What Is a Gastroenterologist- Sarvhit Gastrocity
                     What Is a Gastroenterologist? What to Expect on a 
Visit
Are you about to see a gastroenterologist for the first time? 
You’re in good hands. Because they specialize in digestive 
diseases, gastroenterologists treat lots of people who have 
symptoms just like yours.
What Is a Gastroenterologist?
Internal medicine-trained doctors are known as gastroenterologists.
After medical school, they complete an additional six years of specialised 
training. These medical professionals focus on disorders of the oesophagus, 
stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines, colon, and rectum, including 
the following:
• Cirrhosis
• Colon polyps and colon cancer
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Crohn’s disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hepatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Liver cancer
• Peptic ulcers
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pancreatitis
During your initial appointment with a gastroenterologist, you can 
expect it to last between 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will inquire 
about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous 
treatments you may have undergone. Subsequent visits might be 
shorter in duration.
Where Do Gastroenterologists Work?
Gastroenterologists provide patient care in either a hospital or an 
outpatient clinic setting. While they are not surgeons, they perform 
diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies or endoscopies in both of 
these locations.
Your primary care doctor or family doctor may send you to a 
gastroenterologist. And you might need a referral from that doctor for 
insurance to cover the cost of your visit.
What Questions Will My Gastroenterologist Ask?
irst, your nurse will check your blood pressure and heart rate, and ask you questions 
about your health. Tell them what medicines you take or if you have any allergies.
Your gastroenterologist should ask you more detailed questions like these:
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• What are your symptoms?
• Where is your pain?
• How long does your pain usually last?
• Does your pain move around or change?
• When did your symptoms start?
• Do your symptoms get worse or better at certain times?
• Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms?
• Has anyone in your family had digestive diseases or other health 
problems?
• Have you had any other illnesses or surgery before?
Some questions may not seem to have anything to do with your digestive problem. But symptoms 
in other parts of your body can help the gastroenterologist make the right diagnosis.
You might want to make a list of your symptoms before you see the gastroenterologist. Bring it 
with you so you don’t forget anything.
• Questions to Ask Your Gastroenterologist
• You should ask questions, too. Here are a few you can try:
• Will I need any more tests?
• What are the usual treatments for my condition?
• Will I need a colonoscopy or endoscopy?
• What do I do if I have a symptom flare-up before I see you again?
• What are the signs of a serious complication?
• Are there any medications that could make my problem worse?
• Will I need to change my diet?
Your Physical Exam
The gastroenterologist will look at you to try to find the cause of your symptoms. 
You’ll lie on the exam table and relax. Your doctor will press down on the skin around 
your belly. They’ll listen for odd bowel sounds and feel for any masses or tenderness. 
They may ask you to take deep breaths or cough during your exam.
They might also put a finger into your rectum to feel for any bulges or masses, and 
to check the muscle tone.
What Will Happen Next?
You can be given an X-ray, a CT scan, or blood and stool tests by the gastroenterologist. 
You might get a stool test. A stool culture, among other things, may assess how effectively 
your body absorbs and utilises fat. They might assess your motility, or the ease with which 
food passes through your digestive tract.
The doctor might also recommend techniques to identify your issue. They'll inform you 
how to prepare and schedule these exams for later:
A barium enema or swallow will highlight specific internal organs on a scan. In order to 
examine your oesophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine, the doctor could give you 
barium to consume. Or you might require one to check your rectum or colon. Your moving 
organs will be visible to the doctor on an X-ray.
An upper endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a long, thin tube into your mouth 
and a tiny camera at the other end so they can examine your upper digestive tract or obtain 
a biopsy (tissue sample). If you have persistent heartburn, stomach discomfort, vomiting, or 
other issues that don't go away, you might need an endoscopy.
Colonoscopy: A narrow scope with a camera is inserted into your colon by the doctor. To 
check for polyps or bleeding, remove any polyps, or take a sample, it is inserted into your 
colon, rectum, or large intestine. A colonoscopy may be recommended by your doctor to 
check for conditions including inflammatory bowel disease or conditions that could alter 
your bowel habits, cause abdominal pain, or result in blood in your stool.
If an endoscopy or a colonoscopy are ineffective, you may need an enteroscopy. A tiny video 
capsule that sends images of the interior of your digestive tract is ingested. An enteroscopy 
may reveal, among other things, the origins of bleeding and ulcers (sores) brought on by 
Crohn's disease.
Medications: Heartburn, gas, constipation, and other symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter 
antacids or by prescription from your gastroenterologist. Metoclopramide, which promotes motility, proton 
pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers are frequently prescribed.
Lifestyle Changes
Your gastroenterologist may tell you to do these things to manage your symptoms:
• Cut back on caffeine.
• Don’t eat foods that trigger symptoms.
• Eat more fiber.
• Exercise regularly.
• Find ways to manage your stress.
• Poop when you have the urge.
Medications: Heartburn, gas, constipation, and other symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter 
antacids or by prescription from your gastroenterologist. Metoclopramide, which promotes motility, proton 
pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers are frequently prescribed.
Lifestyle Changes
Your gastroenterologist may tell you to do these things to manage your symptoms:
• Cut back on caffeine.
• Don’t eat foods that trigger symptoms.
• Eat more fiber.
• Exercise regularly.
• Find ways to manage your stress.
• Poop when you have the urge.
If you are seeking assistance for gastrology problems at Sarvhit Gastrocity Hospital in Amritsar, there are 
several things you can do to help with the process:
• Schedule an Appointment: Contact the hospital's appointment desk or use their online appointment 
system to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist. Provide them with relevant details about 
your condition and any specific concerns you may have.
2. Gather Medical Records: Collect any medical records, test results, or imaging reports related to your 
gastrology problem. These documents will provide valuable information to the gastroenterologist and aid 
in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Prepare a Medical History: Create a comprehensive medical history that 
includes details about your past and current health conditions, previous 
surgeries, allergies, and medications. This information will assist the 
gastroenterologist in understanding your overall health status and 
making appropriate treatment decisions.
• Document Symptoms: Make note of any specific symptoms you are 
experiencing related to your gastrology problem. Include details such as 
the frequency, duration, and severity of symptoms. This information will 
help the gastroenterologist in evaluating your condition accurately.
• Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have 
regarding your gastrology problem. This will ensure that you address all 
your queries during your appointment and have a better understanding 
of your condition and the proposed treatment plan.
• Follow Pre-Appointment Instructions: If the hospital provides any specific 
instructions, such as fasting before certain tests or avoiding certain 
medications, make sure to follow them diligently. This will ensure 
accurate test results and a smooth consultation process.
• Engage in Open Communication: During your appointment, be open and 
honest with the gastroenterologist. Describe your symptoms, concerns, 
and expectations clearly. Ask for explanations and clarifications regarding 
your condition and proposed treatment options.
• Adhere to the Treatment Plan: Once a treatment plan is prescribed, follow 
it diligently. Take prescribed medications as directed, make any necessary 
lifestyle modifications, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled. 
Compliance with the treatment plan is crucial for successful management 
of gastrology problems.
Remember, the medical professionals at Sarvhit Gastrocity 
Hospital are there to help you. By actively participating in your 
own care and providing accurate and detailed information, you 
can contribute to a more effective diagnosis and treatment 
process.
Contact Us- +91-95010 
SMT. PAARVATI DEVI HOSPITA0L5, 7A7 - 0B lock,Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.