Our digestive system plays a vital role in digestion, enabling our body to function efficiently. However, it is also an organ that is more prone to various diseases like gastritis, ulcers, polyps, and even gastric cancer. This guide explores seven common stomach diseases you shouldn’t ignore, and how a gastroscopy test or colonoscopy procedure helps diagnose stomach diseases.
1-Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of your stomach. This inflammation may be caused due to various reasons, like stomach infection, use of certain pain killers, stress, poor eating habits, or excessive use of alcohol. Gasritis happens when your immune system detects a threat to your stomach lining and triggers inflammation in the stomach tissues to help fight infections and promote recovery.
Gasritis doesn’t have noticeable symptoms. Here are a few symptoms you might feel, and you should consult your doctor for a gastroscopy test:
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
If gastritis isn’t treated, it may progress to chronic gastritis, which will eventually lead to ulcers or stomach cancer. If you feel any of the symptoms, consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy test to examine your stomach and confirm the diagnosis.
2-Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic Ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. It is a very common condition and one of the main reasons doctors frequently perform gastroscopy tests in Lahore.
Common symptoms for Peptic Ulcers include:
- Burning stomach pain
- Nausea or
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Black or bloody stools
If you’re experiencing persistent abdominal pain, your doctor may recommend a gastroscopy test to locate and assess any ulcers or other underlying stomach conditions.
3-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a reflux disease that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation or heartburn. Over time, this can irritate and damage the delicate lining of the esophagus.
Common symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) to look out for are:
- Frequent heartburn
- Chest discomfort
- Chest Burning
- Regurgitation of acid or food
- Chronic cough
- Sore throat
Through an upper GI gastroscopy procedure, your doctor can closely examine the esophagus to determine the severity of acid reflux, detect inflammation, and identify potential complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.
4-Stomach Polyps & Tumors
Stomach polyps and tumors are growths on the stomach lining. Mostly, these growths are benign, but some can become cancerous.
Common symptoms for Stomach polyps and tumors are:
- Persistent stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood or
- Black stools
- Fatigue due to anemia
A gastroscopy procedure is an effective way to remove these growths before they turn cancerous.
5-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a term used to describe two chronic conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. These are serious conditions that require immediate and long-term management.
Common symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
A colonoscopy procedure plays an important role in diagnosing IBD, as it allows doctors to clearly view the colon and take samples from any inflamed areas. In some cases, a gastroscopy test may also be performed to examine the upper part of the digestive tract.
6-Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which consuming gluten causes an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine. If not properly treated, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, and other long-term health complications.
Common symptoms of Celiac Disease:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
A gastroscopy test can help doctors confirm celiac disease by obtaining tissue samples from the small intestine for microscopic examination.
7-Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in your stomach. Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Unfortunately, the early stages of Gastric Cancer often produce few or no symptoms at all, making it difficult to diagnose and initiate treatments.
A few common signs of Gastric Cancer are:
- Persistent nausea
- Stomach pain
- Discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in vomit
- Blood in stool
- Sudden weight loss
A gastroscopy test with biopsy is the most reliable method for detecting gastric cancer in patients. It allows doctors to closely examine the stomach lining, identify any abnormal or suspicious growths, and initiate timely treatment for better outcomes.
Conclusion
Your stomach health is vital to your overall well-being. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications to your health. Conditions like gastritis, ulcers, reflux, and gastric cancer can be accurately detected through procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
To ensure accurate results, follow your fasting instructions, inform your doctor about any medications, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the test. Many patients in Lahore trust Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana, a leading gastroenterologist known for his skill, precision, and patient-focused care. His clinic offers safe and reliable endoscopy services, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience.
