Richard P. Charlesworth is a gastroenterologist based in Armidale, NSW, Australia. He looks after people with gut symptoms and digestive problems that can be hard to live with. If you’ve been dealing with bloating, loose stools, weight loss, or ongoing tummy discomfort, a clear plan can make a big difference.
In his practice, Richard focuses on conditions linked to the small bowel and how well the body absorbs food. This includes celiac disease, where the gut reacts to gluten. It can affect energy levels, gut habits, and day to day comfort, even when symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. Getting the right tests and guidance matters, and ongoing support is often part of the journey.
He also works with people experiencing malabsorption. In simple terms, that means the body has trouble taking in key nutrients. Over time, this can show up as ongoing diarrhoea, nutritional gaps, or feeling worn out. Richard helps people understand what’s going on, what results may mean, and what steps can help them feel more steady.
Another area he commonly deals with is small bowel bacterial overgrowth. With SIBO, the balance of bacteria in the small intestine can be off, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, cramps, and changes to bowel motions. At times, symptoms can flare up and settle again, so it helps to take a practical, step by step approach to diagnosis and management.
Richard’s role is to bring care that’s focused on the gut, but also on the person behind the symptoms. Many patients come in after trying to manage things on their own, and they’re looking for answers that make sense. He keeps things calm and clear, and aims to explain the next steps in plain language, rather than using lots of complicated wording.
As with many digestive conditions, there isn’t always one quick fix. Treatments may involve diet changes, medicine, and follow-up, depending on the cause. Over time, having the right plan can help reduce flare-ups and support better day to day wellbeing. Richard works with patients in Armidale and the surrounding NSW area, helping them move from confusion to a clearer direction.