Here are some of the conditions that a gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat:

• Digestive disorders, such as heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Hemorrhoids
• Colon cancer

Gastroenterologists use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose digestive disorders, including:

• Upper endoscopy: A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
• Colonoscopy: A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure similar to a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon).
• X-rays: Imaging tests that can be used to view the digestive system.
• CT scans: More detailed imaging tests that can be used to create cross-sectional images of the digestive system.
• MRIs: Imaging tests that use magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the digestive system.
• Blood tests: Tests that can be used to check for signs of infection, inflammation, and other problems in the digestive system.
• Stool tests: Tests that can be used to check for blood, infection, or other problems in the digestive system.