What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows Dr. Thai to examine the upper area of your digestive tract. She inserts a thin, flexible tube with a video camera attached to the end. Endoscopies can diagnose conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Are there different types of endoscopy procedures?
Dr. Thai offers two types of endoscopy procedures:
Upper endoscopy
An upper endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube to examine the inside of your digestive tract. This can help Dr. Thai detect digestive problems and precancerous conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus. She may recommend an upper endoscopy if you have trouble swallowing or suffer from heartburn.
Capsule endoscopy
A small bowel capsule endoscopy allows Dr. Thai to view the middle region of your digestive tract, including the entire small intestine, some of which a traditional upper endoscopy cannot reach.
During a capsule endoscopy, you swallow a capsule that contains a very small camera. As it moves through your digestive tract, the camera captures images of your small intestine.
The camera sends images to a recording device that you wear on your body. A capsule endoscopy can help detect a variety of conditions, including polyps, tumors, and Crohn’s disease.
What conditions can be diagnosed by an endoscopy?
Dr. Thai may recommend an endoscopy when you have symptoms such as low blood count ( anemia), trouble swallowing, chest pain, abdominal pain with eating, or heartburn. The procedure may be used to check for a number of disorders, including:
Acid reflux
Acid reflux is a common condition that causes a burning sensation in your chest and throat from stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It may also occur if you eat spicy food, overeat, or wear clothes that are too tight. When acid reflux occurs often, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic form of acid reflux.
Barrett’s esophagus
In people who have GERD for a long time, the repeated flow of acid into the lower part of the esophagus can cause changes in the esophageal lining. This condition is called Barrett’s esophagus.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten that causes damage to the small intestine, leading to painful symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, and fatigue.
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, build up in the esophagus and cause the esophageal lining to become inflamed. This can lead to heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and inflammation of the esophageal tissue.
Peptic ulcer disease
Peptic ulcer disease causes sores in the lining of your stomach or duodenum that can lead to painful symptoms. Causes could be related to NSAID overuse or H. Pylori overgrowth.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer. Eating a highly-processed diet, drinking excess alcohol, and smoking are among the leading risk factors for developing this condition.
To schedule an endoscopy with Anne Thai, MD, call the office or request an appointment online today.