Conditions an endoscopy can detect

Why do I need an endoscopy?

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Phone: (08) 9332 9746

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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150

If you’re having trouble with your gut health or there’s a suspected issue, an endoscopy might be needed. At Westside Gastroenterology, we use gastroscopies and colonoscopies to find out more about your condition and how we can help.

Colonoscopy Perth

Conditions a colonoscopy can detect

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS can’t be diagnosed with a colonoscopy, but we use it to rule out other conditions. Symptoms include tummy pain, bloating, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, mucus in your stool, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, and nausea. While IBS can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t cause long-term damage.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (IBD)

IBD or inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both of which cause bowel inflammation. Ulcerative colitis affects only the inner lining of the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. A colonoscopy helps us detect these conditions.

Bowel cancer and polyps

Early detection and treatment of bowel cancer are key reasons for having a colonoscopy. Bowel cancer is common and a leading cause of cancer death in Australia. Catching it early can lead to a cure, and polyps, which might turn into cancer, are often removed during the procedure.

Gastroscopy Perth

Conditions a gastroscopy can detect

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease happens when your small intestine gets damaged by gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats). This can cause trouble absorbing nutrients, leading to bowel issues and nutrient shortages. To diagnose coeliac disease, we perform a gastroscopy, where we take tiny samples from your small bowel to confirm it. Treatment involves a strict gluten-free diet, which usually improves symptoms and restores health.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Reflux happens when stomach acid rises to your oesophagus, causing chest pain (heartburn) and inflammation. It’s a common issue, often felt as a burning or painful sensation moving up from your chest to your neck. Sometimes, food or fluid might come back up into your mouth, which is called regurgitation. If you often have these symptoms, a gastroscopy can help find out what’s going on.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that lives in your stomach lining, causing inflammation, pain, indigestion, and sometimes ulcers. While it does slightly increase the risk of stomach cancer, this is rare. The infection can last a lifetime unless treated with medication. A gastroscopy can detect Helicobacter pylori through tiny biopsies, and we will recommend the best treatment for you.

Oesophageal stricture and dilatation

An oesophageal stricture is a narrowing of the oesophagus, often caused by acid reflux scarring or other issues like an allergic oesophagus or cancer. This can make swallowing difficult or give you a feeling of food sticking. Treatment involves oesophageal dilatation, where we use a balloon to stretch the narrowed area during a gastroscopy.

Stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers)

Peptic ulcers are breaks in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). They’re mostly caused by Helicobacter pylori or taking anti-inflammatory drugs. We usually treat them with antibiotics, avoiding certain painkillers, and acid-suppressing medication. You might notice symptoms like tummy pain, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, or signs of anaemia.

Stomach and oesophageal cancer

Stomach and oesophageal cancers are rare but can be detected with a gastroscopy if you have symptoms like weight loss, trouble swallowing, tummy pain, feeling full after small meals, heartburn, indigestion, or vomiting blood.

Barrett’s oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus involves changes in the lining of your lower oesophagus due to acid reflux. It slightly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer, so regular endoscopies are needed for early detection.

Liver disease, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension

Severe liver disease, known as cirrhosis, can be detected during a gastroscopy. Portal hypertension, which is a sign of liver disease, can also be identified through this procedure.