If you’ve ever had ongoing stomach problems, trouble going to the bathroom or unexplained pain in your belly, your doctor may have recommended seeing a gastroenterologist. But what does a gastroenterologist do?
Gastroenterologists are trained to diagnose and treat problems in the digestive system. From your esophagus to your stomach and intestines, to your liver and pancreas, a gastroenterologist knows how to help when things aren’t working quite right.
If your doctor has suggested seeing a gastroenterologist or you have symptoms of digestive issues, make an appointment with one today.
What is a gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist (often called a GI doctor) is a medical doctor who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. That includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (or colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. They focus on the entire digestive tract, from top to bottom.
Gastroenterologists go through years of training. After finishing college, they attend medical school, then complete a residency in internal medicine. After that, they do even more training, called a fellowship, focusing on the gastrointestinal system.
What does a gastroenterologist do?
Gastroenterologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect digestion. Some of the most common include:
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease, including hepatitis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Polyps in the colon
- Colorectal cancer
They also help with problems in the bile ducts, which carry digestive fluids from your liver and gallbladder into your small intestine. If something isn’t right with your digestive system, a GI doctor is the right provider to see.
Tests and procedures a gastroenterologist may perform
What does a gastroenterologist do in regard to determining what is causing your symptoms?
Gastroenterologists use special tools and tests to figure out what’s happening inside your body. Some of the most common include:
- Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end passes through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. This helps your provider look for problems like ulcers, inflammation or tumors.
- Colonoscopy: This test is similar to an endoscopy, but it examines the colon and rectum. It’s often used to check for polyps or signs of colon cancer. Gastroenterologists may also use it to test for IBS.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: This test combines an endoscope with ultrasound to take pictures of the digestive organs, including the pancreas, bile ducts and nearby tissues.
- Capsule endoscopy: You swallow a tiny camera in a pill, which takes thousands of pictures as it moves through your digestive tract.
- Liver biopsy: This involves removing a small piece of liver tissue to check for disease or damage.
These tests help gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Most of these procedures include little or no discomfort. Many of these procedures occur in outpatient centers, meaning you go home the same day.
Symptoms to watch for
You may want to visit a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms like:
- Frequent or severe heartburn
- Long-term belly pain or bloating
- Trouble swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting that won’t go away
- Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (a sign of liver problems)
Even if the problem seems small, it’s worth talking to your primary care doctor. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist if needed.
Why gut health matters
Your digestive system plays a significant role in your overall health. When your gastrointestinal system isn’t working right, it can affect everything from your energy to your mood. Your gut does more than just break down food – it also absorbs nutrients, supports your immune system and communicates with your brain.
Taking care of your gut is an important part of feeling your best, and that’s what a gastroenterologist helps you do.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
Not every stomach ache means you need a specialist. But it may be time to see a gastroenterologist if you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments and still have symptoms, or if your doctor finds something unusual in lab tests or scans.
You might also need a routine colonoscopy if you’re age 45 or older. This test can help find early signs of colon cancer, even before symptoms start.
In some cases, people with long-term conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease will have an ongoing relationship with a GI doctor to help manage symptoms and flare-ups.
How we can help
Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, new symptoms or just want to stay on top of your health, you may need to see a gastroenterologist.
From routine screenings to advanced procedures, a gastroenterologist can get you answers to questions about symptoms you may be experiencing. They also work with dietitians, primary care providers and other specialists to cover every part of your care.
Learn about the digestive health and gastroenterology services we offer at Mercy Health.
