Endoscopy: Overview on the Procedure and its use in certain medical conditions

Endoscopy is typically used by doctors to check the internal organs of a human body. During the endoscopic procedure, anesthesia may be administered to the patient at times. Since, this procedure is used to inspect the interiors of the gastrointestinal tract endoscopies are usually carried out on those suffering from gastroenterological illnesses.

An endoscope is essentially a flexible tube which has light and a small camera affixed at the end of the tube. This device is ideally used by the doctor to see the digestive tract of the patient on a monitor, and identifies abnormalities if any which may be causing a certain health condition. Some of the best endoscopists in Delhi, Gurgaon and other major cities use advanced technology and the most modern practices in medicine to diagnose rare diseases of the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and liver non-invasively.

Endoscopies are typically recommended by physicians so as to evaluate and inspect certain symptoms that may be indicative of a disorder in the digestive tract. Some conditions that may require an endoscopic assessment are explained below:

· Polyps in the colon

· Gastritis

· Ulcers and trouble with swallowing

· Stomach pain

· Digestive tract bleeding

· Chronic diarrhea

· Chronic constipation

Endoscopy is also used by the doctors to take a biopsy. Biopsy is essentially the process of eliminating a small bit of tissue from the body of the patient so as to test it for the presence of any abnormalities. But, it is always suggested that one should only look for qualified and best endoscopists in Delhi, Gurgaon and other major cities to carry out such complex procedures. Besides this, a physician may use an endoscopic procedure for other reasons too which are listed below:

· Verification of a previously made diagnosis via a biopsy. Conditions such as anemia, cancers and inflammation of the GI track can be checked via endoscopy

· Treating internal organs, for example clipping off a polyp, eliminating an object from the digestive tract, cauterizing a bleeding vessel or broadening of the esophagus

· The assessment of symptoms for example nausea, vomiting and stomach pain to diagnose conditions of the GI track.

Even though non-invasive, endoscopy is quite a critical and crucial procedure and needs to be performed with a lot of care so as not to injure the patient. It is as such advisable that whenever a procedure such as this needs to be carried out, only the best endoscopists in Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon and other major cities where there are good and renowned hospitals must be contacted so as to ensure complete safety of the patient as well as success of the procedure.

Achalasia: Its Causes and Symptoms

Achalasia is a medical condition that severely affects the esophagus. The term achalasia technically means "failure to relax" and it refers to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter of a body to open up in order to let the food pass into the stomach. Basically, the lower esophageal sphincter is a distinct ring of muscle lying between the stomach and the lower esophagus. People suffering from this ailment may face problems in swallowing food, which then leads to a backup of food components within the esophagus.

Achalasia is also associated with certain abnormalities of esophageal peristalsis. This basically is the coordinated muscular activity of the esophagus that assists in transporting food components from throat to stomach of a person. To get a proper treatment for this condition, people should consult a renowned Achalasia doctor, preferably in Delhi, as the national capital has a number of renowned medical facilities and experienced doctors who can expertly cure and manage these ailments. 

Causes of Achalasia

Achalasia may develop due to a number of reasons. It can be the result of an autoimmune condition, or might even be a hereditary disorder. The advanced symptoms of achalasia can also be attributed to the degeneration of the nerves present in the esophagus.

While in most cases Achalasia occurs in the later stage of life, it might develop in children as well.  The middle-aged and elderly individuals face the highest risks of suffering from this medical condition. Achalasia is known to be more common among people having autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of Achalasia

People suffering from this medical condition always feel like that there is food stuck in their esophagus and may even face problems in swallowing solid food. This symptom is referred to as dysphagia, and can subsequently lead to incessant coughing as well as an increased risk of aspiration. Aspiration basically implies to inhaling or choking on food. Some of the other symptoms of Achalasia are:

· Heartburn

· Weight loss

· Pain or discomfort in the chest

· Discomfort after eating

Achalasia, if left untreated can turn out to be extremely painful and as such on experiencing any of the above symptoms, people must contact an Achalasia doctor in Delhi as the national capital has many renowned hospitals and experienced doctors working with them who can properly diagnose and treat these kinds of ailments.

Here’s More on the Medical Conditions that can be Treated by Hepatologists

Hepatology is a branch of medicine which manages the study, prevention, treatment, diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the biliary tree, gallbladder, liver and the pancreas. Alcohol-related liver diseases and viral hepatitis are the common types of diseases that hepatologists are usually responsible for treating. Hepatitis affects millions of people across the world and the disease can often lead to life threatening conditions like hepatocellular carcinoma or even cirrhosis. Hepatitis B and C are especially known to be the major causes of liver cancer in individuals. On the other hand, alcohol abuse has been linked to conditions such as cirrhosis and liver fibrosis.

Most of the common diseases that are treated, diagnosed and managed by the best hepatologists in Gangaram hospital and other such medical facilities in the Delhi include the following:

· Viral hepatitis infections, for instance hepatitis A, B, C and E that affect thousands of people every year. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C collectively cause more than 80% of all liver cancer cases.

· Diseases of the liver caused by extreme consumption of alcohol, such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.

· The process of liver transplantation in addition to all the related post surgical care and treatment that the patient needs.

· Liver injuries of several kinds and gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension, which is associated with such injuries.

· Some infections common in tropical areas and countries such as kala-azar, schistosomiasis and hydatid cyst.

· Jaundice, which increases the bilirubin levels and causes yellowish and greenish pigmentation on the patient’s skin.

· Lasting damage to the pancreas or biliary tract that is caused by infection, cancer, alcohol, bleeding or some kind of obstruction.

· Drug metabolism and genetic or metabolic liver disease.

· Pancreatitis, mainly when it is caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption

These are just some of the diseases that are commonly diagnosed and treated by hepatologists. You should, therefore, get in touch with the best hepatologists in Gangaram hospital or other medical facilities in the national capital in case you have been suffering from any symptoms of gastrointestinal or liver disease. The experts here use systematic procedures and state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose the health condition of the patient before prescribing any treatment. 

Hepatologists associated with renowned hospitals in the national capital have years of experience in the domain and can thus be trusted by patients for the best treatments.

Key Symptoms of Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastroenterology basically is a distinct branch of medical science that is concerned with the various dysfunctions and disorders related to the human digestive system. Physicians who specialize in the field of gastroenterology are referred to as gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists primarily concern themselves with the gastrointestinal tract. This tract comprises of a number of organs lying along the alimentary canal, right from the mouth to the anus.

Any person suffering from an ailment related to the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract should contact an experienced, reliable and reputed gastroenterologist at once. The capital city of the country houses some of the most well-established medical centers and specialty hospitals, and hence it would be advisable that people with the slightest hint of any related diseases contact a reputed gastroenterologist in Delhi.

Here are some of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. In case people notice these symptoms in themselves or their loved ones, they must consult a renowned gastroenterologist at once.

· Heartburn: Recurring heartburn over a period of six months or more may be a symptom of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, commonly referred to as GERD. In case a person experiences a severe burning sensation in the general area of the throat or chest, then it might be an indication of GERD. This medical condition is essentially caused by the stomach acid accumulating in the esophagus due to a reflux action.

· Inflammatory bowel disease:  Also referred to as IBD, this term refers to a group of disorders not a not a single ailment. These disorders may often occur together or at different times. Some of these symptoms are:

· Loss of appetite

· Diarrhea

· High fever

· Rectal bleeding

· Sudden and extreme weight loss

· Chronic pain in the abdominal area

· Irritable bowel syndrome: This is quite a common medical problem and is also called as IBS. While this condition might not lead to any serious illnesses or health problems in many cases, it can cause a lot of irritation to a person and hinder their efficiency in completing the daily tasks and duties. Some of the relevant symptoms of IBS are :

· Diarrhea

· Constipation

· Abdominal pain

· Bloating

In case it is diagnosed and treated on time, IBS can be managed and mitigated with minor lifestyle changes.

At the slightest indication of any gastrointestinal condition, people should at once consult a renowned gastroenterologist in Delhi,  for its proper treatment. 

An Overview on the Key Functions of the Pancreas

Located in the abdomen, the Pancreas is basically a large flattened gland lying just next to the small intestine. It is known to be one of the major components of the digestive system, and has a key role in controlling the blood sugar level in the human body. The Pancreas may also help in converting the food consumed by the body into essential fuel required by the cells.

Here are two of the prime functions of the pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas includes exocrine glands whose main function is to produce enzymes that are imperative to the process of digestion. These enzymes essentially contain lipase that is important for breaking down fats, chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins, as well as amylase that helps in carbohydrate digestion. These pancreatic juices are thereafter released into a system of ducts as the food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct subsequently joins the common bile duct, thereby forming the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla is present in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it typically assist the body to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine components of the pancreas basically comprises of the islet cells. These cells release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin to the bloodstream directly. These hormones play a crucial role in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body. It is imperative to maintain the proper blood sugar level in the body in order to ensure the smooth functioning of various organs, including brain, liver and kidneys.

It is vital that people contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi in case of any problems relating to it as it is an incredibly crucial gland of the body. One of the most common diseases relating to this gland is Pancreatitis. In case of this ailment the pancreas essentially becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis typically develops when the important digestive enzymes in the body get activated before being released into the small intestine. These enzymes subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, acute and chronic pancreatitis. Some of their symptoms are:

üAcute Pancreatitis

· Tender and swollen abdomen

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Rapid pulse

· High abdominal pain

üChronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Oily and smelly stools

· Heavy weight loss

· Upper abdominal pain

At the slightest indication of any Pancreas related ailment, such as Pancreatitis, one can contact any of the best pancreas specialists in Delhi. The national capital of the country is renowned for housing many prominent hospital and medical centers with expert endocrinologists as well as gastroenterologists who can effectively treat this condition.

Understanding Endoscopy in Detail

Endoscopy is usually used by doctors to take a look at the internal organs of a human body. During the endoscopic process, a patient may at times be administered anesthesia. This process is used to examine the interiors of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopies are typically performed on those suffering from gastroenterological diseases.

An endoscopy machine is basically a flexible tube which has a light and a small camera attached to it. By using this device, a doctor can see the digestive tract of the patient on a monitor, and find out anomalies if any and thus diagnose a disease. Some of the best endoscopists in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai and other metro cities who are associated with world-class health care facilities use advanced technology and the latest practices in medicine to diagnose uncommon diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and liver with the help of these non-invasive methods.

Endoscopies are usually prescribed by physicians so as to assess and examine the cause of certain physical conditions. Some conditions that may necessitate an endoscopic assessment are mentioned below:

· Stomach pain

· Gastritis

· Polyps in the colon

· Ulcers and trouble with swallowing

· Chronic diarrhea

· Chronic constipation

· Digestive tract bleeding

Apart from these, a physician may use an endoscopic procedure for other reasons as well, which have been mentioned below:

· Verification of a formerly made diagnosis through a biopsy for conditions such as inflammation, anemia and cancers of the GI tract

· For the examination of symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and stomach pain to diagnose any medical condition related to the GI tract

· Treating internal organs, such as clipping off a polyp, cauterizing a bleeding vessel, removing an object from the digestive tract or widening the esophagus.

The endoscopic procedure is also used by the doctors to take a biopsy. Biopsy is basically the removal of some tissue from the body of a patient which can then be used to diagnose conditions like cancer. However, it is always recommended that when going for such sophisticated diagnostic procedures, be it in a world-class health care facility in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida or in Delhi, patients should only go to the best endoscopists to get the best diagnosis of the condition.

Endoscopy is one of the safest non-invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment and patients recommended to go through one can be assured of getting the best results provided the procedure has been performed by an experienced endoscopist in a good health care facility.

An Overview on Esophageal Cancer, its symptoms and Diagnosis

Esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. This tube is ideally eight inches long in most adults, and is lined by a certain pink moist tissue known as mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the heart and the windpipe, and passes through the diaphragm just before entering the stomach. The prime job of the esophagus is to transfer food from the mouth to the stomach.

What is esophageal cancer?

The cancer of the esophagus generally starts in its inner layer. It can spread throughout the other layers of this tube, as well as to other parts of the body (metastasis) as well. There are two major types of esophageal cancers, namely squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.  A person suffering from one of these severe medical conditions should ideally consult the best Esophagus doctor in Delhi for an effective management plan. Being the national capital, this city houses some of the most prominent and state-of-the-art medical facilities where one can get the best possible treatment for ailments such as these.

Factors that may lead to esophageal cancer

There are some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing esophageal cancer, and they are:

· Smoking or other any other form of tobacco abuse

· Heavy alcohol consumption

· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the stomach acids back flow up into the esophagus

· Barrett's esophagus. It is a medical condition that affects the lower area of the esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer

In addition to this, men, elderly individuals and obese people may also be at a higher risk for esophageal cancer too.

The symptoms of esophageal cancer

In its early stages there might not be many definitive symptoms of this this medical condition. However as the cancer advances, a number of symptom’s can be seen in a patient. They include:

· Difficulty or pain when swallowing

· Weight loss

· Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone

· Coughing

· Hoarseness

· Indigestion and heartburn

In case you notice these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, you should immediately consult one of the best esophagus doctors in Delhi to rule out the development of this dreaded disease. Experienced doctors specializing in various endoscopic procedures can diagnose this condition at the very onset and refer patients to cancer specialists who can then start the treatment to contain the disease.

Prime Functions of the Pancreas

The Pancreas is a large flattened gland that is located in the abdomen, just next to the small intestine. It is one of the most crucial components of the digestive system, and plays a prime role in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body. It also assists in converting the consumed food into the essential fuel required by the body cells.

Two of the prime functions of pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas feature exocrine glands that produce enzymes that are crucial in the digestion process. These enzymes contain lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and also chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins. These pancreatic juices are subsequently released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct then joins the common bile duct, forming the ampulla of Vater.  This ampulla is located in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it help the body to digest fats, carbohydrate and proteins.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine elements of the pancreas include the islet cells that release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin directly into the bloodstream. These hormones assist in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body, which is vital in the proper functioning of various organs, including kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being an extremely crucial gland of the body, you should ideally contact the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country in case you face any problems relating to it. One of the most common ailments related to this gland is Pancreatitis, in which essentially the pancreas becomes inflamed. This ailment essentially develops when the vital digestive enzymes get activated before being released into the small intestines, and they subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, namely acute and chronic pancreatitis. Some of their symptoms are:

Acute pancreatitis symptoms:

· High abdominal pain

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· tender and swollen abdomen

· Rapid pulse

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Upper abdominal pain

· Oily and smelly stools

· Severe weight loss

Severe cases of pancreatitis may lead to cyst formation, bleeding into the glad, extensive tissue damage and infection.  Therefore, in case you notice these symptoms in yourself or any of your loved ones, contacting a pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital  and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country like would surely be a good idea. 

Two Major Functions of the Pancreas

The pancreas is basically a flattened long gland that is located in the abdomen. It is a vital component of the digestive system, and plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels. Pancreas has a vital part in converting the food that you consume into the essential fuel required by the cells of the body.

Two major functions of the pancreas include:

üExocrine Function: Pancreas carries exocrine glands which produce enzymes vital for the process of digestion. These enzymes include lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates, as well as chymotrypsin and trypsin for digesting proteins. These pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts, as the food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct subsequently joins the common bile duct in order to form the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla is located at the prime portion of the small intestine that is referred to as the duodenum. Bile and the pancreatic juices released into the duodenum assist the body to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

üEndocrine Function:  Islet cells that release vital hormones directly into the bloodstream are a part of the endocrine elements of the pancreas. Two of the prime pancreatic hormones are glucagon and insulin.  While glucagon assists in raising blood sugar, insulin lowers its level. Orderly maintenance of the blood sugar level is imperative to the functioning of the vital organs, such as kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being such an important part of the body, any ailments with the pancreas should not be taken lightly.  As soon as you get the slightest hint that there is some ailment with the pancreas you must contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or in a city where there are good multispecialty hospitals. Some of the major ailments relating to pancreas include acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, pancreatic pseudocyst, gall bladder stone, gall bladder cancer, common bile duct stone and cholangiocarcinoma, all of which must be treated at the very onset of the slightest symptoms.

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases related to pancreas. It essentially refers to the sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas, manifesting as constipation, abdomen distension, vomiting and abdominal pain. Patients suffering from a severe case of acute pancreatitis may even suffer from respiratory distress and decreased urinary output. If you suffer from any of these problems then consulting the best pancreas specialists in Delhi or a hospital in the city where you live, would surely be the most viable options. 

Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Alcoholic liver disease is a broad term used for a number of liver ailments relating to alcohol overconsumption, including chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. 

Alcohol is a known toxin for the liver and is one of the major and common causes of advanced liver problems. The risk factors for these diseases include:

üQuantity of alcohol consumption: Researches have proven that men who take 40-80 gms of alcohol and women who take 20-40 gms of alcohol daily are at high risk for a severe liver disease.

üDrinking pattern: Alcohol consumption outside of meal times increases the risk of Alcoholic liver diseases.

üGender: Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related liver diseases in comparison to men, and suffer from high risk even with a comparatively less chronic consumption.

üHepatitis C infection: The presence of the Hepatitis C infection accelerates the process of liver deterioration.

üDiet: Vitamin A and E deficiencies, poor diet, encephalopathy, and anorexia can worsen alcohol related liver problems.

Early symptoms of Alcoholic liver diseases are as follows:

· Abdominal pain

· Loss of appetite

· Fatigue

· Feeling generally unwell

However, the above symptoms can be associated with many ailments and does not point out to Alcoholic liver diseases without a proper diagnosis. Many Hepatologist in Delhi opine that owing to their vague structure, these symptoms are usually not noticed by patients till they reach a much advanced stage.

As the liver becomes severely damaged, many more obvious and grave symptoms develop. They primarily are:

· Yellowing of the whites of the eye and the skin (jaundice)

· Swelling of the abdomen due to a gradual build-up of fluid called ascites

· Swelling in the feet, ankles and legs due to fluid build-up or oedema

· High fever

· Itchy skin

· hair loss

· Discolored red palms

· Clubbed fingers

· Striking weight loss

· Weakness in the muscles

· Unusual sleep patterns, trouble in sleeping and even insomnia

· Memory problems and confusion due to a build-up of toxins in the brain

· Blood vomit

· Black and tarry stools due to internal bleeding

· Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs, as the liver is unable to process them.

· Higher tendency to bruise and bleed, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums

In case you are suffering from the above symptoms, then you should surely contact a renowned Hepatologist in Delhi immediately. A well-qualified and experienced Hepatologist would be able to efficiently treat the Alcoholic liver disease and help in restoring your liver back to its good health.