In daily life, many people may be familiar with symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, or fullness, often thinking these are minor issues caused by unhealthy eating habits. However, in reality, these symptoms may be important warning signs of gastrointestinal diseases that should not be overlooked, as leaving them undiagnosed can lead to serious illnesses.
Gastrointestinal symptoms to watch out for
The gastrointestinal system is a hardworking organ system every day, from the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, to the large intestine. If abnormalities occur, they often manifest through symptoms that many people tend to ignore, such as:
- Repeated or chronic abdominal pain
- Frequent bloating, fullness, or indigestion
- Nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux symptoms
- Chronic diarrhea or alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Stool with blood or abnormal mucus
- Unexplained weight loss
If you regularly experience these symptoms, you should see a specialist to find the cause, as they may be related to gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcers, acid reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, hepatitis, or even colorectal cancer.
What is gastrointestinal endoscopy?
Endoscopy (Endoscopy/Colonoscopy) is a diagnostic method where doctors use a small, high-resolution camera inserted into the gastrointestinal tract to detect internal abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors, cavities, or masses that cannot be detected by regular X-rays or ultrasound.
Benefits of endoscopy
- More accurate diagnosis than general examinations
- Detect diseases at an early stage, especially stomach cancer and colorectal cancer
- Can perform biopsy immediately for pathological examination
- Initial treatment possible, such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, or removing small tumors without major surgery
- Safe, quick procedure, and most patients can return to daily life within 1 day
Who should undergo endoscopy?
Even without clear symptoms, these groups should undergo endoscopy for disease screening
- Those who frequently experience abdominal pain, fullness, or indigestion
- Those with blood in stool or chronic diarrhea/constipation
- Those with a family history of stomach or colorectal cancer
- Those with underlying diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Those aged 45 years and older should regularly screen for colorectal cancer
Endoscopy today to prevent serious diseases in the future
Many serious diseases, such as stomach cancer and colorectal cancer, often do not show clear symptoms in the early stages. Endoscopy is the best prevention because it can detect diseases early, increasing the chances of cure and reducing the risk of death.
Early detection, early treatment, definitely safer
Symptoms like abdominal pain, fullness, indigestion, or abnormal stool should not be ignored as they may be signs of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Endoscopy helps detect diseases early and allows timely treatment.
If you or someone close to you has these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult and get examined at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Center, Phyathai Hospital 1 to maintain long-term health.
For more information, contact Phyathai Hospital 1
Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Center, Building 1, 3rd Floor
Tel. 02-201-4600 ext. 2176
