Reflux, Swallowing & Upper GI Disorders
Symptoms from the oesophagus and stomach can overlap. Care focuses on understanding the symptom pattern, identifying alarm features and selecting the investigation most likely to answer the clinical question.
Symptoms we assess
Heartburn, acid regurgitation, difficulty or pain with swallowing, food sticking, persistent upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, unexplained anaemia and selected chest symptoms may require gastroenterology assessment.
Reflux and indigestion
Many patients improve with lifestyle measures and medication, but persistent or atypical symptoms sometimes require gastroscopy or physiological testing to clarify whether reflux is truly responsible.
Difficulty swallowing
Swallowing difficulty may arise from narrowing, inflammation or a disorder of oesophageal movement. Gastroscopy is often an important first test, with oesophageal manometry used when a motility disorder is suspected.
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy allows direct examination of the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel, with biopsies where appropriate. It may help investigate reflux complications, ulcers, inflammation, anaemia and swallowing symptoms.
Oesophageal manometry & analysis
Manometry measures the pressure and coordination of oesophageal contractions and the function of the sphincters. The study is analysed in the context of the patient’s symptoms to help diagnose selected motility disorders.
When symptoms are urgent
Vomiting blood, black stools, an inability to swallow, food stuck in the oesophagus, progressive swallowing difficulty or significant unexplained weight loss warrants prompt medical assessment.
Need a gastroenterology assessment?
If you would like to arrange a consultation, you can request an appointment with the practice.
Request an appointment