Procedure for examining patients with diseases of the digestive system. Types of examination of the gastrointestinal tract Methods of examination of the gastrointestinal tract

According to medical statistics, 95% of the world's inhabitants need regular monitoring. Of these, more than half (from 53% to 60%) are familiar firsthand with chronic and acute forms (inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa), and about 7-14% suffer.

Symptoms of gastric pathology

The following manifestations may indicate problems in this area:

pain in the stomach, feeling of fullness, heaviness after eating;
pain behind the sternum, in the epigastric region;
difficulty swallowing food;
feeling of a foreign body in the esophagus;
belching with a sour taste;
heartburn;
nausea, vomiting of undigested food;
vomiting with blood;
increased gas formation;
black stool, bleeding during bowel movements;
bouts of ravenous hunger/lack of appetite.

Of course, previously identified pathologies of the digestive system are serious indications for gastroenterological examination:

inflammatory processes;
oncological diseases, etc.

Diagnosis of stomach diseases

Diagnosis of stomach diseases is a whole complex of studies, including physical, instrumental, and laboratory methods.

Diagnosis begins with interviewing and examining the patient. Next, based on the collected data, the doctor prescribes the necessary studies.

Instrumental diagnosis of stomach diseases involves the use of such informative methods as:

computed tomography;

The complex of laboratory methods for diagnosing stomach diseases usually includes:

general blood test;
biochemical blood test;
general analysis of urine, feces;
gastropanel;
pH-metry;
analysis for tumor markers;
breath test for .

General blood test . This study is indispensable for assessing the state of health in general. When diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases by changes in indicators (ESR, red blood cells, leukocytes, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, eosinophils, etc.), one can ascertain the presence of inflammatory processes, various infections, bleeding, and neoplasms.

Biochemical blood test . The study helps to identify dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, to suspect an acute infection, bleeding or growth of a tumor in the subject.

General urine test . Based on characteristics such as color, transparency, specific gravity, acidity, etc., as well as the presence of inclusions (glucose, blood or mucous inclusions, protein, etc.), one can judge the development of an inflammatory or infectious process or neoplasms.

General stool analysis . The study is indispensable in diagnosing bleeding and digestive dysfunction.

Tumor markers . To identify malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, specific markers are used (REA, CA-19-9, CA-242, CA-72-4, M2-RK).

PH-metry . This method allows you to obtain data on the level of acidity in the stomach using flexible probes equipped with special measuring electrodes, which are inserted into the stomach cavity through the nose or mouth.

It is carried out in cases where the doctor needs this indicator to make a diagnosis, to monitor the patient’s condition after gastrectomy, as well as to assess the effectiveness of drugs designed to reduce or increase the acidity of gastric juice.

RN-metry is carried out in a medical facility, under the constant supervision of a doctor.

Gastropanel . A special set of blood tests that helps assess the functional and anatomical state of the gastric mucosa.

The gastroenterological panel includes the most important indicators for diagnosing gastric pathologies:

antibodies to Helicobacter pylori (these antibodies are detected in patients suffering from gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer);
gastrin 17 (a hormone that affects the regenerative function of the stomach);
pepsinogens I and II (the level of these proteins indicates the condition of the mucous membrane of the body of the stomach and the organ as a whole).

How to prepare for tests

Urine and stool tests . The biomaterial is collected in a special sterile container (purchased at the pharmacy). The day before, it is not recommended to take multivitamins and eat foods that can change the color of the biomaterial, as well as laxatives and diuretics.

Urine is collected in the morning, after careful hygiene of the external genitalia. It is necessary to drain the first dose of urine into the toilet, and collect the middle portion (100-150 ml) in a container.

Feces are collected in the morning or no later than 8 hours before the test.

Gastropanel . A week before the study, you should stop taking medications that can affect gastric secretion. The day before, avoid taking medications that neutralize hydrochloric acid. On the morning of the test, do not drink, eat, or smoke.

The study involves donating blood from a vein in two doses: immediately upon arrival at the treatment room and 20 minutes after taking a special cocktail designed to stimulate the hormone gastrin 17.

Blood tests (general, biochemical) . Blood for testing is donated in the morning on an empty stomach. On the eve of the analysis, you should avoid stress, refrain from eating heavy food and alcohol. You should not eat or smoke on the morning of the test. Drinking clean water is allowed.

PH-metry. The probe is installed in the morning on an empty stomach. At least 12 hours must pass since the last meal, and you can drink water no later than four hours before the procedure. Before the planned study, be sure to notify your doctor about the medications you are taking; their use may have to be discontinued several hours (and some medications several days) before the procedure.

Patient complaints:

1. Appetite disturbance (increase, decrease, absence - anorexia),

2. Perversion of taste (addiction to inedible substances, aversion to certain foods).

3. Belching (with air, odorless or odorless gas, food, sour, bitter).

4. Heartburn (frequency, intensity).

5. Nausea.

6. Vomiting (in the morning on an empty stomach, after eating, brings relief or without effect).

7. Pain in the abdominal area (localization, intensity, character, localization, connection with food intake, stool, gas, frequency, irradiation).

8. Flatulence.

9. Diarrhea (character, color, smell, presence of mucus, blood, pus).

10. Constipation (duration, shape, color of stool).

11. Skin itching.

12. Losing body weight.

History of the disease:

1. Onset of the disease, probable causes of its occurrence.

2. Development (frequency of exacerbations, variability of symptoms).

3. Treatment provided (frequency of hospitalizations, duration, effectiveness, medications used - constantly, periodically).

Life story:

1. Past diseases (presence of viral hepatitis, jaundice).

2. Nature of nutrition (irregular, dry food, monotonous, rough food, abuse of spicy seasonings).

3. Heredity (presence of peptic ulcer or cholelithiasis in blood relatives).

4. Bad habits.

5. Family and living conditions

6. Allergies (food, drug, household, presence of allergic diseases).

7. Long-term use of hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Physical examination:

1. Inspection: yellowness of the sclera, skin, scratch marks, decreased skin and tissue turgor, spider veins, swelling in the legs; changes in the tongue (plaque, atrophy of the papillae, dryness, discoloration), oral mucosa, teeth; examination of the abdomen (participation in the act of breathing, shape, size, symmetry of both halves, the presence of hernial protrusions, expansion of the venous network).

2. Palpation (tension, local pain (in the gall bladder, navel, sigmoid colon, epigastric region) or throughout the abdomen, liver - enlarged, painful, not palpable, spleen - palpable, not palpable, Kehr, Shchetkin-Blumberg symptoms) .

3. Percussion (Ortner's symptom).

Laboratory research methods:

1. Clinical analysis of blood and urine.

2. Biochemical blood test: protein and its fractions, prothrombin, fibrinogen, bilirubin, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, transaminases, amylase, lipase, trypsin inhibitor.

3. Urine analysis for diastase, bile pigments.

4. Fecal analysis (macro- and microscopic examination, bacteriological, for occult blood, for helminth eggs).

5. Serological blood tests.

6. Duodenal sounding.

7. Fractional study of gastric juice.

Instrumental research methods:

1. Stomach and duodenum: fluoroscopy, gastroduodenoscopy.

2. Intestines: irrigoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy.

3. Liver, biliary tract and pancreas6 Ultrasound, cholecystography, computed tomography, scanning, liver puncture biopsy, laparoscopy.

Stage II. Identifying patient problems.

In diseases of the digestive system, the most common problems of patients (real or real) are:

· loss of appetite;

· abdominal pain of various localization (specify);

· nausea;

· burping;

· heartburn;

· bloating;

· skin itching, etc.

In addition to the patient’s real, already existing problems, it is necessary to identify potential problems, that is, complications that may arise in the patient due to insufficient care and treatment, and unfavorable development of the disease. For diseases of the stomach and duodenum, these may be:

Ø transition of an acute disease to a chronic one;

Ø perforation of the ulcer;

Ø penetration of the ulcer;

Ø gastrointestinal bleeding;

Ø development of pyloric stenosis;

Ø development of stomach cancer, etc.

Possible problems with intestinal diseases:

Ø intestinal bleeding;

Ø development of intestinal cancer:

Ø dysbacteriosis;

Ø hypovitaminosis.

For diseases of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas:

Ø development of liver failure;

Ø development of liver cancer;

Ø development of diabetes mellitus;

Ø development of hepatic colic, etc.

In addition to physiological problems, the patient may have psychological ones, for example:

Lack of knowledge about your disease;

Feeling of false shame during special intestinal examinations;

Ignorance of the principles of therapeutic nutrition for your illness;

Lack of understanding of the need to give up bad habits;

Lack of understanding of the need for systematic treatment and visiting a doctor, etc. .

After identifying problems, the nurse determines nursing diagnosis, For example:

Increased gas formation (flatulence) due to intestinal digestion disorders;

Pain in the epigastric region after eating due to the formation of ulcers in the stomach;

Loss of appetite due to liver disease;

Heartburn due to chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa;

Skin itching caused by liver failure;

Diarrhea due to inflammatory disease of the small intestine, etc.

Stage III. Planning nursing care and care.

The nurse sets priorities, forms short-term and long-term goals, makes nursing choices (independent, interdependent and dependent), develops a plan of care and determines the expected outcome.

Independent nursing interventions for diseases of the digestive system may include:

Monitoring blood pressure, pulse, body weight, daily diuresis and stool;

Skin and mucous membrane care;

Timely change of bed and underwear;

Control over the transfer of food to the patient;

Creating a comfortable position in bed;

Training the patient and his family members to determine blood pressure, pulse rate, and provide first aid in emergency conditions;

Conversations about taking medications correctly, following a diet, and eliminating bad habits;

Feeding in bed;

Providing care items;

Providing emergency care for an attack of hepatic colic, gastric bleeding.

Interdependent nursing interventions:

Serving a heating pad and ice pack;

Preparing the patient and collecting biological material for laboratory tests;

Preparing the patient and accompanying him for instrumental types of examination;

Assist the doctor during abdominal puncture.

Dependent Nursing Interventions:

Timely and correct administration of medications prescribed by a doctor.

Stage IV. Implementation of the nursing intervention plan.

When implementing a nursing intervention plan, it is necessary to coordinate the actions of the nurse with the actions of other health care workers, the patient and his relatives, according to their plans and capabilities. The action coordinator is the nurse.

V stage. Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions.

Efficiency assessment is carried out:

Ø by the patient (the patient’s reaction to nursing intervention);

Ø as a nurse (achieving the goal);

Ø by regulatory authorities (correctness of the nursing diagnosis, determination of goals and drawing up a plan for nursing interventions, compliance of the performed manipulations with the standards of nursing care).

Evaluating the effectiveness of the results allows you to:

§determine the quality of care;

§identify the patient’s response to nursing intervention;

§find new problems for the patient, identify the need for additional help.

To identify gastrointestinal pathologies in modern medicine, various research methods are used. The latest equipment helps to obtain valuable information about human health; in many cases, diagnosis does not cause discomfort. An anomaly can be detected even in situations where there are no complaints or external signs of illness.

Indications for examination of the gastrointestinal tract

Examination of the gastrointestinal tract is the most important step in making a correct diagnosis, since pathologies are common in people of all ages and can lead to serious consequences. Indications for intestinal examination are:

A stomach check is prescribed in the following cases:

internal bleeding;
gastritis (acute or chronic);
pancreatitis;
malignant formations;
gallstones;
stomach or duodenal ulcers;
pain of unknown etiology;
nausea, dry or bitter mouth;
belching and heartburn;
pronounced narrowing of the upper part of the stomach or its underdevelopment.

Often the entire gastrointestinal tract is examined. This allows you to determine the coherence of the organs or deviations in functioning.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Thanks to modern techniques, defect detection is now possible with minimal error. Standard tests are offered in any clinic, but many consider the procedures difficult to access, which is why they seek help when the pathology is at a late stage of development. Often one diagnostic method is sufficient; in complex cases they are combined. How to examine internal organs?

Physical approach

External non-invasive procedures are called physical techniques. These include palpation, percussion, visual inspection and auscultation. When examining a person, the doctor notes the following factors:

dullness and roughness of the skin;
pallor of the integument and deterioration of its elasticity;
smoothness of the tongue or the presence of a white/brown coating on it.

If a person does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, these symptoms are unusual for him. The examination allows you to make a preliminary diagnosis. If one of the signs is detected, the doctor performs superficial or deep palpation. The specialist presses on the stomach, moving upward from the groin area. In a healthy person, the muscles do not tense too much and there is no pain. Deep palpation is carried out in the area of discomfort.

A rectal examination is necessary to examine the anus and determine its functionality. The procedure is performed by a proctologist, assessing the presence of fissures, hemorrhoids, and polyps.

Analyzes and laboratory tests

Diagnostics in the laboratory is a necessary measure for all diseases. To check the stomach and intestines, a specialist prescribes tests:

general blood test (performed in the morning, on an empty stomach);
examination of stool for the presence of protozoa;
examination of stool for worm eggs;
microflora analysis (for dysbacteriosis);
coprogram (comprehensive check of stool for changes in color, smell, shape, presence of various inclusions).

Instrumental methods

To examine the stomach and intestines, various instruments are often used that can show part of the organ or completely visualize parts of the gastrointestinal tract. How can you check your stomach and intestines? The following methods are relevant for the examination:

Radiation diagnostics

Patients may be offered non-invasive radiation examinations to help make a diagnosis. These include the following methods:

Possible complications after procedures

Most examinations are completely harmless, but some are quite unpleasant and painful, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy. For this reason, rectal tube insertion is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The risk of complications is small, but it is there.

The consequences of different types of diagnostics are presented in the table.

Type of examination	Complications
Colonoscopy	The probability of problems occurring is 0.35%. Perforation, bleeding, infection, and reaction to the anesthetic are possible.
Swallowing the capsule	In the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, the device will provoke its intensification; electromagnetic radiation can damage the pacemaker.
Endoscopy	A safe procedure, but possible allergies to the anesthetic, injury to the walls with perforation and bleeding, aspiration pneumonia, and infectious diseases.
Laparoscopy	Damage to the vessels of the anterior abdominal wall.
Radioisotope survey	Allergy to “illuminating” drugs.
Irrigoscopy	Perforation of the intestine and release of contrast into the peritoneal cavity (extremely rare).
CT	Dizziness and nausea during the procedure; in people with hypersensitivity, itching at the site of skin puncture when contrast is administered.

Now found in almost every second adult. In this case, periodic nausea, intestinal upset, heaviness in the stomach or indigestion are disturbing. But not every person consults a doctor about this. This attitude can lead to serious consequences, because any disease is easier to cure at an early stage. Therefore, if abdominal discomfort periodically appears, it is necessary to check the stomach and intestines. The examination will help to detect pathologies in time and prevent complications.

When to see a doctor

Only a doctor can determine whether the digestive system is functioning properly. Therefore, if the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist. It is especially important to examine children in a timely manner, since their pathologies can progress quickly, which seriously affects the condition of the body.

increased gas formation, bloating;
nausea, periodic vomiting;
constipation or diarrhea;
the appearance of pain in the abdomen or side;
feeling of heaviness after eating;
frequent belching or heartburn;
the presence of mucus, blood or undigested food in the stool;
decreased appetite.

It is also recommended to periodically examine the gastrointestinal tract for people with chronic pathologies of the digestive system. This may be gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, reflux, colitis, duodenitis, biliary dyskinesia. Older people need regular checks of their intestines to detect the presence of a tumor in time.

Diagnostic procedures

Even an experienced doctor cannot always determine the cause of the illness based on external symptoms. Moreover, not every person can describe what he feels. Therefore, the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases has its own sequence and cannot be done without instrumental and laboratory examinations. Some pathologies do not manifest specific symptoms at the initial stage, but gradually progress. Therefore, examination of the gastrointestinal tract is very important for the timely detection of diseases and prescribing the correct treatment. It is recommended that even healthy people undergo it periodically.

Before making a preliminary diagnosis and choosing examination methods, the doctor conducts a conversation with the patient. It is necessary to tell in detail about your feelings, what provokes them, when they arise. At the same time, the doctor is interested not only in the patient’s complaints. The specialist will definitely ask about habits, diet, and the presence of chronic diseases. It is also very important what illnesses parents and close relatives have. After this, the patient is examined. The doctor does this using physical methods.

These include palpation, percussion and auscultation. At first glance, it may seem that such an external examination is useless in determining the condition of the internal organs. But for an experienced specialist, even such an examination is informative. First, an examination of the oral cavity is performed, where the digestion process begins. The condition of the mucous membrane, teeth, and color of the tongue are important.

The examination begins with a conversation and general examination of the patient.

Then the doctor feels the patient’s stomach, determining whether the organs of the digestive system are enlarged, whether there are hardenings, scars, or enlarged veins. Palpation also allows you to determine the shape of organs, their pain and location. Auscultation or auscultation allows you to hear what sounds the intestines make as they work. Percussion is tapping, which allows you to clarify the shape, location and condition of internal organs.

After this, the doctor determines what other methods of examining the gastrointestinal tract the patient needs. There are quite a few of them, but usually 2-3 methods are chosen. These could be:

pH-metry;
fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
probing;
X-ray examination;
colonoscopy;
scintigraphy;
CT or MRI;
blood, urine and stool tests.

Instrumental examination methods make it possible to assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, the secretion of gastric juice, the level of acidity, and motor function. With their help, you can detect the presence of tumors, cysts, erosions or ulcers. Usually, to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases, the doctor prescribes FGDS and blood tests. Sometimes the bile ducts and pancreas are also required. Such a complete examination of the digestive system is necessary when it is difficult to make a diagnosis.

If a person doubts whether his digestive organs are functioning normally and whether he should go to the doctor, you can check the stomach and intestines yourself. To do this, you need to squeeze half a glass of juice from raw beets and leave it for a couple of hours. Then drink and observe bowel movements. If it happens quickly and the stool is beet-colored, it means the stomach and intestines are working normally. If your urine is colored and you don’t have bowel movements for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

Gastroscopy

To examine the condition of the gastric and duodenal mucosa, endoscopic examination or fibrogastroduodenoscopy is most often used. This is the most accurate method for identifying gastrointestinal diseases at the initial stage. Gastroscopy is a sounding. The patient swallows a special flexible tube with a camera at the end. With its help, the doctor can examine in detail the condition of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Probing allows you to timely diagnose peptic ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membrane, and take gastric juice for analysis to determine its acidity.

Endoscopic examination can cause discomfort to the patient, although modern devices for this make the procedure as comfortable as possible. But many patients refuse it due to fear of pain or vomiting. In this case, as well as to examine the small intestine, capsule intubation may be prescribed. This is a modern minimally invasive diagnostic method. The patient is asked to swallow a special capsule with a video camera. As it moves through the digestive tract, it will transmit an image to the monitor. Then the capsule comes out naturally.

Gastroscopy is the most informative method of examining the upper digestive tract

X-ray

X-ray diagnostics is the most accessible and cheapest examination method. It allows you to evaluate the thickness of the walls of organs, their shape and size, and see the presence of ulcers, erosions and neoplasms.

One of the types of x-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract is irrigoscopy. This is the name of an examination using contrast agents. When examining the stomach, the patient is given a capsule of barium to drink, and to take pictures of the intestines, this substance is injected through the anus. Barium is opaque to X-rays, allowing for a more accurate image.

Ultrasound

Modern ultrasound diagnostic devices allow you to clearly see the size, location and shape of internal organs, the presence of foreign bodies and tumors. Usually, it is ultrasound that begins the diagnosis when a patient consults a doctor with complaints of abdominal discomfort. This method can be used for preventive purposes, for the timely detection of tumors, decreased intestinal motility, narrowing of the intestinal lumen, and disruption of the sphincters.

Ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract is also used to confirm the diagnosis and to monitor the correctness of treatment. This is necessary for gastritis, gastroduodenitis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, the presence of polyps or cysts, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis. Ultrasound is informative for examining the intestines. Some preparation is required before the procedure. And before the scan itself, liquid is injected into the intestines. This way you can detect the presence of polyps, tumors, and narrowing of the intestinal lumen.

Tomography

If difficulties arise in diagnosis, a computed tomography may be prescribed. It allows you to obtain information about the shape and size of the digestive organs, the condition of bones and muscles, the thickness of the abdominal wall, and the presence of foreign bodies. CT is more informative than x-rays, but the radiation exposure from such an examination is less.

More accurate information about the state of the gastrointestinal tract can be obtained using MRI. This way you can examine the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and ducts. An MRI image allows you to evaluate the condition of blood vessels and lymph nodes, the presence of stones, cysts, polyps or tumors, and the structure of organ tissue.

Bowel examination

Due to the structural features and location of this organ, it is difficult to examine. The condition of the duodenum can be determined by endoscopy through the esophagus. But the probe does not penetrate further. The rectum is viewed during colonoscopy. But the small intestine is more difficult to examine. To identify its pathology, a comprehensive examination using several methods is necessary.

The most commonly used is colonoscopy - examination of the rectum using a probe. It is inserted through the anus. Using a special camera at its end, you can examine the condition of the intestinal walls, the presence of tumors or stagnation of feces. During the procedure, you can take a sample of the mucous membrane for analysis or even remove small polyps. And retromanoscopy also allows you to assess the condition of the large intestine. In this case, a special probe is advanced to a distance of more than 30 cm. It is recommended that every person over 50 years of age undergo such an examination. This makes it possible to detect cancer at an early stage.

Analyzes

Any research methods require certain preparation, without which the result may be distorted. It is usually recommended to prepare for diagnosis 3-5 days before the procedure. There are specific recommendations for each method; the doctor should warn the patient about them. But there are also general recommendations that are related to the specific location and functioning of the digestive organs.

Be sure to follow a diet a few days before the examination. To prevent gas formation, it is recommended to avoid legumes, brown bread, large amounts of fiber, and heavy foods. Approximately 10-12 hours before the procedure, you cannot eat at all; sometimes you are not even allowed to drink water.
It is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol and not smoking, especially 12 hours before the examination.
Sometimes it is recommended to take certain medications that will help cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and improve digestion. These are enterosorbents, enzymes, drugs against nausea and flatulence.
When examining the intestines, you need to take laxatives or do an enema for several days to cleanse it.
Before probing, you can take an anesthetic or antispasmodic. Some people are also advised to take a sedative.

Contraindications

To check your gastrointestinal tract, you must first visit your doctor. It will help you decide which methods are best to use. After all, not all of them are equally informative; in addition, some have contraindications.

An instrumental examination is not performed if the patient has an infection, fever, or acute inflammation. It is also contraindicated in the presence of heart or lung disease, bleeding disorders, or allergies to certain drugs.

Regular examination of the gastrointestinal tract will help identify various pathologies at the initial stage. This will make it easier to treat them without complications.

How to check your intestines? This question often worries many people. Problems of intestinal dysfunction are very relevant today, since the intestine is a complex system that reacts acutely to any changes in the diet. The intestines are a large functional system that is prone to the accumulation of waste, toxins and feces, which clog the lumen and interfere with the normal functioning of all departments. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract cause the development of various pathologies.

When the first symptoms of intestinal dysfunction appear, every person has the question: “How to check the gastrointestinal tract?”, “Which methods are the safest?”, “Is it possible to check the intestines non-invasively?” All these questions arise, and without finding a solution, a person simply ignores his problem, which from discomfort turns into a serious pathology of a chronic nature. As a rule, in order to prescribe adequate and effective treatment, a specialist needs to examine the condition of the small and large intestines. Various methods are used for this. The issue of intestinal diagnostics is especially acute for parents. For children, highly effective methods of examining the gastrointestinal tract are used, which allow assessing its condition quickly and painlessly.

If your stomach or intestines hurt, and the pain is constant, then checking with modern examination methods is simply necessary. As a rule, the doctor himself explains what diagnostic methods exist before the examination. He also prescribes a specific verification method. Before signing up for an intestinal examination, make sure there are no contraindications and consult a specialist.

When is a bowel examination necessary?

Any examinations are prescribed by a doctor if there are appropriate indications. As a rule, the intestines immediately after the appearance of disturbances let you know about this, and characteristic symptoms appear. Symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction can be chronic and periodic. The first complaints about disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract should be accompanied by a trip to the doctor, because in the future even minor symptoms can develop into a serious illness. If you begin to notice alarming symptoms, then it’s time to get tested. Symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction include:

abdominal pain;
bloating and flatulence;
defecation disorders and indigestion;
spasms of the intestinal walls;
hemorrhoids and exacerbation of its course;
irritable bowel syndrome;
impurities of blood, mucus and pus in the stool;
burning and pain during bowel movements.

Sigmoidoscopy allows you to diagnose the rectum and identify cracks and bleeding

The presence of the above symptoms indicates serious disorders of the intestines and requires mandatory treatment. Symptoms may disappear or be constant, but even if they occur rarely, it is necessary to identify the cause of their occurrence. Examination of the colon, in particular the rectum, is a delicate issue. As a rule, many people are afraid of going to the doctor, and they postpone the examination until the symptoms worsen. Before checking your intestines, you need to familiarize yourself with all available diagnostic methods. You can undergo an examination of the gastrointestinal tract only if prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision, since in order to obtain sufficient information about the state of the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to properly prepare.

About Enterosgel for children

Bowel Check Methods

Modern medicine offers many methods for examining the intestines. To trust the intestines, you do not need to undergo painful manipulations. Modern diagnostic methods are simple and painless, so they can also be used to test children. The choice of gastrointestinal examination method depends on the patient’s symptoms and complaints, on the basis of which the doctor determines the most appropriate examination for the intestines.

Before checking the intestines in the laboratory, the doctor conducts a preliminary examination by palpation. After palpation, more informative examination methods are prescribed, which allow a better assessment of the condition of the lower and upper intestines.

The most common methods of modern diagnostics of the gastrointestinal tract:

sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy);
anoscopy;
sphincterometry;
colonoscopy;
radiography;
endoscopy;
computed tomography;
capsule examination.

Ultrasound can detect diseases of the entire gastrointestinal tract

Diagnostic methods are prescribed on an individual basis depending on the departments required for examination. These examination methods not only allow you to assess the condition of the intestines, but also identify existing diseases.

Sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy).
Sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy) is a method for diagnosing the large intestine, which allows you to assess the condition of the rectum to the sigmoid colon. The procedure is carried out using a special device - a retroscope. The device has a built-in camera and light source, which allows you to study the condition of the mucous membrane. This device allows you to diagnose diseases of the rectum and identify cracks and bleeding. During the examination, there is a feeling of distension of the rectum, similar to the desire to empty the bowel movement. This is a very informative examination of the small intestine.
The procedure itself is painless and is often used to examine children. The patient takes a knee-elbow position, and a retroscope is inserted into the anus. In this position, the doctor can assess the condition of the mucous membrane, blood vessels and identify diseases of the lumen of the rectum and anal canal.
Anoscopy.
Anoscopy is the simplest method for diagnosing the anus and its canal. Unlike other examination methods, anoscopy allows you to assess the condition of the anus and rectum by no more than 12 cm. The procedure is prescribed for a preventive examination of children, as well as for the treatment of hemorrhoids in adults. The procedure is very unpleasant, but an anesthetic is used to examine children. This procedure is also indicated for removing foreign objects from the rectum.
Sphycterometry.
Sphycterometry is a procedure to assess the muscle tone of the anus. This method is used to examine children and evaluate the contractility of the sphincters and the ability to retain feces. Using spicterometry, a cellular study is performed and biopsy samples are taken. Using this diagnostic method, it is possible to detect diseases of the rectum, as well as abnormalities in cell development, polyps and the initial development of cancer.
Ultrasound.
Ultrasound examination is an informative method with which you can assess the condition of all parts of the intestine. This is a simple way to check the small intestine, stomach and assess the condition of the large intestine. The diagnostic method is non-invasive, so it is often used to study the state of the gastrointestinal tract in children. Ultrasound allows you to identify diseases of the entire gastrointestinal tract, therefore it is one of the safest examination methods.
Colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is a modern diagnostic method, which is carried out using a colonoscope - a device equipped with a video and photo camera. The end of the colonoscope is inserted into the rectum. It can be used to examine the entire colon and take samples for biopsy. The procedure requires special preparation, since it covers a large volume of the intestinal cavity. Colonoscopy is considered the most reliable way to examine the rectum.
Radiography.
X-ray diagnostics is a research method that uses contrast. The contrast agent fills the lumen and increases the information content of the study. Using X-rays, you can identify any diseases of the abdominal cavity, in particular tumors, abnormalities of structure and function, as well as inflammatory processes. X-rays or irrigoscopy are used to examine both adults and children.
Endoscopy.
Endoscopy is one of the most unpleasant research methods. This procedure involves inserting a special device into the esophagus - an endoscope, which is equipped with a camera. Endoscopy is used to evaluate the condition of the esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy plays a big role in identifying cancer at an early stage.
Computed tomography (CT).
CT is a modern diagnostic method that is used for layer-by-layer examination. This method is effective for diagnosing diseases of the small and large intestines. During the examination, a three-dimensional image of the part of the gastrointestinal tract being examined is created, which makes it possible to obtain reliable results about the condition of the intestine. This is a non-invasive and safe method that can be used to examine children even of primary school age. Using CT, you can evaluate the condition of all organs of the abdominal cavity.
Capsule examination.
Capsule examination is the latest method for diagnosing the gastrointestinal tract. With its help, you can assess the condition of all parts of the intestine. The essence of the method is to swallow a small capsule with a built-in video camera. The capsule slowly moves through the gastrointestinal tract, transmitting information about the condition of the mucous membrane, the presence of pathological processes and tumors.

Before starting self-medication and checking the intestines, it is better to consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination of the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Minor symptoms may hide dangerous pathologies, and their timely identification will speed up recovery.