What Do Gastroenterologists Do?
A gastroenterologist is a physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastroenterologists diagnose and provide medical treatment for disorders of the digestive tract. Diagnostic procedures include blood tests, X-rays and endoscopic examinations of the stomach (gastroscopy) or large intestine (colonoscopy), which may be performed as circumstances indicate.
Gastroenterologists are frequently asked to evaluate a broad range of conditions, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Cirrhosis
- Colon polyps
- Colon cancer
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease
- Diarrhea
- Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis
- Gastris
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Hiatal hernia
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon)
- Jaundice
- Liver disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Malabsorption
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
- Rectal bleeding
- Swallowing abnormalities/difficulties
- Ulcers
- Ulcerative colitis
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting