Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract extends from the mouth to the anus, and it includes; the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large intestines, and the rectum. There are organs associated with the system, such as the liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. The system controls the passage, processing, absorption, and elimination of ingested food material. Some significant diseases affect the normal functioning of the GI tract, such as gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, gallstones, constipation, Crohn’s disease, and hemorrhoids. Among all these diseases, the two commonly occurring conditions are GERD and constipation.
GERD is a condition where acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus, making a person experience pain the chest. The disease is diagnosed by physical examination and history of signs and symptoms the patient experienced. Confirmation diagnosis by upper endoscopy is done and involves inserting the endoscope to the throat to examine the esophagus and stomach. The endoscope detects inflammation due to the acid and other associated complications. Also, the endoscope can collect biopsy samples to test for complications.
Constipation is a condition when a patient is unable to pass stool during excretion smoothly. Sigmoidoscopy is used to diagnose the illness, and it uses a colonoscope to examine the rectum and lower parts of the colon. The doctor conducts a rectal exam with gloved and lubricated hands before inserting the colonoscope to examine the left side of the colon for any abnormalities that are hindering regular bowel movements.
In the hospital GI departments, several healthcare providers are involved, such as nurses, microbiologists, radiographers, physicians, general doctors, and specialists in gastroenterology. The primary health care providers, however, are the gastroenterologists and the nurses. They both play a significant role in patient care for patients with GI diseases. Gastroenterologists conduct diagnostic tests on patients by themselves or by calling for help from other departments such as the microbiologists. For those found with the disorders, the nurses come in and help in patient care to ensure the patients get well. Most patients who visit gastroenterologists come complaining of abdominal pain, which is a common symptom. Many of them are above the age of forty because with age, people experience reduced GI motility, and ulcers associated with acid reflux and GI diseases affect both males and females equally.