Persistent Bloating and Nausea: Should You Consider an Endoscopy?

Q: Persistent Bloating and Nausea: Should You Consider an Endoscopy?

Hello Ms. <br>Yang Yang： If you are still feeling unwell, you can discuss with your physician whether a gastroscopy is necessary. <br>Director Cai Jin-ji from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.

Abdominal bloating and nausea?

In July of this year, I experienced bloating and nausea two hours after meals.
I went to the hospital and took medication for a month, and also underwent a radiological examination of my stomach.
Ultimately, they only mentioned that I had slightly elevated stomach acid, but no major issues were found.
However, even though I no longer have problems with appetite, I still frequently experience bloating.
In recent days, I've started to feel discomfort in my stomach again, with symptoms including a sensation of something stuck in my throat, along with bloating and chest tightness.
My food intake has also decreased, and there have been several occasions where I had to vomit to relieve the discomfort.
Should I consider getting an endoscopy to investigate further?

Yang Yang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/27

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Ms.
Yang Yang: If you are still feeling unwell, you can discuss with your physician whether a gastroscopy is necessary.
Director Cai Jin-ji from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2023/10/27

More Info

Persistent bloating and nausea can be quite distressing and may indicate underlying gastrointestinal issues that warrant further investigation. Given your symptoms of bloating, nausea, and discomfort in the throat and chest, it is reasonable to consider an endoscopy, particularly if these symptoms have persisted despite previous treatments.

Endoscopy, specifically an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, allows for direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This procedure can help identify various conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, esophageal reflux, or even more serious issues like tumors or strictures. Your history of increased gastric acid and previous treatments suggests that there may be an underlying condition that has not been fully addressed.

In your case, the persistent bloating and nausea, along with the sensation of something being stuck in your throat, could indicate several possibilities. One common condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, nausea, and a sensation of fullness. Another possibility is gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating and nausea.

The fact that you have experienced a reduction in appetite and episodes of vomiting to relieve discomfort raises additional concerns. These symptoms could suggest that food is not moving properly through your digestive system, which could be due to a blockage, motility disorder, or inflammation. An endoscopy can help rule out these conditions by allowing the physician to see any abnormalities directly.

Moreover, if there are concerns about potential malignancies, especially given your history of gastric issues, an endoscopy can also facilitate biopsies of any suspicious areas. This is crucial for early detection and treatment of conditions like gastric cancer, which can present with vague symptoms such as bloating and nausea.

In summary, considering your ongoing symptoms and the impact they have on your quality of life, it would be prudent to discuss the option of an upper GI endoscopy with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms in the context of your medical history and determine the most appropriate course of action. Early intervention can lead to better management of any underlying conditions and improve your overall well-being.

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