Gastroenterology Doctor in Shillong

You must have at least once suffered from any disease related to gastroenterological issues. But what exactly is the condition? In a broad aspect, any health issue occurring in stomach or intestine can be termed as a gastrological disease. And the branch of medicine that deals with such diseases is called gastroenterology. Are you looking for a gastroenterology doctor in Shillong? Wait till the end of this article to find your perfect doctor.

Although one might assume that gastroenterology is not a common field of medicine, the numbers say otherwise. It is amongst one of the inclusive specializations to have thousands of doctors worldwide. A report from WGO states that there are 60,000 gastroenterologists around the whole world. According to a survey, there are more than a thousand such specialist in India alone. Looking at how much the need for this domain’s advancement is necessary, you can understand why there are more and more doctors pursuing this specialization. Through sonography, scan, endoscopy and even urine test, the doctors are being able to diagnose your conditions.

Even though you might already know about the procedures, it is important to consult a doctor first and then take the tests. However, a question may arise, what diseases come under gastroenterological diseases? The answer includes every disease that have relation with intestine or stomach. Like we already mentioned, this particular discipline focuses on providing treatment for such conditions. Some of the common gastroenterological illnesses include acid reflux, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, fatigue, liver diseases, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowl syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, lactose intolerance, constipation, diverticulitis, etc. Since gastroenterological can turn fatal if not treated in the right time, it is very important that you seek treatment as early as possible.

List of Gastroenterology Doctors in Shillong

Unfortunately, there is only one available gastroenterology doctor in Shillong. However, you can without a doubt trust him with your treatment.  If you are currently suffering from any symptoms, make sure to consult with the doctor as soon as possible. However, before you jump into any conclusions, let us study the doctor’s portfolio.

01. Dr B. R. Medhi

Qualification/Degree: MBBS, MD(MED) in Gastroenterology

Experience: 10+ years

About The Doctor:

Dr B.R. Medhi is the only gastroenterological specialist in Shillong. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, he has established a good reputation and place for himself. Before starting his career as an eminent doctor, Dr Medhi completed his MS from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, one of the best medical institutes of the country. Since the start of his career, he has helped numerous patients suffering from diseases like fatty liver, ulcer, acid reflux, irritable bowl syndrome, chronic diarrhoea, gastritis, liver cirrhosis, etc. If you decide to proceed with him for your treatment, there are less chances that you will not feel better. Known for being emphatic, kind, caring and compassionate, Dr Medhi is one of the most loved doctors of the region.

Clinic: Dr B.R. Medhi is available for appoinemnt in DR B.R. Medhi Private Clinic

Timings: The doctor checks on his patients on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Practice location: HW82+525, Nongrimbah, Shillong, Meghalaya

Contact number: 98561 36305

What is the Difference between a Gastrologist and a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists and gastrologists both work in gastrointestinal health, but have some key differences in their training and specialties.

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the digestive system and its disorders. After medical school, they complete a 3-year internal medicine residency followed by 2-3 years of additional specialized training in gastroenterology. Some key aspects of their training and practice include:

  • Diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas such as:
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    • Peptic ulcer disease
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    • Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
    • Celiac disease
    • Colon polyps and cancer
  • Advanced training in procedures like:
    • Colonoscopy
    • Endoscopy
    • Liver biopsy
    • Capsule endoscopy
ProcedureDescription
ColonoscopyVisual examination of the large intestine using a flexible tube with a camera
EndoscopyVisual examination of the upper digestive tract including esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Liver biopsyRemoval of sample of liver tissue for diagnostic purposes
Capsule endoscopyPatient swallows a small capsule with a camera to image the GI tract; eliminated through bowel movement
  • Providing screening and surveillance for conditions like colon cancer
  • Overseeing treatment plans for complex gastrointestinal diseases

In contrast, a gastrologist specializes specifically in gastroenterology relating to nutrition, diet, and integrated gastrointestinal wellness. Their training and practice centers around:

  • Nutritional consulting for health conditions like:
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    • Inflammatory bowel diseases
    • Food intolerances
    • Malabsorption issues
  • Developing customized dietary plans and supplements to improve gastrointestinal health
  • Counseling patients on lifestyle changes relating to diet, stress, sleep to support digestive wellness

While gastroenterologists and gastrologists both aim to improve digestive health, gastroenterologists take more of a medical approach centered on diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases while gastrologists emphasize an integrated nutritionally-focused preventative care approach. They can complement each other in providing comprehensive gastrointestinal care.

When to See a Gastroenterologist: Key Symptoms and Warning Signs

Here are some of the main symptoms and warning signs that indicate you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment:

Abdominal Pain

Recurring abdominal pain or discomfort is one of the most common reasons patients see a gastroenterologist. This includes pain in the upper abdomen as well as chronic or intense pain in the lower abdomen. Abdominal pain can signal issues such as gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, intestinal blockages, and more. Getting to the root cause of unexplained abdominal discomfort is a key reason to book an appointment with a GI specialist.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing food and liquids is known medically as dysphagia. It makes eating and drinking challenging and uncomfortable. Dysphagia can occur when there is a problem with the esophagus itself or when an underlying condition impacts the nerves and muscles involved in the swallowing process. A gastroenterologist can help diagnose the cause and treat conditions leading to swallowing difficulties.

Nausea and Vomiting

Frequent and persistent nausea, vomiting, or both can seriously degrade one’s quality of life. These symptoms can occur due to GI issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, peptic ulcers, blockages, food poisoning, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, and more. A gastroenterologist has specialized expertise in finding the source of vomiting and nausea and providing tailored treatment plans.

Unintended Weight Loss

Losing a significant amount of weight without increased exercise or dieting can be an important red flag, especially in older adults. Unintended weight loss often occurs due to GI issues that make eating difficult and impede the absorption of vital nutrients. Getting evaluated promptly by a gastroenterologist helps diagnose conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, infections, ulcers, tumors, and other gastrointestinal problems that slow digestion and reduce metabolic function.

Blood in Stool or Black Stools

Bright red blood in stool or black, tarry stools indicates internal bleeding in the GI tract. This alarming symptom always warrants urgent evaluation. Swallowed blood from nasal drainage or hemorrhoids can appear as specks or streaks on stool. Black, foul smelling stool indicates digested blood. These symptoms require gastroenterology testing such as colonoscopy to check for ulcers, polyps, cancers, ischemic colitis, ruptured blood vessels (hematomas) and other serious intestinal bleeding sources.

Iron Deficiency Anemia from Unknown Cause

Anemia happens when you lack enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body. One major cause is losing blood through internal bleeding. Iron deficiency or anemia that doesn’t clearly trace to other causes often occurs from gradual blood loss in the GI tract. People may feel fatigued and weak. A gastroenterologist investigates whether you have occult bleeding from conditions such as ulcers, varices, haemorrhoids, polyps, cancer and more.

Conclusion:

If you experience any concerning digestive symptoms, make an appointment with a knowledgeable gastroenterologist. Catching and treating GI problems early vastly improves outcomes and helps prevent dangerous complications. A specialist can guide diagnostic tests, recommend dietary changes tailored to your issues, and work with you on developing an effective treatment plan for optimal digestive health. So, did Dr B.R. Medhi, caught your attention? However, healthcare is focal, make sure you only choose the doctor you are sure about.

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