India has one of the highest rates of gastrointestinal disorders in the world — from IBS and acidity to liver disease and colorectal cancer. Yet most patients delay seeing a specialist for years.
What Does a Gastroenterologist Treat?
- Acid reflux (GERD) and peptic ulcers
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis)
- Liver diseases (fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Gallstones and bile duct disorders
- Colorectal cancer screening and polyp removal
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
- Blood in stool or black tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain lasting more than 2 weeks
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
Antacids Are Not Always the Answer
Many Indians self-medicate with antacids for years without addressing the root cause. Chronic GERD can lead to Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer if untreated. See a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks.
