From gastritis to anemia: what will help identify endoscopy of the stomach

The most accurate and informative method for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is endoscopy. This procedure not only allows you to diagnose a number of diseases in the early stages, but in some cases even save lives! Some people are afraid of this procedure and are horrified when the doctor prescribes endoscopy of the stomach and intestines (or gastroduodenopia – endoscopy, which is essentially the same thing). Although this procedure can not be called pleasant, it lasts only a few minutes, but then the doctor has a complete understanding of your problem and will be able to prescribe the most effective treatment.
When it is necessary to pass EGD
Complaints of heartburn, bloating, pain in the stomach, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, upset stools (constipation and diarrhea), weight loss for no apparent reason, etc. – these complaints are a cause for research of the esophagus, stomach, Duodenum, intestine. The slightest pathology that cannot be detected by X-ray of internal organs (which is also harmful) or visual examination helps to find the endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract.
What does the doctor do? Initially, it will give clear instructions to the patient how to behave, then the patient’s throat is anesthetized with a special spray. However, a professional endoscopist-gastroenterologist will carry out the procedure without anesthesia, without damaging the throat and relieving the patient of unpleasant sensations and reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, which causes anesthetic spray. The endoscope is inserted into the mouth of a person lying on its side, into which a plastic clip is pre-inserted and fixed with his lips, and while the patient is lying, the doctor sees on the monitor screen every smallest part of the mucous membrane and everything, even the most meager deviations. This kind of accuracy and information content does not give any other kind of diagnosis.
What diseases will help identify endoscopy
Only 3-5 minutes, and the examination is completed, and the specialist not only saw the whole “picture” of the gastrointestinal tract, but also spent collecting a piece of tissue (biopsy) to detect tumors, analyzing the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection (this germ causes ulcer disease) gastric juice. EGD is used to diagnose:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease,
Gastritis, peptic ulcer,
portal hypertension,
precancerous lesions, cancer of the esophagus, stomach, polyps,
Celiac disease (gluten intolerance),
Anemia and other conditions.
What is important for the patient to know before endoscopy of the stomach and intestines
Before endoscopy of the stomach and duodenum 12, the small intestine (the study of the large intestine is called a colonoscopy and is performed through the anus), it is important to prepare. The study is conducted on an empty stomach, so you will need not to eat for dinner. Also, the doctor will first talk about other nuances – a few days before the end of the endoscopy, it is important not to eat heavy, fatty and fried foods, not to take alcohol. Be sure to tell your doctor about whether you are taking medications and if so, which ones.