What Does a Gastroenterologist Do? A Complete Guide for Patients

 


When it comes to digestive health, many people are unsure about when to see a specialist or what exactly a gastroenterologist does. This guide will help you understand the role of a gastro physician, the conditions they treat, and when you should consider booking an appointment.

Who Is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the digestive system (also called the gastrointestinal or GI tract). This system includes the:

  • Esophagus (food pipe)

  • Stomach

  • Small intestine

  • Large intestine (colon)

  • Liver

  • Pancreas

  • Gallbladder

  • Bile ducts

They undergo years of medical training, followed by specialized training in gastroenterology, making them experts in both common and complex digestive problems.

Conditions Treated by a Gastroenterologist

Gastro physicians handle a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Acid reflux & GERD (chronic heartburn)

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis

  • Peptic ulcers & gastritis

  • Liver diseases – hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis

  • Pancreatitis

  • Gallstones & gallbladder issues

  • Constipation & diarrhea disorders

  • Colon polyps & colon cancer screening

Procedures Performed by a Gastroenterologist

In addition to medical management, gastroenterologists perform specialized procedures such as:

  • Endoscopy – to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine

  • Colonoscopy – to screen for colon cancer and detect polyps

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – to evaluate pancreas, bile ducts, and digestive cancers

  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – to diagnose and treat bile duct and pancreatic problems

  • Liver biopsy – for diagnosing liver diseases

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

You should consider consulting a gastro physician if you experience:

  • Persistent heartburn or acid reflux

  • Difficulty swallowing food

  • Frequent abdominal pain or bloating

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Blood in stool or black/tarry stools

  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Importance of Digestive Health

Your digestive system plays a key role in absorbing nutrients, removing waste, and maintaining overall health. Ignoring digestive symptoms can lead to more serious health issues if not treated on time.

Final Thoughts

A gastroenterologist is your go-to specialist for all digestive health concerns—from routine check-ups and screenings to advanced treatment of complex GI disorders. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing digestive issues, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with a qualified gastro physician.


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