Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the digestive system — including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you experience ongoing digestive symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or unexplained weight loss.
Gastroenterologists manage a wide range of issues including acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, colitis, liver disorders, and colorectal cancer screening.
Yes. You will require a referral from your GP.
Bring a list of your medications, medical history, previous test results, and a summary of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
The doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may recommend tests or imaging to make a diagnosis.
Most diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy, are performed under sedation, so you’ll be comfortable throughout.
Gastroenterologists focus on diagnosing and managing digestive disorders using non-surgical methods, while general surgeons perform operations on the digestive organs when needed.
Digestive Health & Symptoms
Heartburn often results from acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Lifestyle habits, certain foods, and being overweight can make it worse.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic form of acid reflux that occurs frequently and may cause long-term damage to the esophagus.
Bloating can be caused by overeating, gas, food intolerances, or digestive disorders such as IBS.
Abdominal pain can result from indigestion, infection, ulcers, gallstones, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among other causes.
Any rectal bleeding should be checked by a gastroenterologist, as it can signal hemorrhoids, polyps, or more serious issues like colorectal cancer.
Typical symptoms include burning stomach pain, nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Severe cases may cause vomiting or black stools.
Persistent diarrhea can stem from infections, IBS, food intolerances, or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
Common causes include low fiber intake, dehydration, inactivity, medications, or underlying digestive disorders.
The sounds come from gas and fluid moving through the intestines, which can be louder after eating or during digestion.
Absolutely. Stress can trigger or worsen digestive problems such as IBS, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort.
Procedures and Tests
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin camera is used to examine the inside of your colon and rectum to detect polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
An upper endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine for ulcers, inflammation, or other issues.
While the bowel prep can be unpleasant, it’s an essential step to ensure your colon is clean and the exam is accurate.
A gastroscopy usually takes 5–15 minutes, and a colonoscopy usually takes 20–30 minutes but sometimes can take more than an hour.
Polyps are small growths in the colon that can sometimes develop into cancer. Removing them during a colonoscopy prevents this risk.
Most procedures are very safe, with minimal risk when performed by experienced specialists under proper medical supervision.
Digestive Disorders & Diseases
IBS is a functional bowel disorder that causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without structural damage to the intestines.
IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the digestive tract, unlike IBS.
The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, immune system overactivity, and environmental factors play roles.
There’s no cure yet, but medications and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and maintain remission.
Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block bile flow. Treatment may involve dietary changes, medication, or surgery.
Symptoms may include jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, fatigue, swelling, and abdominal discomfort.
Fatty liver occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, often due to obesity, diabetes, or alcohol use.
Chronic reflux can damage the esophagus, leading to Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of cancer.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where consuming gluten damages the small intestine lining.
Lifestyle & Prevention
Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol or processed foods.
Yes. Foods high in fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats promote digestion, while excessive sugar or fried foods can trigger symptoms.
Smoking increases the risk of acid reflux, ulcers, and several digestive cancers.
Yes, mild indigestion after overeating or eating too quickly is common, but frequent discomfort should be evaluated.
Try to limit spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, chocolate, and fatty meals, as they can worsen reflux symptoms.
Aim for 6–8 glasses per day to help maintain bowel regularity and overall digestive function.
Probiotics can restore healthy gut bacteria and may help reduce symptoms of IBS or diarrhea.
Absolutely. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, lowers cholesterol, and keeps your digestive tract healthy.