Gastroscopy is a medical procedure that involves the use of a flexible tube with a camera and light at the end to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
This procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat various conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and cancer. In this article, we will explore some of the common conditions that gastroscopy can diagnose.
GERD
GERD is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose GERD by examining the lining of the esophagus for signs of inflammation or damage.
During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy, or small tissue sample, to check for changes in the cells that may indicate a more serious condition, such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
Ulcers
Ulcers are open sores that can develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose ulcers by examining the lining of the stomach and small intestine for signs of inflammation or damage.
During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause ulcers.
Cancer
Gastroscopy can also be used to diagnose various types of cancer, including esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and small intestine cancer. During the procedure, your doctor may take a biopsy to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Gastroscopy can also be used to monitor the progression of cancer and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Bleeding
Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose the cause of bleeding in the digestive tract. Bleeding can be caused by various conditions, such as ulcers, inflammation, or cancer. During the procedure, your doctor may use special tools to stop the bleeding or take a biopsy to check for the presence of cancer or other conditions.
Inflammation
Inflammation in the digestive tract can be caused by various conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose inflammation by examining the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine for signs of inflammation or damage.
During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of inflammatory cells.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition in which the body has an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose celiac disease by examining the lining of the small intestine for signs of damage caused by the immune reaction.
During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of inflammatory cells or damage to the lining of the small intestine.
Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose gastritis by examining the lining of the stomach for signs of inflammation or damage. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause gastritis.
Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the cells in the lining of the esophagus change and become abnormal, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus by examining the lining of the esophagus for signs of abnormal cells. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of abnormal cells.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose gastrointestinal obstruction, a condition in which the digestive tract is partially or completely blocked. During the procedure, your doctor may use special tools to remove the obstruction or take a biopsy to check for the presence of cancer or other conditions.
Additional Conditions that Gastroscopy Can Diagnose
- Hiatal Hernia. A hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose a hiatal hernia by examining the esophagus and stomach for signs of protrusion. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of inflammation or other conditions.
- Esophageal Stricture. Esophageal stricture is a condition in which the esophagus narrows, making it difficult to swallow. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose esophageal stricture by examining the lining of the esophagus for signs of narrowing. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of inflammation or other conditions.
- Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose gastroparesis by examining the lining of the stomach for signs of delayed emptying. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of inflammation or other conditions.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a condition in which the esophagus becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction. Gastroscopy can be used to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis by examining the lining of the esophagus for signs of inflammation and the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions. During the procedure, your doctor may also take a biopsy to check for the presence of eosinophils.
Conclusion
Gastroscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the digestive system. By examining the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine, gastroscopy can diagnose conditions such as GERD, ulcers, cancer, bleeding, inflammation, celiac disease, gastritis, Barrett’s esophagus, and gastrointestinal obstruction.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent heartburn, talk to your doctor about whether gastroscopy may be appropriate for you. With proper preparation and care, gastroscopy can help provide a clear diagnosis and effective treatment for a wide range of digestive conditions.
