Which examinations are useful for persistent digestive problems?
October 24, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sofia Seebauer and I have been suffering from persistent digestive issues for some time now. These are mainly manifested by abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. This often leaves me feeling tired and weak, negatively affecting my daily life. So far, I have tried to manage my symptoms with home remedies and a healthy diet, but without long-term success.
I am concerned that there may be a serious underlying condition causing my digestive issues, which requires a thorough examination. Therefore, I would like to know which tests would be advisable in my case to determine the cause of my symptoms. I have heard of various options such as a stool test, an endoscopy, or a colonoscopy, but I am unsure which of these are actually necessary in my case.
Could you please assist me and provide recommendations on which tests are appropriate for persistent digestive issues like mine? I would like to have clarity about my health situation and take targeted steps towards treating my symptoms.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Sofia Seebauer
Dear Mrs. Seebauer,
I understand that persistent digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements are affecting your quality of life and causing you concern about possible serious illnesses. As an experienced physician specializing in internal medicine, I would like to assist you and provide recommendations for meaningful tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
In your case, there are indeed various tests that can be conducted to identify the cause of your digestive issues. For example, a stool analysis could provide insight into possible infections, inflammations, or food intolerances. In cases of persistent symptoms like yours, it may be advisable to have a stool sample analyzed in a laboratory to uncover any disease-causing pathogens or signs of inflammation.
Gastroscopy (examination of the stomach) and colonoscopy (examination of the colon) are also important diagnostic procedures for digestive issues. A gastroscopy allows for a detailed examination of the stomach and esophagus, enabling the detection of conditions such as gastric ulcers, inflammations, or tumors. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon to detect conditions like colon polyps, inflammations, or colorectal cancer at an early stage.
In addition to these tests, a blood analysis may also be useful in identifying inflammation markers, nutrient deficiencies, or indications of an autoimmune disease. Based on the results of these tests, a targeted therapy can be initiated to address your symptoms.
It is important that you seek evaluation from a specialist in internal medicine or gastroenterology to receive a thorough diagnosis and the best possible treatment. Therefore, please schedule an appointment with a specialist promptly to have your symptoms assessed.
I hope that my recommendations will be helpful to you and that you will soon gain clarity about your health situation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Marcus Schneider, MD, Specialist in Internal Medicine
