Gastroenterology
For gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, reflux or blood in the stool, the doctor investigates the possible cause using ultrasound or endoscopic examination. Depending on the findings, treatment is initiated with medication, or if necessary, via rectoscopy or coloscopy.
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What investigations fall under gastroenterology?
At Doktershuis Antverpia, we carry out various investigations to better identify gastrointestinal complaints. Which investigations are appropriate depends on your symptoms, medical history and risk factors. We approach each patient individually, with an eye for comfort, clear explanations and reassurance. Do you have persistent or worrying complaints? Do not hesitate to get in touch - we are happy to listen and think with you.
Anamnesis
During the intake interview, the doctor questions you specifically about complaints, medical history, medication use and hereditary conditions. This gives us a complete picture of your health situation and allows us to investigate further in a targeted way.
Clinical research
The doctor will perform a physical examination to get an idea of your general health and possible abnormalities. This forms the basis for determining which additional tests are appropriate.
Lab tests
Through blood and urine samples, we gain insight into various parameters such as liver function, inflammation levels, blood count, sugar levels, thyroid function and - if necessary - hormones or specific antibodies. This helps to detect underlying disorders early.
Echo Abdomen
With abdominal ultrasound, we visualise the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, spleen and pancreas. This allows us to detect cysts, stones or inflammation, among other things.
Coloscopy
During a colonoscopy, the doctor looks at the entire course of the colon (and sometimes part of the small intestine) through an endoscope. This allows abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation or bleeding to be detected in time and treated if necessary.
Gastroscopy
With a gastroscopy, the doctor examines the oesophagus, stomach and the beginning of the small intestine through a thin camera. This examination is useful for complaints such as reflux, stomach pain or nausea. If necessary, biopsies can be taken immediately, for example to detect celiac disease or a Helicobacter pylori infection.
When is a gastroenterological examination appropriate?
Do you suffer from persistent upset stomach, heartburn, changes in bowel movements or unexplained weight loss? These may be signs of an underlying disorder of the digestive system. Timely evaluation by a gastroenterologist is important to identify the cause and prevent serious complications. The symptoms below may be an indication for further investigation:
Stomach complaints - Heartburn, nausea or pain in the upper abdomen may indicate conditions such as reflux disease (GERD), gastritis or an ulcer. Bowel problems - Persistent diarrhoea, constipation or fluctuating bowel movements may be due to irritable bowel syndrome (PDS), chronic intestinal inflammation (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or food intolerances. Rectal bleeding or anal complaints - Blood in the stool or pain during defecation may indicate haemorrhoids, polyps or - in rarer cases - colon cancer. Unexplained weight loss or fatigue - This may indicate impaired nutrient absorption, chronic inflammation or malignant processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Liver and bile problems - Complaints such as jaundice, dark urine or pain in the right upper abdomen can be caused by liver disease, gallstones or bile duct obstruction. Swallowing problems (dysphagia) - Difficulty swallowing or the feeling that food gets stuck in the oesophagus can be a result of inflammation, stricture or tumour. Iron deficiency anaemia - Chronic blood loss through the digestive tract - often without obvious symptoms - can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia. Chronic abdominal pain - When abdominal pain persists for a longer period without an obvious cause, further gastroenterological examination is indicated. Food intolerances and malabsorption - Conditions such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance can lead to digestive problems, weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.
Timely intervention prevents problems
Many gastrointestinal problems are well treatable - and often even preventable - with the right medical follow-up and an appropriate lifestyle. Therefore, it is important not to ignore symptoms. In case of persistent symptoms or an increased risk, e.g. due to diet, stress or hereditary predisposition, a timely gastroenterological examination is indicated. In this way, we can detect problems early and prevent worse.
How does a gastroenterology consultation proceed?
1. Intake & Anamnesis
The consultation starts with a detailed interview. During this, the doctor or nurse will ask questions about your symptoms, eating habits, lifestyle, medical history and any conditions within the family. This way, we get a clear picture of your digestion and general health.
2. Investigate
Based on your symptoms, a variety of investigations may be carried out, such as blood or stool test, a ultrasound of the abdomen Or a visual examination such as a gastroscopy or colonoscopy. These examinations allow any problems of the stomach, intestines, liver or bile ducts to be clearly identified
3. Discussion
After the examination, the results are carefully reviewed. The doctor discusses the findings, compares them with normal values and, if necessary, draws up a diagnosis and treatment plan. You receive clear explanations, possibly lifestyle advice, and - if necessary - a proposal for further follow-up or referral. The full report is available afterwards in your medical file via the eHealth or CoZo platform.
We listen to your body signals
Sometimes your body gives signals such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, changes in bowel movements or blood in the stools. These symptoms may indicate stomach or intestinal disorders. At Doctor's House Antverpia, we examine them with care and expertise to detect or rule out possible problems early.
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