Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Gastroenterologist?New Digestive SymptomsWhen It’s Time to See a GastroenterologistConditions ManagedDiagnostic Tests
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Gastroenterologist?
New Digestive Symptoms
When It’s Time to See a Gastroenterologist
Conditions Managed
Diagnostic Tests
When you experience new gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, or excess gas and bloating) that do not resolve with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, you may be uncertain about which healthcare provider to visit.
Depending on your symptoms, your primary care provider may refer you to a gastroenterologist, also known as a GI specialist. Gastroenterologists are trained to treat disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Many intestinal disorders can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment.
Runstudio / Getty Images
A gastroenterologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This consists of the following:
They have expertise in diagnosing a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions using imaging tests such asendoscopyandcolonoscopyand specialized exams such asbarium swallows.
New Digestive Symptoms
If you experience unusual or new digestive symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
They will conduct a physical exam, request your medical history, and ask about any medications you take. This information with the results of your physical exam, lab tests, or imaging studies determines the next treatment steps.
If your healthcare provider decides that your symptoms need the attention of a specialist, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Your gastroenterologist will collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as surgeons and nutritionists, and provide regular updates on your progress.
If you have chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, seeking specialized care from a gastroenterologist is important.
Some of these symptoms can include:
You may also visit a gastroenterologist for routine tests, such as a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults with an average risk of colorectal cancer have regular colonoscopy screening starting at age 45. Average risk means no personal or family history of colorectal cancer, no personal history of IBD, and no previous radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area for cancer treatment. Screening frequency depends on the results.
Conditions Gastroenterologists Manage
There is a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions a gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats.
Some of these can include:
Your gastroenterologist may order different tests depending on your symptoms and physical exam.
Blood tests:
Stool tests:
Breath tests:
Genetic tests:
Imaging tests:
Endoscopy:
Barium tests:
Barium is contraindicated in pregnant women and anyone suspected of having a bowel perforation. It is a chalky powder added to water that appears white on X-ray film. By coating the gastrointestinal lining, barium can provide information on its shape, size, and contour, providing details unavailable from standard X-rays.
Your gastroenterologist may order one or several of these tests, depending on your symptoms. There are additional specialized tests for diagnosing pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder disorders.
Summary
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common but it can be difficult to diagnose their cause. Seeing a specialist is the best option when you experience chronic digestive disorders. Gastroenterologists have the specialized training needed to treat complicated gastrointestinal conditions and diseases.
It’s important to consult a gastroenterologist when you experience unusual or severe symptoms. They may request one or more tests to provide an accurate diagnosis. Many digestive disorders can be best managed when diagnosed and treated early. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment plan for you.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carethers JM.Current and Future Role of the Gastroenterologist in GI Cancer Management.J Dig Cancer Rep. 2013;1(2):78-81.Medline Plus.Weight loss - unintentional.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Digestive diagnostic procedures.Goodman, RP and Chung DC.Clinical genetic testing in gastroenterology.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2016;7(4):e167.doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.23Johns Hopkins Medicine.Capsule endoscopy.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carethers JM.Current and Future Role of the Gastroenterologist in GI Cancer Management.J Dig Cancer Rep. 2013;1(2):78-81.Medline Plus.Weight loss - unintentional.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Digestive diagnostic procedures.Goodman, RP and Chung DC.Clinical genetic testing in gastroenterology.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2016;7(4):e167.doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.23Johns Hopkins Medicine.Capsule endoscopy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Carethers JM.Current and Future Role of the Gastroenterologist in GI Cancer Management.J Dig Cancer Rep. 2013;1(2):78-81.Medline Plus.Weight loss - unintentional.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Digestive diagnostic procedures.Goodman, RP and Chung DC.Clinical genetic testing in gastroenterology.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2016;7(4):e167.doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.23Johns Hopkins Medicine.Capsule endoscopy.
Carethers JM.Current and Future Role of the Gastroenterologist in GI Cancer Management.J Dig Cancer Rep. 2013;1(2):78-81.
Medline Plus.Weight loss - unintentional.
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guideline for colorectal cancer screening.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Digestive diagnostic procedures.
Goodman, RP and Chung DC.Clinical genetic testing in gastroenterology.Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2016;7(4):e167.
doi:10.1038/ctg.2016.23
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Capsule endoscopy.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
