Maintaining good health is essential to ensure a high quality of life, and this includes taking care of our digestive system. Gastrointestinal medical check-ups are preventive exams that assess the health of the digestive system and can detect various conditions early on, ensuring effective treatment and a better quality of life.
In this article, we will explore the importance of these types of exams and the benefits they can bring to our health. Additionally, we will discuss the ideal time to perform a gastrointestinal check-up.
Importance of Gastrointestinal Medical Check-Up
The gastrointestinal system plays a vital role in overall health, being responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of essential nutrients that our body needs to function properly.
Problems in this system can have a significant impact on well-being and quality of life, manifesting through various symptoms, from mild abdominal discomfort to more serious conditions such as bleeding and unexplained weight loss.
Regularly performing a gastrointestinal check-up is a fundamental preventive measure.
Consultations and exams are crucial for the early detection of various diseases that can affect the digestive tract.
Among these diseases are stomach cancer, which often only shows symptoms in advanced stages, peptic ulcers, which can cause intense pain and complications if untreated, and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which can lead to permanent damage to the intestine if not monitored and treated properly.
Early detection of these and other conditions significantly increases the chances of effective treatment.
When identified in their initial stages, many gastrointestinal tract diseases can be treated more simply and with better outcomes.
Moreover, the prevention of serious complications, such as intestinal perforations, internal bleeding, and intestinal obstructions, is one of the great benefits of maintaining vigilance regarding digestive health.
Finally, regular check-ups allow the gastroenterologist to monitor the overall health of the digestive system, offering guidance on diet and lifestyle that can prevent the onset of diseases and promote better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
When to Perform a Gastrointestinal Check-Up?
Determining the ideal time to perform a gastrointestinal medical check-up depends on various factors, including age, family history, and the presence of specific symptoms.
These variables help define the need and frequency of preventive exams.
In general, it is recommended that people aged 50 or older consider regular gastrointestinal exams, with a particular focus on colorectal cancer screening.
This type of cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, but the chances of cure are significantly higher when detected early through exams such as colonoscopy.
If there are cases of gastrointestinal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases in the family, it is important to start preventive exams at younger ages, often a decade before the age at which the relative was diagnosed.
This is due to the increased hereditary risk, which can predispose individuals to these conditions.
Even outside of these general recommendations, it is essential to be aware of signs and symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal problems.
Symptoms such as frequent abdominal pains, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, and a feeling of early satiety are important reasons to seek a gastroenterologist.
Additionally, other medical conditions, such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, may require regular monitoring through gastrointestinal check-ups to control disease progression and adjust treatments as necessary.
Common Exams Performed During a Check-Up
During a gastrointestinal check-up, various exams can be performed to assess the health of the digestive system. Some of the most common exams are:
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Colonoscopy: examines the small intestine, colon, and rectum to detect polyps, cancer, and other anomalies.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Assesses aspects of the spleen, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and other abdominal structures not related to the digestive tract (ovaries, uterus, kidneys, prostate, among others).
- Stool tests: detect the presence of hidden blood, intestinal infections, parasites, and reabsorptions.
- Computed Tomography (CT): provides detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract.
Preparation for a Gastrointestinal Check-Up
The preparation for a gastrointestinal medical check-up can vary depending on the type of exam to be performed. This preparation is essential to ensure that the results are accurate and the exam is conducted efficiently and safely.
For a colonoscopy, for example, complete bowel cleansing is essential. This usually involves following a specific diet in the days leading up to the exam, restricting the consumption of solid foods and opting for a clear liquid diet.
The use of laxatives is necessary to ensure that the colon is completely clean, allowing a clear view of the intestinal walls. In some cases, the use of enemas may be recommended to ensure total bowel cleansing.
For an endoscopy, the preparation is usually simpler, but no less important.
Typically, fasting for a few hours before the procedure is necessary, which means avoiding the intake of food and liquids so the stomach is empty.
Exams such as abdominal ultrasound may require drinking water to fill the bladder or avoiding foods that cause gas, such as beans and carbonated drinks, which can hinder the visualization of abdominal organs.
Regardless of the exam, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor strictly. Failure to comply with the recommendations can result in the need to repeat the exam, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Which Doctor Should I Consult for a Gastrointestinal Check-Up?
To perform a gastrointestinal check-up, it is highly recommended to seek a gastroenterologist.
This specialist has specific training to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the digestive system, which includes organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Gastroenterologists are trained to deal with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions and have the knowledge and resources necessary to identify problems, from the most common to the most complex.
Moreover, these specialists are qualified to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, ultrasounds, and biopsies, which are essential for a complete evaluation of digestive health.
When seeking a gastrointestinal check-up, the gastroenterologist will assess your medical history, your symptoms, and risk factors, such as age and family history of digestive diseases.
Based on this assessment, they will determine which exams are necessary and how frequently they should be performed.
If you are looking for qualified specialists, you can find an experienced team at Gastroblog. Here, you will have access to dedicated professionals who are up-to-date with the latest innovations and techniques in the field of gastroenterology. We are prepared to provide comprehensive and personalized care, ensuring that all your digestive health needs are met.
Performing a gastrointestinal medical check-up is an essential preventive measure to keep the digestive system healthy.
Do not wait for severe symptoms to appear to take care of your health; consult a gastroenterologist and have your exams done regularly.
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Doutor em Gastroenterologia pela FM-USP.
Especialista em Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo (HCFMUSP), Endoscopia Digestiva (SOBED) e Gastroenterologia (FBG).
Professor do curso de Medicina da Fundação Educacional do Município de Assis - FEMA.
Médico da clínica Gastrosaúde de Marília.