Gastroscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose and treat conditions.
You may be recommended a visit to a gastroscopy clinic in Singapore to evaluate the reasons for specific digestive symptoms you may be having.
During the procedure, you will receive sedation to minimize discomfort.
The medical professionals you can expect to interact with in a good gastroscopy clinic in Singapore include gastroenterologists who are specialists in digestive health, and endoscopy nurses who assist in the procedure.
We created this article to help you understand the specific diseases that you can be looked at for in a gastroscopy clinic.
This article also explains how long you can expect the procedure to take among other basics. But first;
On your own, it may not be easy to tell if it is time to visit a gastroscopy clinic in Singapore.
However, there are symptoms that may indicate the need for a gastroscopy.
Key among these symptoms include:
Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn: Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications or keeps recurring could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires investigation.
Thanks to the specialized diagnostic tools and expertise to identify underlying issues like GERD or ulcers that these clinics offer, you can count on them to guide effective treatment for lasting relief.
Black, Sticky Stools: Black, tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
This could be due to ulcers, inflammation, or other serious conditions that need to be evaluated.
Through a gastroscopy, your doctor can help you tell for sure what is causing the symptoms.
Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty or pain while swallowing is medically known as dysphagia.
It can be caused by a wide range of conditions like esophageal strictures, tumors, or inflammation. A gastroscopy can help identify the cause.
Persistent Stomach Pain: Chronic or severe stomach pain, indigestion, or heartburn that does not improve with medication or keeps recurring should be evaluated.
These symptoms could be indicative of gastritis, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of several gastrointestinal conditions.
For example, it could be due to some cancers. That said; please seek medical advice if you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss along with other symptoms.
Gastroscopy is a frequently done procedure for diagnosing gastrointestinal issues and determining the most appropriate treatments.
If the specialists at your gastroscopy clinic in Singapore observe any abnormalities during the procedure, they may suggest biopsies to further assess tissues.
Real quick, here are some diseases that a gastroscopy can detect;
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can result from various causes such as bacterial infection, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen.
Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists.
In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if the gastritis is caused by an H. pylori infection. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding irritants like alcohol and NSAIDs, can also help manage gastritis.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
This can result in symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Hiatal hernias are often asymptomatic and do not require treatment. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, lifestyle changes, medication to reduce stomach acid, or surgery may be recommended.
GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
Over time, this can lead to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or even esophageal cancer.
Treatment options for GERD include lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, dietary modifications), medications (e.g., PPIs, H2 blockers), and in severe cases, surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter or remove damaged tissue.
Gastroscopy can also help diagnose gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach cancer and esophageal cancer.
Early detection through gastroscopy can significantly improve the prognosis for these cancers.
Treatment options for gastrointestinal cancers depend on the type and stage of cancer. However, they may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. The infection can lead to gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is also a major risk factor for stomach cancer.
Gastroscopy can detect the presence of H. pylori through biopsy samples taken during the procedure.
Treatment for H. pylori infection usually involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to eradicate the bacteria and reduce stomach acid levels.
Gastric polyps are growths that develop on the lining of the stomach. Now, most gastric polyps are benign.
However, some may be precancerous or cancerous. Gastroscopy can help visualize and biopsy gastric polyps to determine their nature.
A perforated ulcer is a serious complication of peptic ulcers where a hole develops in the stomach or duodenal lining.
This hole can allow for stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity and cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.
Treatment for a perforated ulcer typically involves emergency surgery to repair the hole and remove any infected tissue. Antibiotics can also be administered to treat the infection.
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestines.
It is often caused by long-term exposure to stomach acid due to GERD.
Barrett’s esophagus is considered a precancerous condition, as it increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Treatment options include medication to reduce acid reflux, endoscopic procedures to remove abnormal tissue, or surgery in severe cases.
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
They are usually caused by H. pylori infection or the long-term use of NSAIDs.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. For treatment, you may be prescribed medications to reduce stomach acid (PPIs, H2 blockers) and antibiotics to rid you of H. pylori.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding NSAIDs and alcohol, can also help prevent peptic ulcers from recurring.
Gastroscopy can help in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.
Please, consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate management if you experience symptoms that are concerning like abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent heartburn.
Also, be sure to visit a gastroscopy clinic if you’re recommended by your GP or if you’re referred to a gastroscopy clinic.
If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with a gastroscopy clinic in Singapore, we recommend a visit to;
Gastrohealth Center for Digestive and Liver Care
6A Napier Road,
Annexe Block #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
820 Thomson Road,
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
+65 6355 5773
https://gastrohealth.com.sg/
