In this guide
A gastroenterologist treats diseases of the stomach, intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct. Many digestive symptoms are minor, but persistent, recurrent or warning symptoms need specialist review.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent acidity, reflux or indigestion
- Repeated abdominal pain or bloating
- Blood in stool, black stool or vomiting blood
- Jaundice, abnormal liver tests or fatty liver
- Chronic constipation, diarrhea or altered bowel habits
Symptoms that need consultation
You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist when symptoms continue despite basic treatment or affect daily life.
- Persistent acidity, reflux or indigestion
- Repeated abdominal pain or bloating
- Blood in stool, black stool or vomiting blood
- Jaundice, abnormal liver tests or fatty liver
- Chronic constipation, diarrhea or altered bowel habits
Warning signs
Some symptoms should be evaluated early because they can indicate bleeding, infection, obstruction, liver disease or cancer risk.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia or low hemoglobin
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever with jaundice or severe pain
What to bring
Bring previous prescriptions, blood reports, ultrasound, CT, MRCP, endoscopy, colonoscopy and discharge summaries if available.
How the visit helps
The specialist can decide whether medicines, lifestyle changes, blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, FibroScan, ERCP or imaging are needed.