A patient’s story
Sarah came to clinic feeling frustrated. She had been living with bloating, reflux, and intermittent abdominal pain for years. Tests were normal, reassurance was repeated, yet her symptoms persisted. What she needed was not just another test, but a specialist evaluation that connected symptoms, physiology, and real-world impact.
This is the role of modern gastroenterology.
What is gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focused on the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting digestion, absorption, gut–brain interaction, inflammation, motility, and liver health. Care ranges from functional gut disorders to complex inflammatory and structural disease, using both advanced diagnostics and personalised management.
What conditions do we assess and treat?
At LSDC Healthcare, we see patients with a wide spectrum of digestive concerns, including:
Acid reflux, heartburn, and regurgitation
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
Abdominal pain and bloating
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Constipation or chronic diarrhoea
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Unexplained nausea or early fullness
Iron deficiency anaemia
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis)
Fatty liver disease and abnormal liver tests
Gallbladder and pancreatic conditions
Unexplained weight loss or change in bowel habit
We also assess persistent symptoms with normal tests, where gut sensitivity, motility, or gut–brain signalling may be driving symptoms.
How we investigate digestive symptoms
Accurate diagnosis begins with careful clinical assessment, not just testing. When appropriate, we may recommend:
Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)
Colonoscopy
Abdominal ultrasound
pH monitoring and impedance studies
Oesophageal manometry
Breath testing (including SIBO)
Blood, stool, and functional investigations
Each test is chosen only when it adds value, and results are interpreted in clinical context.
A personalised, evidence-based approach
Digestive symptoms are rarely one-size-fits-all. Management may include:
Targeted medical treatment
Dietary and lifestyle guidance
Gut–brain interventions where appropriate
Endoscopic or minimally invasive therapies
Surveillance and prevention strategies
Our aim is not just symptom control, but understanding why symptoms occur and addressing them safely and effectively.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
You should seek specialist input if you experience:
Persistent or worsening digestive symptoms
Symptoms affecting quality of life
Red-flag features such as bleeding, anaemia, weight loss, or night symptoms
Ongoing symptoms despite treatment
A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Early assessment often prevents unnecessary testing and delayed diagnosis.
Book a gastroenterology consultation
If you are living with ongoing digestive symptoms or concerns about your gut or liver health, a specialist assessment can provide clarity and reassurance.
Book a consultation at LSDC Healthcare to receive expert, individualised gastroenterology care.