All complaints can be further narrowed down by asking specific questions, also known in medicine as taking a medical history. For example, pain may occur in the upper abdomen or below the navel, it may be crampy or constant, and it may occur before or after eating. All of these distinctions help the doctor make the correct diagnosis, because different medical conditions have different symptoms-that is, complaints that the patient expresses.
Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
No one can miss a bulging abdomen in flatulence, and palpation of a painful abdomen helps the physician isolate the cause more precisely. A full gut feels different than an empty one, and a patient’s resistance (guarding) to palpation also allows conclusions about the condition. Tapping on the abdomen can make fluid between the intestinal loops audible, and when listening, the intestine sometimes “makes music” in a burbling, grumbling manner or not at all – which is not a good sign and can indicate an intestinal obstruction. If symptoms persist, there is often no choice but to perform further examinations; in addition to blood and urine tests, invasive methods are then sometimes necessary.
Blood tests/breath tests
Many gastrointestinal disorders affect blood counts and blood values. A blood test will determine if inflammation levels are elevated or red blood pigment (Hb) levels are decreased (in the case of bleeding). A breath test can detect the stomach bacterium Helicobacter; it is an important trigger for gastritis and ulcers.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
During gastroscopy, a thin tube is advanced through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach, and a small camera allows images to be taken from inside the stomach. This allows the mucosa of the esophagus and stomach to be closely examined, and samples (biopsies) are taken from suspicious-looking areas. Gastric bleeding can be treated using this probe. Even ultrasound examinations of the liver or pancreas are possible via this gastric probe. Colonoscopy is performed via the mouth and esophagus for the small intestine, and via the anus for the large intestine. In addition to inspection and biopsy, removal of polyps (intestinal protrusions) is also possible.
Ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Ultrasound reveals individual loops of intestine, and fluid that resides outside the intestine during disease can also be seen. A standing x-ray shows free air under the diaphragm, for example, in the case of a perforated peptic ulcer. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging technically break down the body into many thin slices, so that even the smallest changes or cancerous tumors are visible.
Proper nutrition
In addition to the common sense things one is advised to do, such as eating an easily digestible diet or no food, drinking plenty of fluids and getting plenty of bed rest, home remedies such as teas, a hot water bottle and natural remedies generally help with bloating, gas and constipation. Surprisingly, hot spices can relieve a sensitive stomach from pain and did you know that sleeping on your left side can prevent heartburn? For various diseases, a diet tailored to the disease is a good idea – for example, lactose intolerance or celiac disease. Of course, for each disease there is a specific procedure with dietary advice, medication or possibly other measures such as hospitalization, infusions or surgery – this can be found at the respective disease.
Nutrition, exercise, cancer prevention
Diet, exercise and cancer screening – these are the three most important cornerstones for a healthy gastrointestinal system.
- High-fiber diets with a high vegetable and fruit content keep digestion moving and are recognized as protective against cancer and diverticular disease. Nutrition in particular is now rated as an important factor in the development of cancer.
- Sufficient exercise supports the intestine in its daily work, for small exercises in between, the 20-point program offers itself. Thus, the intestinal activity gets going and flatulence or constipation are avoided. In addition, movement and relaxation exercises are balm for the soul and stomach in stress-related diseases such as gastritis or irritable bowel.
- Cancer screening – a sensitive topic. Colorectal cancer is common, is usually unfortunately detected too late and yet could often be treated or even cured at an early stage – if the free preventive examinations were attended! Unfortunately, however, only every sixth man and every second woman take the early detection measures.
