Disorders of the digestive tract

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Digestive diseases are disorders of the digestive tract, which is sometimes called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In digestion, food and drink are broken down into small parts (called nutrients) that the body can absorb and use as energy and building blocks for cells. The digestive tract is made up of the esophagus (food tube), stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder.

The first sign of problems in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms:

    Bleeding

    Bloating

    Constipation

    Diarrhea

    Heartburn

    Incontinence

    Nausea and vomiting

    Pain in the belly

    Swallowing problems

    Weight gain or loss

A digestive disease is any health problem that occurs in the digestive tract. Conditions may range from mild to serious. Some common problems include cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance.

Other digestive diseases include:

    Gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholangitis

    Rectal problems, such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctitis, and rectal prolapse

    Esophagus problems, such as stricture (narrowing) and achalasia and esophagitis

    Stomach problems, including gastritis, gastric ulcers usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and cancer

    Liver problems, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, cirrhosis, liver failure, and autoimmune and alcoholic hepatitis

    Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst

    Intestinal problems, such as polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia

    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia

Tests for digestive problems can include colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. Many surgical procedures are performed on the digestive tract. These include procedures done using endoscopy, laparoscopy, and open surgery. Organ transplants can be performed on the liver, pancreas, and small intestine. Many health care providers can help diagnose and treat digestive problems. A gastroenterologist is a physician specialist who has received extra training in the diagnosis and treatment of the digestive disorders. Other providers involved in the treatment of digestive diseases include:

    Nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs)

    Nutritionists or dietitians

    Primary care doctors

    Radiologists

    Surgeons

Clinical Gastroenterology Journal accepts original manuscripts in the form of research articles, review articles, Clinical reviews, commentaries, case reports, perspectives and short communications encompassing all aspects of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology for publication in open access platform.

Contributors are welcome to publish high quality clinical, and laboratory research as case series, reviews, guidelines, techniques and practices. You can submit manuscript directly online at: https://www.scholarscentral.org/submission/clinical-gastreoenterology-journal.html or as an E-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at: gastroenterology@eclinicalsci.com

Media Contact 
Jessica Watson
Journal Manager
Clinical Gastroenterology Journal
Email: gastroenterology@eclinicalsci.com
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