Top 4 Key Considerations for Digestive Health Check-ups

For Gastric Endoscopy

• Fast for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure
• Refrain from drinking 2 to 3 hours prior to the endoscopy to avoid the risk of choking during the procedure
• Patients with asthma, cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of allergies should inform the doctor
• For women: Notify the doctor if pregnant or suspecting pregnancy.

For Colonoscopy

• Finish dinner by 8 PM the night before
• To improve colon cleanliness, eat light meals and foods low in fiber (e.g., bread, rice, non-seed fruits and vegetables, lean meats, eggs) 3-4 days before the procedure
• Avoid foods like popcorn, fatty foods, cereals, and fruits with seeds or skins
• For women: Schedule the procedure after the menstrual period; notify the doctor if pregnant or suspecting pregnancy
• Avoid colored beverages (green, red, purple) as they may interfere with the doctor's ability to observe the colon.
• Patients with asthma, cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of allergies should inform the doctor.

For other digestive examinations, patients should also consider the following:

• Bring previous test results or medical records (if any) to assist the doctor in diagnosis.
• Digestive issues can arise unexpectedly, and even minor symptoms should not be ignored, as they may lead to severe health consequences. Since the digestive system plays a vital role in overall health, any disturbance can cause discomfort and impact daily life, including eating habits. It's crucial to schedule regular digestive health check-ups or seek immediate consultation if you notice any unusual symptoms.

The digestive system plays a crucial role in the human body by helping to absorb essential nutrients that nourish the body. It is responsible for processing the food we eat, breaking it down, and converting nutrients for the body's use. This system is made up of several key organs:

• The digestive tract: starting from the mouth, down the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and finally the anus
• The pancreas
• The liver
• The gallbladder

A digestive health check-up involves examining any health issues related to the organs mentioned above. For example, common digestive tract problems include esophagitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, etc. It also helps diagnose conditions in the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, such as hepatitis, liver abscess, fatty liver, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, gallstones, and more.

Digestive issues often develop silently and quickly, negatively impacting a person's health. If not diagnosed and treated in time, these conditions can lead to severe complications, even life-threatening situations.

You should consult a specialist if you experience any of the following unusual symptoms:

• Abdominal Pain: Pain can occur in various areas of the abdomen and may differ in type. It can range from dull to intense, continuous or intermittent. For example, dull pain in the upper abdomen with acid reflux is often linked to stomach issues, while right-sided abdominal pain with fever and nausea could suggest appendicitis. This may also indicate problems with the colon, liver, or gallbladder. Digestive health check-ups are crucial for identifying the cause of abdominal pain.
• Bloating and Gas: These symptoms can be indicative of acid reflux, an imbalance in gut bacteria, or enzyme deficiencies. In some cases, bloating and gas may even signal stomach cancer.
• Abnormal Bowel Movements: Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or irregular stools, can point to digestive system issues. If you notice blood or black stools, or a mixture of solid and liquid stools, it may be a sign of colon or rectal problems.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms often occur after heavy physical activity or overeating. Conditions such as appendicitis, bacterial infections, food poisoning, or intestinal blockages can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of Appetite and Indigestion: Persistent bloating or a constant feeling of fullness even with small amounts of food can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and severe weakness. This could be linked to intestinal dysbiosis, peptic ulcers, or, in more serious cases, stomach cancer.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without a clear cause is a common sign of digestive issues. Problems with digestion and nutrient absorption can affect metabolism, causing unintended weight loss. If this happens, a digestive health check-up is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Step 1: General Examination

The doctor will start with a general check-up to assess the patient's condition, including weight, blood pressure, medical history, and any allergies. Based on this, the doctor will decide whether an endoscopy is necessary. If not, the doctor will prescribe medication, and the patient can go home.

Step 2: Preparation for Endoscopy (If Recommended by the Doctor)

In this step, the patient must clean the digestive tract to facilitate the endoscopy process. Different medical facilities may use various methods to cleanse the colon.

The patient may be given laxatives or undergo an enema, which helps flush out the colon through the rectum. Once the bowel movements are clear and only water remains, the colon is considered fully prepared.

Although preparing for a colonoscopy may be inconvenient, remember that it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your health. The better prepared you are, the clearer the doctor can observe, and the process will be faster.

Step 3: Endoscopy

There are two types of endoscopy: with sedation and without sedation. If no sedation is used, the procedure may cause some discomfort, such as nausea, though it’s not painful (for a stomach endoscopy).

If sedation is used, an anesthesiologist will examine the patient and administer the sedative. Once the patient is stable, the gastroenterologist will perform the procedure.
During the endoscopy, the doctor will inspect the digestive tract. If any abnormalities are detected, tools will be passed through the endoscope to treat the issue, such as removing polyps.

Step 4: Rest and Recovery

After the procedure, the patient can usually leave on the same day without needing to stay in the hospital. However, it’s recommended to rest for a while as the sedative may still cause dizziness.