A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in gastroenterology, the medical study of the management and treatment of disorders of the digestive organs. The digestive organs are the organs that are associated with the digestive system, the system that breaks down the food we eat and transports it to every part of our body by our circulatory system. The main part of the digestive system is the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the small intestines, the liver, the large intestine, and the rectum and anus. Disorders related to any of these organs are treated by a gastroenterologist.

There are two types of gastroenterological disorders – functional disorders and motility disorders. Functional disorders are disorders or diseases where there is an abnormality in the physiological function of the system rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. The causes of these diseases do not show in tests and x-rays and are diagnosed by symptoms only. The most common of functional disorders are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia. Motility disorders refer to disorders related to the movements of the digestive system, and the transit of the contents within it. When nerves or muscles of the digestive tract do not function properly, the diseases occur. The symptoms of motility disorders include heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

The most common symptoms or signs of a gastroenterological disorder are constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Though the causes of these are often quite minor, it is important to see a gastroenterologist as they may be caused by more serious problems like viral infections, cholera, dysentery, Crohn's disease, colitis, appendicitis, gall stones, pancreatitis, or hepatitis among many others.

As a traveler to Oahu, you might be more prone to gastroenterological disorders as very often changes in daily routines, changes in food and water, changes in normal bowel movements, fatigue, and viral infections cause gastrointestinal disorders. One or more of these may be the cause of any of the above mentioned symptoms that you might have during your trip to Oahu. So to avoid a major illness, be sure to see a gastroenterologist just as soon as you feel sick.

To make it easy for you to find the right doctor nearest to you, Oahu.us has listed all the gastroenterologists in Oahu under their respective areas of location.