When you eat, respond to stress, or fight off a nasty infection or bug, you have your digestive system to thank for keeping things in check. You may not give it much thought, but your digestive health plays into your overall wellbeing and determines how efficiently your body works.
Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and liquid into carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals so your body can absorb these nutrients, use them for energy, and build or repair cells. When everything is functioning properly, digestion happens seamlessly—without discomfort, bloating, or upset stomach.
But what if all is not right and you have ongoing symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea? That’s when you may be referred to a bowel specialist, a physician trained to address what’s going on inside your digestive tract.
Who Is a Bowel Specialist?
A bowel specialist, also known as a GI doctor, digestive health doctor, or gastroenterologist, is highly trained to care for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs involved in the digestive process. They can diagnose and manage diseases that affect the esophagus, stomach, upper and lower intestines, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, and rectum.
You might be referred to a bowel specialist if you have symptoms related to your digestive system that your primary care physician hasn’t been able to diagnose or treat effectively. Or perhaps you already know that you have a serious gastrointestinal condition and want expert care and management.
“There are many benefits to seeing a bowel specialist with extra training in conditions that affect your digestive health,” explains Sheikh A. Saleem, M.D., gastroenterologist at Texas Health Digestive Specialists, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice in Allen. “These physicians focus on the organs you use when swallowing, digesting, absorbing, and emptying the food and drinks you consume. As a result, they are able to make accurate diagnoses, identify problems sooner, and provide thorough treatments to help improve your quality of life.”
Because the digestive health system is a complicated network of organs and bodily functions, Dr. Saleem emphasizes that there are often no quick fixes for digestive issues.
“It takes a real partnership between a patient and doctor to get to the root of some of these complex problems,” he adds.
Conditions That Require a Bowel Specialist
While there is an expansive range of digestive disorders that may lead you to a bowel specialist, some common issues include gallstones, recurring constipation, or unexplained abdominal pain. Chronic digestive disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), often require ongoing care and monitoring.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a group of symptoms that usually come and go. Flare‑ups may include bloating, cramping, gas, and abrupt changes to bathroom habits that can be inconvenient and painful.
If you experience hard stools and fewer than three bowel movements per week, you may have IBS with constipation (IBS‑C). If you primarily have loose stools, you may have IBS with diarrhea (IBS‑D). Some patients experience both hard, lumpy stools and loose, watery stools—this is IBS with mixed habits (IBS‑M). In some cases, constipation and diarrhea can occur on the same day.
“The severity of symptoms can vary, which is why getting individualized treatment for IBS with the right specialist is so important,” Dr. Saleem says.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the digestive tract. This autoimmune disorder affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly.
“While it has no known cure, effective treatment and management of ulcerative colitis by a bowel specialist can greatly reduce and relieve symptoms of the disease and may bring about long‑term remission to keep the disease from becoming serious,” Dr. Saleem explains.
Other conditions that gastroenterologists manage include Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, GERD (acid reflux), liver disease, and pancreatic disorders. Each requires specialized knowledge and often long‑term monitoring.
When to See a Bowel Specialist
It’s time to see a bowel specialist if you notice a lasting change in your bowel habits or if you have symptoms such as:
- Belly pain or cramps
- Blood in your stool
- Ongoing diarrhea that doesn’t respond to non‑prescription medicines
- An unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two
- Unintentional weight loss or persistent fatigue
Even mild symptoms can signal underlying issues. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures timely treatment.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you first meet with a bowel specialist, the doctor will likely begin with a physical exam, feeling and listening to your abdominal area. They may order blood tests, stool tests, or noninvasive imaging such as a GI X‑ray to capture pictures of your organs.
If more information is needed, they may perform an endoscopic procedure. Endoscopy involves using a tiny camera, often passed through a natural body opening such as the mouth, to view the digestive tract directly.
Endoscopy is not only diagnostic but also therapeutic. A bowel specialist can take tissue samples for biopsy, relieve blockages, open narrowed channels, stop bleeding, and even remove tumors—all through the endoscope. This makes endoscopy an intermediate step before surgery, offering less invasive options for treatment.
“When you seek medical care for a digestive disorder, you’ll want to give your doctor as much context about your symptoms as you can,” Dr. Saleem notes. “This may include the timing and frequency of your symptoms and what you experience with those symptoms. This will help guide them in providing the best testing, diagnosis, and treatment for you.”
The Role of Lifestyle in Digestive Health
While medical expertise is critical, lifestyle choices also play a major role in digestive wellness. A diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports regular bowel function and nourishes the microbiome. Hydration is equally important, as water aids digestion and prevents constipation.
Regular exercise promotes healthy digestion, while stress management reduces the risk of acid reflux and functional bowel disorders. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake further protect the gastrointestinal tract.
“Every patient’s digestive health journey is unique. My role is to listen carefully, provide clear guidance, and tailor treatment plans that fit both medical needs and lifestyle,” Dr. Saleem emphasizes.
Preventive Care and Screenings
Preventive care is another cornerstone of gastroenterology. Colonoscopy, for example, allows physicians to detect and remove precancerous polyps, dramatically reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Screening is recommended beginning at age 45 for most adults, or earlier for those with family history or risk factors.
Endoscopy and imaging tests also help identify conditions before they become severe. By catching problems early, bowel specialists can intervene with less invasive treatments and improve long‑term outcomes.
From diagnosing complex conditions to performing advanced procedures, bowel specialists play a vital role in maintaining digestive health. They combine medical expertise with patient‑centered care, helping individuals manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
If you experience persistent digestive issues, don’t ignore them. Seek evaluation from a gastroenterologist who can provide the specialized care you need.
Find a bowel specialist/gastroenterologist near you at TexasHealth.org or take our colorectal cancer assessment today to learn more about your digestive health and whether it’s time to talk to a specialist.