Endoscopy: what symptoms indicate the need?

Gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, bloating or persistent heartburn are often only temporary inconveniences, but can sometimes be a sign of more serious illness. Endoscopy is one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, allowing direct examination of internal organs, accurate diagnosis and often even immediate treatment.

From Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre experts have summarised the most important symptoms for which testing is recommended.

When is an investigation justified?

During an endoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible instrument (endoscope) to look through the food pipe. There are two main types, depending on the location of the symptoms:

1. Upper GI complaints (Gastroscopy)

An examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum is recommended for:

Difficulty swallowing or pain: If you feel food is stuck or it hurts to swallow.
Persistent heartburn: Suspected reflux disease (GERD), especially if medication is not working.
Stomach pain: Sharp or dull pain in the upper abdomen (suspected ulcer or inflammation).
Anaemia or unclear weight loss: It may be a sign of hidden upper GI bleeding.
Recurrent nausea/vomiting: Especially if blood appears in the vomit.

2. Lower digestive tract complaints (colonoscopy)

An overview of the rectum and colon is key to cancer prevention:

Change in bowel movements: Persistent diarrhoea, constipation or alternations of these.
Visible blood in the stool: Be it bright red or black (pitch stool).
Positive faecal blood test: Even if the bleeding is not visible to the eye.
Abdominal cramps and bloating: If the complaints persist.
Colorectal cancer screening: It is also recommended every 10 years for people over 45-50 years of age in a complaint-free state.

What can the procedure diagnose?

A huge advantage of endoscopy is that it is also possible to take a histological sample (biopsy) during the examination.

Gastroscopy: Reflux, stomach ulcers, inflammation, coeliac disease (celiac disease) and tumours.
Colonoscopy: Polyps (which can be removed immediately during the examination), inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis) and colon cancer.

Pain-free testing in 2026

Many people are afraid of the procedure, but with Endomedix, patient comfort is paramount:

Anaesthesia and stunning: You can have a completely painless examination under anaesthesia, so you won't remember anything about the procedure.
Speed: A gastroscopy takes just 5-10 minutes, a colonoscopy 20-30 minutes.
Security: Our modern equipment and experienced specialists guarantee maximum safety.