Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage a wide range of GI conditions, including acid reflux (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease (such as hepatitis and cirrhosis), pancreatitis, gallstones, and colorectal cancer, among others.

Symptoms that may warrant a visit to a gastroenterologist include abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation), rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common diagnostic tests include endoscopy (upper endoscopy and colonoscopy), imaging studies (such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound), blood tests (for liver function and other markers), stool tests (for occult blood and pathogens), and breath tests (for conditions like Helicobacter pylori infection).

Endoscopy allows gastroenterologists to visualize the inside of the GI tract using a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope). Upper endoscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine, while colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum. Endoscopy is used for diagnosis, biopsy, treatment (such as polyp removal), and surveillance of GI conditions.