Gastroenterology

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive tract and liver: acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, fatty liver and gallbladder disease. They also perform endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Adults over 45 should discuss colon-cancer screening. Difficulty swallowing, black stools, vomiting blood or unintended weight loss are red-flag symptoms that need prompt evaluation.