When is a Test Required?

First and foremost, you should be guided by your family doctor or your gastroenterologist if there is concern about a particular condition that needs exclusion. Many patients also undergo regular endoscopies for detection of new polyps in the colon or surveillance of nodules and changes in the upper GI tract including Barrett’s oesophagus. Some of the common reasons why family doctors refer patients for endoscopy include nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing or the sensation of feeling full early despite a small meal, loss of appetite, vomiting blood stained material, blood in the stools, unexplained diarrhoea, mucous in the stools, new onset of constipation and a difficulty with defecation. Having thorough discussions with your family doctor and your Gastroenterologist will prevent long term complications of common GI diseases.