Q: What does a gastroenterologist specialize in?
A: A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Q: When should I see a gastroenterologist?
A: You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, heartburn, or if you have a family history of gastrointestinal conditions.
Q: What is the difference between a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner?
A: While a general practitioner provides primary care for various health issues, a gastroenterologist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.
Q: What conditions can a gastroenterologist diagnose and treat?
A: Gastroenterologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver diseases, gallbladder issues, and more.