Upper GI Conditions
Barrett’s Oesophagus
What is Barrett’s Oesophagus?
Barrett’s oesophagus is when the lining of the oesophagus (gullet) is replaced by tissue similar to the stomach lining. This is often found in sufferers of long-term gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), where the backflow of acid from the stomach into the lower oesophagus causes recurrent injury. This recurrent injury causes the lining to slowly be replaced with stomach lining instead of healthy oesophageal lining as your body’s way of preventing further injury.
People with this condition are at an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer. While the risk is small, it is important to have regular checkups for precancerous cells.
Symptoms include:
– GORD symptoms (frequent heartburn and acid reflux)
– Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing food)
– Chest pain
– Many people with Barret’s Oesophagus show no signs or symptoms
Diagnosis and Management
Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (upper endoscopy) is generally used to determine if you have Barrett’s oesophagus. Some tissue may be removed as well in a procedure called a biopsy to examine the severity of Barrett’s Oesophagus. Treatment largely depends on the extent of abnormal cell growth in your oesophagus and your overall health.
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
What is Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), also abbreviated as GERD, occurs when
the acidic content from the stomach frequently flows back into your oesophagus (gullet), throat, and mouth. This backwash (acid reflux) may irritate your oesophagus lining. While acid reflux iis commonly experienced from time to time, GORD is characterised by mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week or moderate-to-severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week. GORD can affect everyone but mostly affects adults aged 40 and over. Long-term GORD may result in Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Common signs and symptoms of GORD include:
– Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating
– Chest pain
– Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
– Sensation of a lump in your throat.
– Nausea
Diagnosis and Management
A diagnosis of GORD may be made based on physical examination and history of your signs and symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis or to check for complications or underlying conditions, Dr Ong may recommend:
– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper Endoscopy)
– Ambulatory acid (pH) probe test
– Esophageal manometry
– X-ray of your upper digestive tract.
For people with longstanding GORD, screening for Barrett’s Oesophagus may be recommended.
Gastritis
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is the term for a group of conditions that involve the inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is often caused by the infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, it may lead to stomach ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Risk factors of gastritis include: Regular use of pain relief medication, older age, excessive alcohol use, stress, autoimmune disease.
Signs and symptoms include:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Burning ache or pain in your upper abdomen (Dyspepsia).
– A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
Diagnosis and Management
If gastritis is suspected by Dr Ong based on your medical history and physical examination, he will recommend one or more tests to confirm a diagnosis and find out the cause. This includes:
– Test for H. pylori in a blood test, stool test, or breath test
– Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) (Upper endoscopy)
– X-ray of your upper digestive system
Treatment of gastritis depends on its cause:
– Acute gastritis caused by pain relief medication may be relieved by stopping their use.
– Antibiotics to kill H. pylori
– Medications to reduce or block adic production
– Antacids to neutralise stomach acid
Peptic Ulcers (Stomach ulcers)
What are Peptic Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers are open sores found on the inner lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers on the inside of the stomach are known as gastric ulcers while those found inside the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum) are known as duodenal ulcers.
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. While stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers, they may make your symptoms worse.
Signs and Symptoms include:
– Stomach pain
– Belching
– Bloating
– Intolerance of fatty foods
– Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
– Nausea
Other symptoms
Vomiting, Nausea,
Abdominal Pains
Bloatedness
Stomach Pain
Blood in stool
Diarrhoea, Constipation
and Intestinal Pain