Gastroenterology is the medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. It covers organs such as the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
Within the Portuguese healthcare system, gastroenterology plays a central role in the prevention and early detection of digestive diseases, particularly through screening programs and endoscopic and functional examinations, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and clinical follow-up of patients.
The gastroenterologists at Joaquim Chaves Saúde have extensive experience in monitoring digestive disorders, providing specialized consultations and performing highly accurate complementary diagnostic tests, which are essential for an effective and safe clinical approach.
Given the increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer, screening programs play a decisive role in early detection. Currently, screening for colon and rectal cancer is recommended by the Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology for the medium-risk population aged 45 and over, allowing the identification of precursor lesions and diagnosis of the disease in its early stages, with a significant impact on reducing mortality.
If you have digestive symptoms or would like to undergo preventive screening, schedule your Gastroenterology appointment at one of the Joaquim Chaves Saúde units. Timely assessment is crucial to preserving digestive health and preventing future complications.
Major Diseases of the Digestive System
Gastroenterology covers a wide range of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Among the most common are:
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: associated with symptoms such as heartburn, retrosternal burning, and (rarely) throat discomfort (odynophagia);
-
Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease: gastritis corresponds to inflammation of the stomach lining and, in most cases, is asymptomatic and does not require endoscopic surveillance. When symptoms are present, they may include epigastric discomfort or pain, nausea, or a feeling of fullness. Upper digestive endoscopy is indicated in selected situations, such as persistent symptoms, warning signs, or risk factors identified by the physician (such as family history or changes in previous tests that should be monitored);
-
Functional Digestive Disorders
Functional digestive disorders are characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms without identifiable structural or biochemical changes in complementary diagnostic tests. They are common in clinical practice and can have a significant impact on quality of life, requiring an individualized and multidisciplinary medical approach.- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): this is a functional intestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, associated with changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two), a feeling of abdominal distension, and gas. The diagnosis is clinical, based on international criteria, after exclusion of relevant organic pathology.
- Functional dyspepsia: manifests itself through symptoms located in the epigastric region, such as a feeling of early fullness, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain or burning, in the absence of structural lesions that justify them. In most cases, it does not require continued endoscopic surveillance, with endoscopy being indicated only in selected situations, according to age, persistence of symptoms, or presence of warning signs.
- Other functional digestive disorders: these include, among others, functional changes in intestinal transit, functional abdominal distension, and disorders of the gut-brain interaction, which may coexist and require an integrated approach focused on symptom control and improving quality of life.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): this is a functional intestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, associated with changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two), a feeling of abdominal distension, and gas. The diagnosis is clinical, based on international criteria, after exclusion of relevant organic pathology.
-
Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD: A group of chronic diseases in which parts of the digestive tract become inflamed for long periods, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), fatigue and weight loss. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis: in Crohn’s disease, inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system and involves all layers of the intestinal wall, whereas in Ulcerative Colitis the inflammation is usually limited to the large intestine (colon) and to the inner lining of its wall. There is no single known cause of IBD, but it is thought to result from an exaggerated immune response of the body against the intestine itself, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The disease tends to follow a relapsing and remitting course, meaning periods with symptoms alternate with periods of improvement. There is currently no known cure, but there are treatments capable of reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life, including anti-inflammatory medicines, immunomodulators and more targeted therapies, always under regular medical supervision.
-
Liver diseases: such as hepatitis, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), and cirrhosis;
-
Gallbladder and bile duct disorders: including gallstones and episodes of biliary colic;
-
Pancreatic diseases: such as acute or chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic neoplasms;
-
Rectum and anus disorders: such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, often treated in specific consultations such as proctology;
-
Inguinal hernia: corresponds to the protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall in the inguinal region, usually manifesting as local swelling, which may be associated with discomfort or pain, especially with exertion. It is predominantly a pathology within the scope of General Surgery, with surgical correction being the definitive treatment. Evaluation in Gastroenterology may occur in the context of differential diagnosis of abdominal pain or associated complaints, with subsequent referral to Surgery when indicated.
-
Obesity: although obesity is not a gastroenterological condition, it is recognized as an important risk factor for several diseases of the digestive system, including gastroesophageal reflux, gallstones, hepatic steatosis, and pancreatitis. It is usually addressed in conjunction with other specialties, such as general and family medicine, endocrinology, or surgery.
- General gastroenterology
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Proctology (diseases of the rectum and anal canal)
- Hepatology (diseases of the liver and bile ducts)
- Digestive cancer risk
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Pediatric Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of Pediatrics dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas in children and adolescents (from birth to 18 years of age). Specialists in this field—who may be pediatricians trained in gastroenterology or gastroenterologists with experience in treating children—treat problems ranging from gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and persistent diarrhea to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, liver or pancreas problems, and nutritional disorders.
When should your child be evaluated by a specialist?
It is important to seek medical attention—first from your family doctor or primary care pediatrician—whenever signs appear that persist or cause concern in your child's development. Some examples that may warrant a consultation with a pediatric gastroenterologist or specialized evaluation include:
-
Persistent or recurring abdominal pain that does not improve with simple measures;
-
Diarrhea or vomiting lasting several days;
-
Blood in the stool or blood or bile in the vomit;
-
Weight loss, failure to grow properly, or feeding difficulties;
-
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), signs of liver disease, or significant changes in test results;
-
Severe and persistent constipation that does not respond to changes in diet or hydration.
In addition, specific conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, pancreatitis, or food intolerances often require ongoing monitoring by specialists.
In many cases, the family doctor or pediatrician can identify warning signs and refer the patient to a pediatric gastroenterologist when necessary.
Emergency Gastroenterology
Usually performed in a hospital emergency setting, gastroenterologists are called upon to intervene whenever there are digestive conditions that pose an immediate risk to the patient's health or life, namely:
-
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding;
-
Intestinal obstructions or perforations;
-
Severe pancreatitis;
-
Severe complications of liver disease;
-
Other acute presentations with a risk of severe complications.
In the event of complications during endoscopic examinations, patients are not only duly informed and given explanations about the signs and symptoms that may arise after each procedure, but are also referred and monitored for prompt treatment when rarely necessary.
