A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor specialising in conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as your digestive system. We refer to this area of medicine as gastroenterology.
The GI tract takes food from your mouth through a series of organs to your anus. Along the way, various organs will break your food down to pull out essential nutrients and remove waste products.
You may need to speak to a gastroenterologist if you develop a problem in one or multiple areas of the GI tract. If you need help with your digestive health, it’s natural to question who you should speak to and what different specialists do. We discuss further what a gastroenterologist is and why you may see one on this page.
Gastroenterologist: What is it?
The role of a gastroenterologist is to diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system, including the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine and large intestine. We can also specialise in conditions that affect the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
As specialists in internal medicine, we use medical tools such as endoscopes during examinations and procedures. These tube-like devices allow us to examine the digestive tract, take biopsies (small tissue samples) or perform treatments, such as removing polyps and cancers like oesophageal or bowel cancers and widening your oesophagus (endoscopic dilatation).
Hear more from our Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Sarmed Sami, in the video below.
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What conditions does a gastroenterologist treat?
Gastroenterologists are often consulted for difficult diagnoses or procedures needing specialised expertise. The illnesses and conditions a gastroenterologist can treat vary depending on where you go.
Gastroenterologists provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for many digestive problems. We might suspect a specific upper or lower GI condition, but this will depend on your symptoms.
Upper
An upper GI condition might cause chronic acid reflux, swallowing problems, or cough and throat clearing. These symptoms may indicate problems such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), Barrett’s oesophagus, or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
Less common causes include eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) and achalasia. If we suspect an upper GI problem, we may recommend an endoscopy to look for possible causes.
Lower
Signs of a lower GI condition are blood in your poo, constipation, or diarrhoea. Causes include haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We often recommend a colonoscopy if you have lower GI symptoms.
Some conditions can affect areas in your upper and lower GI tract. Read our blog to learn more: What does a gastroenterologist treat?
Reasons to see a gastroenterologist
Digestion is vital to maintaining the processes in your body as well as your general health and well-being. Have you had trouble digesting food or noticed changes in bowel habits? It could be due to one of many health problems.
It’s especially important to seek medical advice if you:
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Notice blood in your poo or vomit
- Are bleeding from your bottom (rectal bleeding)
- Often feel abdominal pain or suddenly experience severe pain
- Experience a persistent change in bowel habits (more than three weeks)
Specialists such as gastroenterologists may spot unusual symptoms and diagnose a more serious illness at an earlier stage. A prompt, accurate diagnosis means you can receive early treatment and are less likely to experience a long-term health issue.
For example, the risk of bowel cancer increases with age for men and women over 50. We recommend routine check-ups for this age group, especially if there’s a family history of bowel cancer. Gastroenterologists can tell you about bowel cancer screening and preventative care.
The difference between a gastroenterologist and a gastrointestinal surgeon
Gastroenterologists do not carry out surgical operations. They work with gastrointestinal surgeons, who perform surgical procedures to repair or remove parts of the digestive system.
Gastroenterologists look after the digestive tract and carry out endoscopic procedures. Our specialisms and approaches differ from those of surgeons. However, gastroenterologists and digestive surgeons may treat many of the same diseases.
Surgeons and other physicians often ask gastroenterologists to assist with the care of patients with digestive disorders. They also collaborate with other specialists, such as neurologists or oncologists, to achieve the best patient outcome.
Surgeons often perform complex and delicate surgery while the patient is under general anaesthetic. Examples include removing tumours, repairing damaged bowels, and correcting pelvic floor disorders. They specialise in the abdominal area, including the colon, rectum or anus.
Book an appointment
At Digestive Health UK, we have a collaborative team of world-renowned gastroenterologists. Our specialists offer private consultations in-person and remotely for your convenience.
If you need to speak to a gastroenterologist, look no further. Contact us for a fast diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for your digestive problems. If you haven’t seen a private gastroenterologist before, you may benefit from visiting this page: Our process.
