what does a gastroenterologist do

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats problems in the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They also perform procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy to look inside the GI tract and help find the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool.

Quick Scoop

• Main job: Diagnose and manage digestive diseases and symptoms.

• Common conditions: GERD, IBS, IBD, celiac disease, ulcers, hemorrhoids, gallstones, pancreatitis, and liver disease.

• Common procedures: Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, plus other GI tests when needed.

When You Might See One

You might be referred to a gastroenterologist if you have ongoing heartburn, belly pain, trouble swallowing, frequent diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding from the digestive tract. They often start by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, then decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Simple Example

If someone has months of acid reflux that does not improve with basic treatment, a gastroenterologist may evaluate them for GERD and possibly do an endoscopy to check for inflammation or other causes.

If you want, I can also give you a 1-sentence answer , a kid-friendly explanation , or a “when should I see one?” version.