Gastroenterology
Evidence-based articles on Gastroenterology โ conditions, diagnostic approaches, treatments and what to expect from China's specialist hospitals.
GERD: Acid Reflux, Causes and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 20% of Western adults and is rising rapidly in Asia โ caused by the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. This guide covers heartburn and regurgitation, the spectrum from non-erosive reflux to Barrett's oesophagus, how endoscopy and pH monitoring confirm the diagnosis, and treatment from proton pump inhibitors to anti-reflux surgery.
Gastric Cancer: Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment
Gastric (stomach) cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer death โ with particularly high incidence in East Asia. This guide covers H. pylori as the dominant modifiable risk factor, early detection by endoscopy, staging, and the full treatment pathway from gastrectomy to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) โ comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis โ are chronic immune-mediated conditions causing relapsing gut inflammation, affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. This guide covers the key differences between Crohn's and UC, diagnosis by colonoscopy and MRI enterography, and the full treatment spectrum from 5-ASA and steroids to biological therapies (infliximab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab) and surgical colectomy.
Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Complications and Treatment
Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease, in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function. This guide covers the main causes โ viral hepatitis B and C, alcohol, and NAFLD โ the major complications of portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy, and current treatment including antiviral therapy and liver transplantation.
Ready to arrange treatment in China?
Our care navigators provide English-language coordination for consultations, diagnostics and procedures at China's leading hospitals.