Is Your Gut Trying to Tell You Something? Signs You Might Need an Endoscopy

Your digestive system often signals when something isn't quite right. While it is easy to dismiss occasional bloating or cramps as nothing more than a bad meal or a stressful day, persistent symptoms could be your gut's way of calling for help. This is when your doctor may recommend an endoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that allows a closer look inside your digestive tract to find out what’s really going on.

In this article, we explore the signs that may warrant an endoscopy and why early detection matters.

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms regularly, seek medical attention.

1. Persistent abdominal pain or cramping

Occasional cramps can be normal, but if you're constantly experiencing abdominal pain, especially in the same area, it may point to underlying issues.

2. Unexplained changes in bowel habits

Sudden or prolonged changes in bowel movements, whether frequent diarrhoea, constipation, or both, could signal a disruption in your digestive system.

3. Blood in the stool

Seeing blood in your stool can be worrying. It may result from haemorrhoids, but it could also indicate something more serious.

4. Chronic bloating or gas

While bloating is common after a heavy meal, persistent bloating or gas could suggest a digestive disorder, especially when accompanied by pain or a feeling of fullness.

5. Unintentional weight loss

Losing weight with no change in your diet or exercise habits might seem like a pleasant surprise, but it's a red flag when paired with digestive symptoms.

6. Ongoing fatigue with no clear cause

Feeling constantly tired, despite getting enough rest, may be due to nutrient deficiencies caused by digestive problems.

7. The sensation that your bowel doesn't empty completely

If you regularly feel as if your bowel movements are incomplete, this could indicate a blockage, inflammation, or even growths within the colon.

A colorectal specialist performs an endoscopy using a flexible endoscope. It has a light source for illumination and a camera, allowing them to examine the inside of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

There are two main types of endoscopy:

A gastroscopy, or upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, examines the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It is usually recommended for symptoms like persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or upper abdominal pain.

A colonoscopy, on the other hand, examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It's often used to investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits or to screen for colorectal cancer, especially in people over the age of 50 or those with a family history of the disease.

Both procedures are minimally invasive and can identify potential issues early, before they become serious or hard to treat.

• Pre-procedure preparation: Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include fasting for several hours beforehand. If you are undergoing a colonoscopy, you will also need to take a bowel-cleansing solution the day before.
• Sedation and comfort: Most endoscopies are done under mild sedation to make you relaxed and comfortable. You are unlikely to remember the procedure.
• The procedure itself: The doctor will gently insert the endoscope through your mouth (for a gastroscopy) or anus (for a colonoscopy). The camera sends real-time images to a screen, allowing the doctor to examine your digestive tract closely.
• Tissue sampling and treatment: If necessary, the doctor may extract small tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps during the procedure. This is usually painless and helps in diagnosis.
• Recovery time: You will be monitored as the sedation wears off. Most patients go home the same day, but they should avoid driving.
• Post-procedure effects: Mild bloating, gas, or a sore throat (in the case of gastroscopy) may occur but usually subside quickly.
  

Your doctor will use both the visual findings and lab reports to form a diagnosis and recommend next steps. Sometimes, the findings are reassuring and indicate no serious concerns, while other times they may point to conditions like gastritis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or early signs of cancer.

It is natural to feel anxious while waiting for endoscopy results, but your doctor will guide you through the findings. They will explain what the results mean in plain terms and help you understand your treatment options, whether that involves medication, lifestyle adjustments, or further testing.

Some digestive symptoms should not be ignored. Endoscopy is an effective way to understand what's happening inside your digestive system and to take early action when needed.

At Colorectal Clinic Associates, patients receive endoscopy services tailored to their individual needs. Our clinic prioritises comfort, safety, and clear communication. We provide detailed preparation instructions and aftercare protocols to support you.

Book an appointment with us for endoscopy treatment in Singapore.