Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the disorders and diseases of the digestive system. A gastroenterologist doctor treats conditions affecting the organs that lie along the gastrointestinal tract. These organs include the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
On the other hand, hepatology specifically focuses on the diseases of the liver. A liver specialist or hepatologist treats diseases of the biliary tree, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Usually, your general health care provider refers you to a liver specialist in case he detects symptoms of liver diseases.
When Should You Seek the Help of a Gastroenterologist?
You should fix an appointment with your gastroenterologist in case you face changes in your bowel habits. If you face severe and frequent heartburn, it could indicate a serious digestive disorder. Thus, it is better to consult a gastroenterologist in such situations. If you suddenly face severe abdominal pain, a gastroenterologist doctor can rule out disease of the GI tract.
A gastroenterologist can diagnose problems such as haemorrhoids, IBD, IBS, ulcers, pancreatitis, GERD, and others. They can detect diseases using imaging tests and investigative procedures such as endoscopy. After diagnosing the disease, a gastroenterologist will work on a treatment plan for you.
When Should You Consult a Hepatologist or Liver Specialist?
If your liver function test results seem to be abnormal, then you should see the best liver specialist doctor in Gurgaon. They can help treat any injury to the liver and gastrointestinal bleeding. They can help relieve your symptoms of jaundice and ascites. A liver specialist may give you blood tests to detect any enzyme defects or liver diseases.
Upon checking the blood test reports, they can effectively diagnose your problem. Liver specialists are effective in treating fatty liver diseases, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. They can also provide treatment for hepatitis infection, cirrhosis, metabolic liver diseases, and cancer.
Who Should You Consult for Your Problems?
Choosing between a gastroenterologist and a liver specialist might seem difficult. But this is entirely based on the symptoms you have developed and the kind of treatment you need for it. People usually benefit by consulting a hepatologist for their liver problems and a gastroenterologist for stomach diseases. But you might need to consult both as suggested by your healthcare provider.
You should consult a hepatologist in case you are obese since it can deteriorate your liver health. It would be best if you always underwent the treatment of a liver specialist in case you develop fatty liver or a drug-induced liver injury. If you face digestive disorders such as heartburn and bowel issues, then you need a gastroenterologist.
You need to carefully monitor your symptoms first before rushing to any of these specialists. Based on your problems, you can seek the assistance of our specialists at ARS Gastro & Liver Clinic. We have the best liver specialist doctor in Gurgaon and a team of expert gastroenterologists. We will diagnose and treat your stomach and liver conditions with expert care.