They diagnose and treat disease that occur in the digestive system. They also perform procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy and intestinal ultrasounds to diagnose and monitor disease.
Symptoms that may indicate that a consultation with a gastroenterologist is indicated are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea or indigestion.
Symptoms that require urgent attention are rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss or a positive test through the National Bowel Cancer screening program.