Bust your Bellyache and Digestive Issues with our Tests for Gastrointestinal Problems

Gastrointestinal disorders include all diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, namely the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, along with the accessory organs of digestion, the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Most gastrointestinal disorders can be successfully treated with medications or surgery

Problems with the digestive track may be an indication of the following gastrointestinal disorders:

• Crohn’s Disease: Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which can occur anywhere in the GI tract. It often occurs in the intestinal area, and can result in stomach pain, watery diarrhea and fatigue.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD or heartburn): GERD occurs when food or liquid travels from the stomach back up into the esophagus (the tube that travels from the mouth to the stomach). This partially digested material is often acidic and can irritate the esophageal sphincter, often causing a burning sensation and problems swallowing. If left untreated GERD can permanently damage the lining of the esophagus.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS, which occurs in the lower part of the intestinal tract, is characterized by abdominal cramping with alternating diarrhea and constipation, although one may be more common than the other. Symptoms of IBS may be worsened by emotional stress. IBS is also known as spastic colon, functional colitis, and irritable colon.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): Peptic ulcers occur in the GI tract when gastric (stomach) acid is exposed to the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. They are commonly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori that lives in the acid contents of the stomach.
• SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, known as “SIBO” is a potentially serious condition affecting the small intestine. It occurs when bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. You may commonly experience belly pains, diarrhea, bloating and nausea.

Abdominal pain is common, but the severity of symptoms you may experience ranges from minor to life-threatening. It could, for example, be as simple as an upset tummy after a big meal, as complex as the onset of a debilitating disease like Crohn’s – or as critical as to require immediate surgery to remove part of your intestine.

Gastrointestinal tests and procedures are very important in cases where a symptom is acute or chronic. It will allow you to quickly rule out serious conditions – or take action if one is initially detected.

Our at-home gastrointestinal diagnostic tests are the first simple step to get to the root of what ails you. After all, feeling better could require just a simple treatment involving diet and lifestyle changes.

Where more serious conditions are detected, our medical professionals will guide you accordingly. They may direct you to gastrointestinal specialists to take a series of more complex tests that could include:

• Barium Swallow
• Barium Enema
• Esophageal Manometry
• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscope
• Anorectal manometry
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Upper GI Endoscopy
• Pancreas Scan
• Liver Scan
• Colonoscopy
• PCR test
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Abdominal X-ray
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• CT Scan of the Abdomen
• CT Scan of the Liver and Biliary Tract
• CT Scan of the Pancreas
• Laparoscopy
• Virtual Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Colectomy
• Proctectomy

You are more likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders if you

• Drink too much alcohol
• Smoke
• Eat too much fat and sugar
• Eat too little dietary fiber
• Drink too few fluids (water)
• Have a family history of gastrointestinal disorders

• Chronic and recurrent Abdominal pain
• Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Dyspepsia/Indigestion
• Lumps in the throat
• Problems swallowing
• Sour taste in the mouth or hyper-salivation
• Hiccups
• Belching, Bloating, Flatulence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rumination
• Chest pain

Stomach complaints, indigestion, irregular bowel movements and abdominal pain can significantly interfere with your daily function at home, work or in your social life. Be sure to take a test if any of the above symptoms occur on a regular, ongoing basis.

Our gastrointestinal diagnostic tests are easy to administer at home with results delivered back to you via email or a call with a healthcare professional within just a few days. You’ll get caring, confidential medical support each step of the way and tailored advice and next steps to treat your gastrointestinal disorder.