Nagging stomach pain and digestive system complications like heartburn or bloating can be awkwardly frustrating. It may not be easy to pinpoint the real cause of the problem if you have no prior experience diagnosing stomach complications.
Your best bet, therefore, would be to see a certified gastroenterologist. Singapore is certainly one of the places you’ll consider for stomach related complications’ treatment.
The doctor will, therefore, help you try to figure out the problems. In today’s guide, we walk you through two ways a gastroenterologist in Singapore can check your stomach to diagnose the digestive conditions troubling you.
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Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that your doctor may do to help examine your colon’s inside lining for polyps that may be a risk factor for cancer. Your gastroenterologist may also recommend colonoscopy for evaluating complicated symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
The gastro specialist will guide a special, thin, lighted camera into your colon to examine the lower intestines during this procedure. Colonoscopy can help you prevent colorectal cancer and mainly recommended for adults who are 50 years plus. However, the age your doctor may recommend it to start may vary.
What to Expect during Colonoscopy
- The doctor will give you a sedative medication to keep you calm and relaxed.
- The doctor will gently inflate your stomach after inserting the camera.
- They may also take a few tissue samples or biopsy for further tests.
- To prepare for a colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend that you stick to a fully liquid diet for around 72 hours before the scheduled time for the procedure. The doctor may also recommend an enema or laxative to flush out your intestine.
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Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy is another medical procedure that your GP may recommend to check your stomach, esophagus, and the upper region of your small intestines for any abnormalities. Your doctor will guide a thin, flexible camera through your mouth into your stomach and straight to the duodenum for this procedure.
Your doctor will most commonly recommend gastroscopy if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as sudden weight loss, abdominal pains, bloating, vomiting, anemia, or heartburn. It can also check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions and growth in the digestive system.
What to Expect during Gastroscopy
- The doctor will use a mild sedative to keep you calm during the procedure. They may also spray local anesthesia around your throat before guiding the thin camera down your throat to the stomach and duodenum.
- They may take a few samples for further tests.
- The procedure typically lasts for 15 minutes.
- You’ll experience a bit of bloating, but this will resolve away soon. You may also experience a sore throat or gag when swallowing the endoscope.
- The only preparation required for gastroscopy is emptying your stomach for the procedure. Your doctor may advise that you stop some medications before the procedure and, most importantly, avoid eating any foods around 8 hours before the procedure. You’ll also need to avoid any drinks for about three hours to the procedure.
What are the 5 Diseases of Digestive System a Gastroenterologist can help you treat?
Digestive distress is a common thing that affects everyone at some point in life. From GI illnesses that may require treatments and lifestyle changes to allergies, digestive complications are common, and they vary. Here is a roundup of 5 of the most common diseases of the digestive system your gastroenterologist in Singapore can help you treat.
- Chronic diarrhea. Persistent loose stool that happens for more than three times a day isn’t something to be overlooked. It can be a red flag for serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. A gastroenterologist will help you evaluate the condition and recommend the best treatment options for you.
- Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can result from bacterial or viral infections. It may also be caused by parasites. A gastroenterologist in Singapore can help you examine your digestive system’s contents and give the right recommendations for the best medication for you.
- Ulcers. If you’re struggling with peptic ulcer, your gastro specialist in Singapore can run a few tests to determine if it’s due to infection, for example, H. pylori, and then recommend appropriate antibiotics for the treatment.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). A gastroenterologist may also run diagnostic tests to evaluate if GERD has caused damage to your esophagus. They can then recommend simple lifestyle changes, OTC medication, or surgeries to treat the condition.
- Hemorrhoids. If you’ve tried home remedies and OTC medications to treat hemorrhoids, but the condition persists, you could be dealing with an overly complicated condition. Therefore, it would be better to contact a qualified gastroenterologist for testing and expert treatment advice.
Wrapping Up
Diseases of the GI system can not only be hard to pinpoint but also frustrating to treat. If you’ve tried multiple remedies with no improvement, it is prudent that you seek expert medical advice from a gastroenterologist. Singapore has some of the most reputable experts in gastroenterology. Give us a call today to schedule a quick consultation.