You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss. If you have risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, routine GI check-ups and screenings are strongly recommended.

For healthy adults, a baseline digestive evaluation is typically recommended in your late 20s or early 30s, especially if you have occasional symptoms. Routine colon cancer screenings generally begin at age 45, or earlier if there is a family history. If you have chronic GI symptoms or liver conditions, your doctor may recommend more frequent follow-ups and monitoring based on your health status.

Gastroenterologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating digestive and liver conditions using medications and minimally invasive procedures like endoscopy. GI surgeons perform surgical operations for conditions such as colorectal cancer, gallstones, or hernias. Patients often see a gastroenterologist first, who may refer them to a surgeon if surgery is necessary.

Common GI tests include upper endoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, liver function tests, stool analysis, CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, and breath tests for bacterial overgrowth or lactose intolerance. Your specific tests will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and initial evaluation results.

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency care for acute gastrointestinal issues such as GI bleeding, severe abdominal pain, liver failure, and bowel obstruction. Our emergency team is equipped with advanced imaging, endoscopy, and lab services to quickly diagnose and treat urgent digestive conditions.