Medical Gastroentrology

When acids from the stomach flow back into the throat and mouth through the oesophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach inside our body), giving a sour taste in the mouth, it is called acid reflux.

The acid irritates the walls of the oesophagus causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat (heartburn). Others patients with GERD may experience difficulty in swallowing and a persistent dry cough.

Having acid reflux because of eating certain foods and indigestion once in a while may be normal, but regular bouts that go untreated may lead to other serious problems like ulcers and damage to the lining of the oesophagus.

This is a chronic condition involving the large intestine that is characterised by stomach pain and bloating, abdominal cramps and changes in bowel movement.

IBS may be triggered by changes in food habits or stressful lifestyle.

Pancreas is a digestive organ in the upper abdomen located behind the stomach. Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis.

Symptoms of the ailment include severe stomach pain that may be sudden or last for a long time, back pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and difficulty in food intake.

Pancreatitis may be caused by a variety of problems such as high alcohol intake, presence of gallstones, high level of calcium in the blood and infection.

This is an infection that results in swelling of the liver.

There are different types of Hepatitis infections — Hepatitis B is a severe infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus and can be prevented by a vaccine while Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus.

Consuming too much alcohol can cause Alcoholic Hepatitis, which can damage the liver.

The colon is a tube-like organ in the digestive system that is the longest part of the intestine. Polyps are benign growth that develop on the colon and if left untreated can sometimes lead to colorectal cancer.

Often, patients may not have any symptoms while some will experience bleeding from the rectum and change in bowel movement.