A patient asks: "My stomach hurts constantly, especially before bedtime and before meals. Now I have some belching and feel gas in my stomach, like it's aching from hunger. Do I need a gastroscopy? I heard it's very painful—is that true?"
As humans consume a variety of grains and foods, life inevitably brings various ailments. Among these, stomach disorders are the most common health issues affecting Chinese people. It is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the diagnostic methods for stomach diseases.
China's Stomach Disease Incidence Data and the Significance of Gastroscopy
Research data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that the global incidence of stomach diseases is extremely high, reaching up to 80%, and is increasingly affecting younger populations.
At least half of these 80% of gastric disease patients are from China. The 2017 "Chinese Consensus on Chronic Gastritis" report indicates that 700 million Chinese suffer from chronic gastritis, with some cases carrying a risk of developing into cancer. It is reported that China sees a staggering 680,000 new gastric cancer cases annually.
Most gastric disorders, including gastric cancer, exhibit subtle early symptoms that are often overlooked. Yet these conditions pose significant life-threatening risks. Routine examinations struggle to detect abnormalities, whereas gastroscopy provides direct, accurate visualization of lesions.
Therefore, regular gastroscopy serves as the optimal method for screening out gastric diseases, particularly for detecting gastric cancer.
How is gastroscopy performed?
Gastroscopy can help patients rule out the vast majority of gastric diseases and effectively screen for gastric cancer. It is also a crucial screening tool in the routine treatment of gastric diseases in hospitals.
Typically, patients must fast and abstain from drinking for 8 hours prior to the procedure. At the hospital, they first register and undergo blood tests to screen for infectious diseases like hepatitis B and syphilis. The second step involves administering local anesthesia to prevent injury from the body's reflexive response to the foreign object during the procedure. Upon entering the examination room, the doctor will provide auxiliary tools such as a bite block and utensils.Finally, during the actual gastroscopy, patients must cooperate by allowing the endoscope to pass through the bite block into the mouth, enabling the doctor to conduct a thorough examination.
During the procedure, patients may experience vomiting, discomfort, or a sensation of a foreign object. However, they must absolutely remain still, as moving could cause the endoscope to shift inside the body and potentially injure the patient. It is best to avoid eating or drinking for 1 to 2 hours after the examination, resuming slowly afterward.
While endoscopy may sound uncomfortable, advancements in medical technology have significantly improved the procedure, minimizing the likelihood of side effects.
Comparison of Different Endoscopy Methods
Traditional endoscopy uses a specialized long, flexible tube with an endoscope attached to its tip. This tube is inserted through the esophagus into the stomach for examination.This method allows doctors to directly and effectively observe lesions for targeted treatment. The drawback is that the procedure carries some risk, and patients with sensitive throats are more likely to experience discomfort such as nausea or vomiting.
Painless gastroscopy essentially incorporates local anesthesia, with refinements in doctor-patient coordination and procedural details. Its primary advantage is significantly reducing risks for safer patient examinations. The drawback is increased time requirements, as anesthesia dosage is critical, and the procedure typically lasts one to two hours, with effects lingering longer for patients.
The most advanced endoscopy technology currently available is capsule endoscopy. This method carries minimal risk and is easily accessible even for patients in poor health. It involves swallowing a capsule with water, completing a precise gastric examination within 15 to 30 minutes—a convenient and effective solution. However, only select tertiary hospitals have adopted this technology, and it comes with a relatively high cost.
High-risk groups for gastric cancer require regular screening even without symptoms
Modern life brings significant stress, leading many to develop gastric disorders. Some of these conditions can easily progress to gastric cancer, necessitating timely prevention. In reality, numerous factors in daily life can trigger gastric cancer, all warranting attention. High-risk groups for gastric cancer particularly need regular check-ups.
Individuals aged 50-60 are in the high-risk period for gastric cancer. Those in this age group should pay attention to stomach discomfort. In addition to annual physical examinations, they should also take any abnormal stomach symptoms seriously.
Helicobacter pylori infection, especially in childhood, increases the risk of gastric cancer by 3 to 5 times compared to the general population.
A family history of gastric cancer significantly increases the risk for immediate relatives.
Precancerous conditions: Many chronic gastric disorders carry cancer risks, such as chronic gastric ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis. Patients should monitor their condition progression and undergo periodic screenings.
Beyond these factors, individuals with long-term unhealthy habits;Residing in areas with unique water or soil conditions; specific occupations, etc., also place individuals at higher risk for gastric cancer. These groups should undergo targeted screenings at least twice a year and maintain vigilance in daily life.
While gastric cancer sounds frightening, early-stage disease is entirely controllable and curable. With proper prevention, both the general population and high-risk groups can effectively manage their risk. Paying attention to bodily signals and undergoing regular gastroscopy are the fundamental keys to maintaining health!