Upper GI Disorders
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Upper G.I (gastrointestinal) disorders affect the upper part of your digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These conditions can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment at Apollo Endoscopic & Robotic Obesity Centre, Mumbai, relief is possible. One essential diagnostic tool for these conditions is Upper G.I endoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to directly visualize your digestive tract.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common Upper G.I disorders, their symptoms, and treatment options. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as persistent heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal pain, this information will help you understand the potential causes and the next steps.
What Are Upper G.I Disorders?
Upper G.I disorders are a group of conditions that affect the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Some of the most common include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Peptic Ulcers
- Gastritis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Esophagitis
- H. pylori infection
- Fungal Infection (Candidiasis)
- Tumour or Growth
Each of these conditions often requires an Upper G.I endoscopy for proper diagnosis and to rule out more serious complications. Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, recognized as the best G.I Surgeon in Mumbai, performs surgeries with precision and expertise to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a common upper GI disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. This reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis.
Symptoms of GERD:
- Persistent heartburn
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Chest pain, especially after meals
- Difficulty swallowing
Treatment for GERD:
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Medications: Antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce acid production.
- Surgery: In severe cases, a surgical procedure like laparoscopic fundoplication, performed by the best laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, may be recommended to correct the issue.
An Upper G.I endoscopy, is often required to assess the severity of GERD and to check for complications like esophagitis.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are painful sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. One of the leading causes of peptic ulcers is an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers:
- Burning stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Black or tarry stools (a sign of bleeding)
Causes of Peptic Ulcers:
- H. pylori infection: This bacterium weakens the stomach’s protective lining, allowing acid to cause ulcers.
- NSAIDs: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach lining.
Treatment for Peptic Ulcers:
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection
- Acid-reducing medications like PPIs
- Endoscopy to confirm the presence and location of ulcers
For accurate diagnosis, an Upper G.I Endoscopy is typically performed to visualize the ulcer and, in some cases, to take a biopsy. Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, known as the best G.I Surgeon in Mumbai, ensures a thorough and safe procedure.
H. Pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection that affects the stomach lining and is a major cause of peptic ulcers and gastritis.
Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
How H. Pylori Is Diagnosed:
Upper G.I endoscopy is often used to take biopsies from the stomach lining, which can then be tested using Rapid Urease Test kit (RUT Kit) for the presence of H. pylori. If the infection is confirmed, treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.
Treatment for H. Pylori:
- Antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production and allow the stomach to heal
For expert diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori, Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, a top G.I Specialist in Mumbai, is highly experienced in performing Upper G.I Endoscopy for accurate detection.
Gastritis
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining and can be either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term). The most common cause of chronic gastritis is an H. pylori infection.
Symptoms of Gastritis:
- Abdominal pain or burning sensation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Black stools (if there is bleeding)
Treatment for Gastritis:
- Antibiotics if caused by H. pylori
- Acid-reducing medications
- Avoiding substances like NSAIDs, alcohol, and spicy foods
An Upper GI endoscopy is often required to diagnose gastritis and to assess the extent of the inflammation. With years of expertise, Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, known as the best G.I Surgeon in Mumbai, ensure accurate and timely diagnosis.
Hiatus Hernia
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition often mimics the symptoms of GERD.
Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
Treatment for Hiatal Hernia:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down after eating.
- Medications: Similar to those used for GERD, including antacids and PPIs.
- Surgery: For more severe cases, Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, a best Laparoscopic and Robotic surgeon in Mumbai, may perform minimally invasive surgery to correct the hernia.
An Upper G.I endoscopy helps confirm the diagnosis of a hiatal hernia and assess any related complications.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe), often caused by GERD, infections, or certain medications. If left untreated, esophagitis can lead to difficulty swallowing and chronic pain.
Symptoms of Esophagitis:
- Painful swallowing
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Acid reflux
Treatment for Esophagitis:
- Medications to reduce acid and inflammation
- Antibiotics if caused by infection
An Upper G.I Endoscopy is a critical diagnostic tool to assess the severity of esophagitis. Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, a G.I Specialist in Mumbai, uses advanced techniques during endoscopy to provide precise and effective treatment.
Conclusion
Upper GI disorders such as GERD, peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection, and gastritis require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. One of the most important diagnostic tools for these conditions is Upper G.I Endoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to look inside the digestive system and identify problems early.
For accurate diagnosis and expert care, consult Dr. Anuj Naresh Singhi, widely recognized as the best G.I Surgeon in Mumbai. With his advanced expertise in Laparoscopic surgery, and GI treatments, you can trust that you’ll receive the best care possible for your digestive health at Apollo Endoscopy, Laparoscopy & Robotic Obesity Centre, Mumbai. Don’t wait—get the treatment you need today!
