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Quick answer: The most common symptoms of gastric disorders include abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, nausea, unexplained weight loss and bloody stools. As these symptoms may also indicate more serious digestive diseases, if they persist, a gastroenterological examination, such as endoscopy, should be performed as soon as possible to identify the cause.
Digestive diseases affect a large number of people in our country, significantly reducing the quality of life of those affected. Chronic complaints are particularly common among women in their fifties, causing daily discomfort. Many patients put off going to the doctor for a long time because they are afraid of unfamiliar procedures and painful interventions.
However, modern medicine now offers very gentle and safe diagnostic solutions. When our body sends us different signals, it is essential that we take them seriously. A thorough examination carried out in a timely manner can not only bring reassurance, but can also be life-saving.
In this comprehensive guide, we take a detailed look at the most common digestive complaints. We look at the possible underlying diseases and show you how to get a professional, painless check-up in a professional facility.
Gastrointestinal disorders can take many different forms. Some signs indicate a mild transient disorder, while others warrant immediate medical intervention.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms that patients consult a specialist for. The intensity, location and duration of this complaint can vary widely. Epigastric pain, or pain in the middle part of the abdomen, is often a sign of a gastric or duodenal ulcer. In contrast, spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen is more likely to indicate problems affecting the colon, such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to observe whether the pain is related to eating or defecation.
Many people experience an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the sternum, often radiating down to the back of the throat. This symptom is a classic accompaniment of reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus. If left untreated, the persistent acidity can lead to severe damage to the mucous membrane and even to the development of cancer-predisposing conditions in the long term. It is therefore worth taking seriously if antacids no longer provide lasting relief.
Almost all of us have experienced abdominal distension after meals. Bloating is considered abnormal if it is persistent and causes significant discomfort or pain. It may be caused by food intolerances, small intestinal contaminated bowel syndrome (SIBO) or an imbalance in the gut flora. Accurate laboratory and expiratory tests can help identify the root of the problem.
There are warning signs, which medical jargon calls „alarm” symptoms. These include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), painful swallowing (odynophagia), unexplained and drastic weight loss, and palpable abdominal distension. They also include gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting of blood (haematemesis), black pituitary stools (melaena), or the appearance of fresh red blood in the stool (haematochezia). In such cases, immediate investigation should not be delayed.
Behind these symptoms there can be a number of well-defined anatomical or functional changes. The most common pathologies are detailed below.
One bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, plays a crucial role in the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Statistics show that this bacterium is found in about 90 percent of duodenal ulcer patients and in 70-90 percent of gastric ulcer patients. Another common cause is the overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ulcers cause a sharp, dull ache and, if left untreated, can lead to severe bleeding or perforation of the stomach wall.
IBS, a functional digestive disorder, affects 11-20% of the population worldwide. It is characterised by recurring abdominal pain combined with changes in bowel movements. Some patients suffer from chronic diarrhoea (IBS-D), others from constipation (IBS-C) or a combination of the two (IBS-M). Although IBS does not cause organ damage or cancer, it can have a significant impact on daily quality of life.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, autoimmune inflammations of the intestinal tract. Their typical symptoms include bloody, pus-like diarrhoea, crampy abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. They require constant medical supervision and special medication to avoid serious complications such as intestinal obstruction or tumours.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the consumption of gluten causes the destruction of the small intestine's fluff. This can lead to severe malabsorption, chronic diarrhoea and iron deficiency anaemia. Similar, although less severe, symptoms can be caused by various food intolerances, such as lactose or fructose intolerance.
Colon cancer and stomach cancer are among the most dangerous digestive diseases. In their initial stages, they are often completely asymptomatic or cause only mild, generalised symptoms. This is why regular screening is of paramount importance for people over 45-50 years of age, as early detection of tumours or removal of precancerous polyps can save lives.
Modern tools and medical expertise are essential for the accurate diagnosis of digestive complaints. The Endomedix gastroenterology facilities offer all the conditions for a precise and patient-friendly examination.
Endoscopy is the most reliable method of gastroenterological examination. These examinations allow direct, high-resolution visual inspection of the mucosa, as well as immediate sampling (biopsy). Histological examination can accurately determine whether an inflammatory process, cancer cells or Helicobacter pylori infection is present.
If your doctor prescribes an examination of the upper digestive tract, opt for an intervention by experts. Click here to learn more about GASTROSCOPY UNDER ANAESTHESIA about the process.
When the lower intestinal tract needs to be examined, state-of-the-art procedures are available to screen for polyps. Click on this link for more information on COLONOSCOPY UNDER ANAESTHESIA about our service.
Often, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire feeding tube is warranted, in which case interventions can be performed in one session. Learn about the GASTRIC AND COLONOSCOPY UNDER ANAESTHESIA the benefits of the link.
Many patients' fears stem from the discomfort associated with endoscopic examinations. It is important to stress that, for professional reasons, at Endomedix we only perform anaesthesia, not sedation. This choice ensures that the patient is sound asleep during the examination, feels no pain and has no memory of the procedure.
Anaesthesia is always administered and supervised by an experienced anaesthetist. In addition, anaesthesia allows the gastroenterologist to carry out the most precise possible mapping of the intestinal tract and the painless removal of any small polyps in complete relaxation.
Not all complaints require endoscopy immediately. In some cases, laboratory tests, stool tests (e.g. to detect occult bleeding) or exhalation tests (SIBO, suspected lactose intolerance) may be sufficient as a first step. It is always worth seeking the opinion of a specialist before making a decision.
If it is not clear which test you need or if you have other digestive complaints, make an appointment consultation with a specialist in gastroenterology for a health check.
Successful recovery is based on trust and the right professional background. When choosing a doctor, the equipment and training of the clinic's staff are critical.
You should know that endomedix is a specialist in this field, with a team of doctors who have decades of experience in treating a wide range of gastroenterological conditions. The specialists undergo continuous training, so they can provide patients with the latest international guidelines. Whether it is a simple case of reflux or a more complex inflammatory bowel disease, patients receive the highest level of care.
We use the latest video endoscopy technology in our centres. Our equipment provides high-resolution, real-time images of the mucosal status. In addition, we use a special carbon dioxide insufflation method during the procedures. Because this gas is absorbed much faster in the body than the air in the room, patients do not experience excruciating abdominal distension or cramping after the test.
Patient safety and peace of mind are our top priority. We understand the fears that may precede an examination. Our staff inform patients about each step in a detailed and understandable way, avoiding unnecessary medical jargon. During consultations, we take sufficient time to answer questions and jointly develop a personalised treatment plan.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the doctor will recommend a personalised therapy. Successful treatment often rests on several pillars.
Many digestive diseases can be well managed with modern medicines. For reflux and gastric ulcers, acid secretion inhibitors (such as proton pump inhibitors) are the first-line treatment. If Helicobacter pylori infection is confirmed, a specific course of antibiotics is needed. Inflammatory bowel disease is controlled with immunomodulatory agents and biological therapies.
In many cases, a radical change in eating habits is unavoidable. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, for example, a low FODMAP diet can bring significant relief by eliminating fermentable carbohydrates from the diet. In the case of coeliac disease, a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only solution. Our expert dietitians can help you create the right diet that is not only healthy, but also easy to follow on a daily basis.
The importance of prevention can never be stressed enough. Eating a diet rich in fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking all contribute to gut health. It should also be remembered that colonoscopy is not only a diagnostic tool, but also a therapeutic and preventive tool, as the removal of polyps in a precancerous state can prevent the development of colorectal cancer in the vast majority of cases.
Raise awareness of your health and take the first step towards a complaint-free everyday life. Don't let fear or lack of information stop you from getting well. Book an appointment with Endomedix today and put your health in the hands of our experienced professionals.
An immediate medical examination is necessary in all cases where you experience the so-called alarming symptoms. These include bloody stools, black pitch stools, vomiting blood, unreasonable and significant weight loss, persistent difficulty swallowing, and unrelieved, cramping abdominal pain. Opt for an immediate gastroenterology consultation if you experience any of these symptoms.
Perfect bowel cleanliness is a prerequisite for a successful test. The day before the procedure, the patient must follow a fibre-free diet and then consume a special laxative liquid with large quantities of clean water. We use modern, more easily tolerated products and our staff will explain each step in detail.
Choose anaesthesia if you are afraid of pain, as a properly performed procedure is completely free of discomfort. It's important to know that for professional reasons, at Endomedix we only perform anaesthesia, not sedation. Under the supervision of our anaesthetist, you will sleep soundly during the examination, so there will be no pain during the insertion, the air injection or the removal of any polyps.
Performing the two tests together is a very time-saving solution. The actual endoscopic procedure itself usually takes only 30-45 minutes in the hands of an experienced specialist. The patient then wakes up in an observation room and, after a short rest, can leave the clinic with an escort.
Of course. Endomedix is contracted with a number of health insurance funds, so the fees for gastroenterology consultations, laboratory tests and endoscopic procedures under anaesthesia can be charged to the fund. Our staff will be happy to provide you with precise information on the billing procedure during the check-in.
Budapest, debrecen, dombóvári, Miskolc, Sofia, szolnoki and Veszprém you can check in at our centre on working days, Monday to Friday between 09:00-17:00 at (1) 413-2500 by phone or online - some tests can be booked by appointment! A Győr, Gyula and the GranMed in Esztergom you can register by calling our local colleagues at our centre. Too complicated? See phone book or request a callback!
