What Does a Gastroenterologist Do – and When Should You See One?

What conditions do gastroenterologists treat? 

They assess symptoms and conditions such as: 

• Abdominal pain 

• Reflux and heartburn 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• IBS and inflammatory bowel disease 

• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation 

• Bloating 

• Gastrointestinal bleeding 

• Liver and pancreatic conditions 

• Changes in bowel habits 

You do not need to know the cause of your symptoms before seeing a specialist. Identifying the cause is often the purpose of the assessment. 

What tests can they arrange? 

Depending on your symptoms, a gastroenterologist may recommend a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, or other investigations such as capsule endoscopy, high-resolution manometry, pH-impedance monitoring or breath testing. 

The aim is to choose the most appropriate test rather than automatically proceeding to endoscopy. 

When should you see a gastroenterologist? 

Consider specialist advice if symptoms are persistent, worsening, recurring or not responding to treatment. Seek assessment for gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, unexplained anaemia or ongoing changes in bowel habits. 

Specialist digestive care across the South Island 

Intus provides gastroenterology services across Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Wānaka, with access to gastroenterologists, surgeons, dietitians and specialised diagnostic testing.