week, and disrupts sleep at night, it could be indicative of an issue only a gastroenterologist can treat.
4. Unexpected weight loss
   If there is unintended weight loss, along with a loss of appetite and fatigue that persists for a long time, it would need an intervention from a specialist before the symptoms worsen. Symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain should also not be ignored.
5. Other symptoms
   In case of other symptoms like dysphagia, which is difficulty in swallowing, jaundice, indigestion, or constipation, that are persistent, it would be best to go to a specialist near you.

Good gastroenterologists will be able to provide appropriate treatments and procedures for specific conditions, as necessary.

How did Gastroenterology Begin?

For a long time, problems with digestion, like stomach pain, ulcers, jaundice, or bleeding, were often hard to understand and diagnose. The digestive system is complex and is often affected easily as a side effect of other diseases in the body, acting as an indicator of a health imbalance.

The prevalence of chronic conditions related to the stomach called for the requirement of expertise in that area. The discovery of stomach acids, digestive enzymes, along with the improvement in technology, helped medical practitioners equip themselves with a better understanding of the digestive tract and develop focused treatment.

We have come a long way. For instance, earlier, doctors believed that stomach ulcers were caused due to acidity. But it is only recently that experts discovered that it is caused by a bacterium that infects the inside of the duodenum, the upper part of the stomach.

Now, with increased access to information, research and technology, the best-in-class gastroenterological treatment is available right here in Shivamogga at Nanjappa Life Care.

Why Finding the Best Gastroenterologist Matters

While all doctors are trained to treat almost all common disorders, it takes a specialist to notice something that a general physician might miss. If issues related to acidity or infection in the digestive tract persist for more than 5 days or is recurring, it is always good to consult the best gastroenterologist.

And to be able to pick a good gastroenterologist, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check the credentials and expertise
Make sure the doctor is board-certified in the field and also has certification and speciality in gastroenterology. Also, ensure they have relevant expertise in the treatment being sought.

Affiliation with top hospitals
After visiting a general physician, if there is a further requirement for gastroenterological treatment, they may refer you to an expert. Checking the medical institution the specialist works in could ensure top-notch treatment.
If the doctor consults at reputable institutions like Nanjappa Life Care, they are sure to be an expert in the field.

Reputation and comfort
Look for inputs from previous patients for the type of treatment you can expect. It is important to know what to expect while visiting for a consultation. Make sure the gastroenterologist is able to make you feel comfortable during the check-up and listens to your issue attentively. This will help in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. They must also be able to communicate the diagnosis clearly to the patient.

Use of the latest treatment technology
A good gastroenterologist ideally works with a team of doctors in a hospital. Chances are, they will be able to provide comprehensive care in tandem, utilising the best available technology at their disposal for effective treatment.

What do the best gastroenterology departments have?

The best gastroenterology departments have the following things that make them effective:

1. An experienced team comprising a range of specialists that includes radiologists, dieticians, pathologists, along with gastroenterologists with additional subspecialty expertise in surgical gastroenterology, advanced endoscopy, or hepatology.
2. They are equipped with state-of-the-art testing tools and devices so they can do their own testing and get swift and accurate results.
3. Access to emergency care is essential in gastroenterology departments since most patients arrive after their illness has persisted for several days. In a debilitating state, immediate inspection and assessment can go a long way.
4. A dedicated pharmacy is helpful in instances where a specifically prescribed gastroenterological medication that needs to be taken immediately is available at a moment’s notice.
5. Follow-up care is necessary, and the best gastroenterology department ensures they schedule an appointment even after they have undertaken the best care. This shows that they care about your health in the long run and want to keep an eye on the progress of your recovery.

Growth of Gastroenterology in India

When gastroenterology was introduced, it was aimed at treating only a few major health issues, like ulcers, liver disease, ruptured appendix and gall-bladder issues. But since then, it has grown to treat many other complex health issues that might not start in the abdomen, but affect it in many ways.

It has also become an important speciality with the rise in diabetes and hypertension. It is intertwined with two other specialities, endocrinology and cardiology, on account of the correlated impact on the gut, heart, and hormones based on fluctuations in the normal functioning of the relevant organs.

Currently, the gastroenterology market in India is estimated to reach revenues exceeding USD 5.2 billion in 2025. By 2030, it is projected to see an annual growth rate of about 6-7% at least. In fact, India has now become the hotspot for medical tourism related to gastroenterological procedures, not only due to the affordable rates of care but also due to the cutting-edge technology available here.

Now Nanjappa Life Care is embracing the change, making world-class gastroenterology care available closer to home.

Consult our experts to get the best treatment for your concerns.