Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that seeks to
prevent,
diagnose, and
treat conditions relating to the digestive tract involving organs such as gallbladder, pancreas,
liver,
oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and the liver
What are the gastroenterological conditions and symptoms?
Colorectal
cancer, also known as
colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of
cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Cancer occurs when cells within
the
body begin to grow rapidly and out of control.
The majority of colon cancers begin as small, pre-cancerous polyps. While
patients are often asymptomatic at this stage, with time, these polyps can
progress to cancer. The prognosis will depend on the size and extent of the
cancer. Early-stage colon cancer may not be symptomatic.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
- Gastrointestinal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation)
- Blood in stool
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
Diverticula are small pockets in the lining of the intestine that develop
with
age. If the diverticula become infected, the condition is called
diverticulitis.
Lack of dietary fibre increases the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pains
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bloody stools
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the frequent occurrence of acid reflux,
whereby stomach acid travels up towards the throat due to an abnormally
relaxed
ring of muscles called the lower oesophageal sphincter, which connects the
lower
end of the oesophagus to the stomach.
Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), usually after eating
- Sour taste in your mouth
GERD symptoms may be alleviated by:
- Not lying down immediately after eating
- Sleeping with your head elevated
- Avoiding common "trigger foods" that you have observed to cause
symptoms of GERD
- Eating smaller meals
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding cigarettes and alcohol
- Not wearing belts or pants that constrict the stomach
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly caused by two conditions:
ulcerative
colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and
rectum
and causes chronic inflammation and ulcers (sores) to form.
Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease can involve different areas of the
digestive tract though it often occurs at the end of the small bowel (the
ileum). Crohn’s disease can also affect the entire bowel wall, with
affected areas interspersed between healthy colon.
IBD may be associated with:
- An overactive immune system, which results in inflammation
- Bacteria or virus triggered
- Environmental factors that trigger the immune response
- Genetic factors
Symptoms include:
- Intermittent rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower
rectum.
They typically occur from straining during bowel movements. Haemorrhoids are
very common.
Symptoms may include:
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements
- Itching, pain, or discomfort around the anal region
- A lump protruding from the anus, which may be sensitive or painful
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects
the
large intestine. It is a constellation of symptoms including:
- Abdominal pain relieved with bowel movements
- Intermittent periods of diarrhoea and constipation
- Change in the stool frequency or consistency
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis and screening for gastroenterological conditions
Many gastrointestinal conditions have similar symptoms. A proper diagnosis first
involves the
gastroenterologist asking the patient about their medical and family history
followed by a
physical examination.
Your doctor may also request additional lab tests and imaging examinations such as
those
listed below:
Blood tests such as blood counts, liver
function test, and
pancreatic enzyme test can help diagnose conditions such as
bacterial or
parasitic infection, celiac disease, lactose intolerance or
cause of
diarrhoea. Blood tests may also exclude other serious diseases.
Stool analysis used in tests such as faecal
occult blood
tests used for colorectal cancer screening can help assess the
intestinal
health by analysing changes in colour, consistency, pH as well
as the
presence of mucus, blood, white blood cells, bile, fat, and
sugars.
Understanding the profile can help determine the presence of
indigestion,
constipation, diarrhoea, malabsorption, and infection.
An endoscopy allows the close examination of
the stomach or
digestive tract using an instrument that looks like a long tube
with a
camera at the end called an endoscope. Biopsies may also be
taken during an
endoscopy to be examined under a microscope to help detect
cancer cells.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure performed
to detect
polyps and other abnormal growths. A camera embedded at the end
of a
flexible tube is passed through the anus, allowing for
examination of the
large bowel and part of the small bowel.
An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to
produce dynamic
images of organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) scans
provide a cross-sectional view of the abdominal organs
which helps
the doctors visualise the internal structures of the body.
What are the treatment options for gastroenterological conditions?
The goal is to help you get back to your daily life and activities. The
selection of
treatment options such as those listed below by your medical team will
largely depend on the
individual's condition and health history.
Surgery to remove the cancer is typically the main
treatment method for
colorectal cancer. Your doctor may also choose to use
chemotherapy and radiation
therapy before and/or after surgery.
Your doctor may prescribe drugs that neutralise, reduce,
and block stomach acid
production.
If surgery is required, procedures such as those below
may be offered:
Fundoplication (the top of your stomach is wrapped around
the lower oesophageal
sphincter, to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux)
Insertion of the LINX device (a string of magnetic beads
is wrapped around the
top of the stomach, allowing the magnetism to draw the
junction close but enable
food to flow through)
Your doctor will treat the inflammation that triggers
your symptoms using drugs
to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system that
causes inflammation and
antibiotic to treat any infection. Depending on your
condition, pain relief and
anti-diarrhoea medication may also be given.
As bowel rest can reduce inflammation, nutrition through
a feeding tube or
nutrients injected into a vein may be prescribed in very
severe cases.
Surgery to remove diseased portions of the intestines may
sometimes be necessary
in severe cases.
There are four stages of haemorrhoid development. For
stage 1 and stage 2
haemorrhoids, lifestyle modification and medical
treatment may be
sufficient. Treatment includes eating high fibre
foods, using topical
treatments, soaking in warm water, and keeping the
anal area clean.
Haemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week.
For persistent bleeding or painful haemorrhoids, your
doctor could undertake
a rubber band ligation where the doctor places one
or two small bands around
the base of a haemorrhoid to cut off its
circulation. Alternatives include
an injection (sclerotherapy) or coagulation through
infrared or laser, to
reduce the size of the haemorrhoid.
If surgery is required, two options include:
- Haemorrhoidectomy, which is the
most effective and
complete way to treat severe or recurring
haemorrhoids
- Stapled haemorrhoidectomy or stapled
haemorrhoidopexy,
which blocks blood flow to haemorrhoidal tissue
and is typically used
only for internal haemorrhoids. Although less
painful, this procedure
has a greater risk of recurrence compared to a
haemorrhoidectomy
Diverticulitis is treated using diet changes,
antibiotics, and possibly surgery.
Mild diverticulitis infection may be treated with rest,
liquid diet, antibiotics,
and stool softeners.
If the infection is severe, you may be given antibiotics,
nutrition given through
the vein and surgery may sometimes be necessary.
Your doctor may suggest changes in your diet, removing
foods that cause bloating
such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, gluten and
certain carbohydrates such
as fructose, fructans, and lactose.
Depending on your symptoms, fibre supplements, laxative
and anti-diarrheal
medication may also be prescribed.
Your doctor could also suggest prescription-only drugs
to:
- Ease diarrhoea by reducing muscle contractions and
fluid secretion in the
intestine, and increasing muscle tone in the rectum
- Decrease bacterial overgrowth and diarrhoea
- Increase fluid secretion in your small intestine to
help you pass stool
If you are living with a gastrointestinal condition, our
skilled and dedicated staff can
provide the latest treatments to help you get back to your
daily activities and improve the
quality of your life.
How to keep your gut healthy?
Our gastrointestinal tract serves many essential roles in
sustaining our overall health and
wellness, beginning with our food and water. The digestive
process provides the building
blocks we need to live, to function, and to stay healthy.
Here are just a few important factors in maintaining a
healthy gastrointestinal system:
- Eat healthily
- Take time to thoroughly chew your food
- Keep active
- Manage stress
- Undergo routine recommended health screens
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
- Include an adequate amount of fibre in your diet
- Consider taking a probiotic supplement
When to see a Gastroenterologist or Gastroenterology Specialist?
Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialise in
diagnosing and treating conditions
related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are also
trained to treat diseases related
to the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Gastroenterologists work primarily in
hospital and clinic settings.
You may want to see a Gastroenterology Specialist if:
- You are experiencing abdominal pain that does not seem
to go away
- You experience digestive issues frequently, such as
diarrhoea or constipation
- You have unexplained blood in your stool
- You have difficulty swallowing
- You experience heartburn or acid reflux constantly
- You experience bloatedness
You may also want to have regular screenings with a
Gastroenterologist if you are over 50
years old for preventive care of colorectal cancer. This is
especially so if you have a
family history of this disease.
If you have any of these lifestyle risk factors, it may
contribute to an increased risk of
colorectal cancer:
- Lack of regular physical activity
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables
- A low-fibre and high-fat diet, or a diet high in
processed meats.
- Overweight and obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
If you have the following risk factors for hepatological
conditions, you should also see a
Hepatologist for screening and treatment.
- Viral hepatitis
- Liver cirrhosis (one of the critical liver diseases)
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic liver disease
Find a Gastroenterologist Near Me
If you or your loved ones have any gastrointestinal health concerns, the
multidisciplinary team of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists are available for
consultations at Pantai Hospitals to deal with any gastrointestinal diseases.
At Pantai Hospitals, we can provide the necessary diagnostic and screening services in a
modern and comfortable environment. Your test results will be reviewed by a doctor who
can explain and offer treatment options based on your condition, lifestyle, and risk
factors.
*Information on this page does not represent a complete list
of all the diagnostic procedures and treatments that Pantai Hospitals provide. The
information provided is for educational reference only and should not be seen as
medical advice.
Please consult a qualified healthcare specialist at the
Pantai Hospital nearest to you for an accurate diagnosis before starting on any
treatment.
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