A gastroscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of a person’s digestive tract using a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached. It can help diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
While anyone may need to undergo gastroscopy for various reasons, there are certain individuals who are more likely to require this procedure. In this section, we will discuss who should go for gastroscopy and why it is necessary.
Reasons for Gastroscopy
a) Unexplained abdominal symptoms:
If a person experiences unexplained abdominal pain, persistent heartburn or indigestion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or bloating without any apparent cause, their doctor may recommend a gastroscopy to look for any underlying conditions.
b) Gastrointestinal bleeding
If a person experiences unexplained episodes of bleeding from the rectum, blood in their vomit or black stools, it could be due to bleeding in the digestive tract. A gastroscopy can help identify the source and cause of the bleeding.
c) Suspicion of digestive conditions
Gastroscopy may be recommended if a person is suspected of having a digestive condition, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions can be diagnosed and treated during the procedure.
d) Screening for cancer
Gastroscopy is also used as a screening tool for pre-cancer or cancer lesions in the stomach, particularly in individuals at high risk due to family history or other factors.
e) Follow-up for previous condition
If a person has previously been diagnosed with a digestive condition and has undergone treatment, their doctor may recommend regular gastroscopy to monitor their progress and check for any new developments.
Who Should Consider Gastroscopy?
1) Individuals over 40 years of age
As people get older, they become more prone to digestive problems, such as ulcers and colon cancer.
Therefore, individuals above 40 are often advised to undergo gastroscopy as a measure to detect stomach conditions early.
2) Family history of digestive conditions
If there is a family history of certain digestive conditions or cancers, it increases an individual’s risk of developing the same conditions.
In such cases, doctors may recommend gastroscopy as a screening tool to detect potential issues early on.
3) History of smoking or heavy alcohol use
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing certain conditions, such as oesophagitis, peptic ulcers and gastritis.
Therefore, individuals with a history of these habits may need to undergo gastroscopy to check for potential damage.
Takeaway
Gastroscopy is a safe and effective procedure that can help diagnose and treat various digestive conditions.
While anyone may require this procedure, it is particularly recommended for individuals with certain risk factors or symptoms. It is essential to discuss with your gastro doctor the need for gastroscopy, and understand the benefits and potential risks before undergoing the procedure.