Hepatology is a subspecialty of gastroenterology that specifically focuses on the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. Hepatologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and autoimmune liver diseases.

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Gastroenterologists are specialists who diagnose and treat conditions that affect the digestive system, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and cancers of the digestive system.

Gastrointestinal conditions are disorders that affect the digestive system, including the the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.

Some common liver diseases include hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Symptoms of these diseases may include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice and more.

Causes vary depending on the condition, but some common causes include poor diet, stress, infection, autoimmune disorders and genetic factors.

Some common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation, and diarrhea. Symptoms of these disorders may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

A doctor may use various methods to diagnose the digestive system and liver diseases, like a physical exam, blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging tests, liver biopsy as well as imaging studies like CT scans and MRI.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms, you should seek medical attention if you experience any alarming symptoms such as blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, or severe abdominal pain.

To prevent digestive system and liver diseases, you should maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and get vaccinations.

Treatment options for digestive system and liver diseases vary depending on the condition, but some common treatments include medication, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, endoscopic treatment and surgery.

During your first appointment, your gastroenterologist and hepatologist will likely ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and any medications or supplements you are taking. They may also perform a physical exam and order tests to diagnose your condition.