IBS Explained

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that affects the bowel and is characterized by pain in the abdomen, gas, constipation, diarrhea, bouts of nausea, and tiredness.

IBS is a relatively common condition that is difficult to diagnose. It can affect any person at any age, but it is most common in young adults.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to be a disorder of the gut itself.

Symptoms can vary from mild to intense and from person to person. There are a number of treatments, but it can be difficult to find one that works for everyone.

The symptoms of IBS come and go and usually the severity of the symptoms varies too.
The most common symptoms of IBS are:  Abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

IBS usually doesn’t have any long-term health consequences, but it does cause a lot of pain.

IBS is a common medical syndrome with significant impact. There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms may be relieved by self-help strategies or medical management.

 

Symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of IBS come and go and usually the severity of the symptoms varies too.

The most common symptoms of IBS are:

• Abdominal pain
• Irregular bowel movements
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Excessive gas
• Fecal urgency
• Vomiting

IBS usually doesn’t have any long-term health consequences, but it does cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

 

Diagnosis of IBS

Before you can treat IBS symptoms effectively, you need to properly diagnose them.

However, diagnosing a person’s condition is not as easy as prescribing a quick fix or putting them under a microscope.

Diagnosing IBS involves not only observing the symptoms but also considering every other physical and mental health factor that may be contributing to the problem.

Diagnosing IBS includes performing several tests, including blood work and other bodily fluids to determine if there are underlying infections or internal illnesses including, but not limited to: Crohn’s Disease, Celiac Disease and Parasites.

Some common triggers of IBS are cause by:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Allergy
• Diet

Diagnostic procedures can include:

• Colonoscopy
• X-ray or CT scan
• Upper endoscopy

Laboratory tests can include:

• Lactose intolerance tests
• Breath test for bacterial overgrowth
• Stool tests

 

Diet for IBS

People with IBS struggle with abdominal pain and frequent stomach upset. A person can have IBS if they have a sensitive gut or a more serious medical condition like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

Some people might notice that they feel better after taking Imodium or other diarrhea medication.  Doctors still recommend diet changes to help reduce symptoms.

Some experts recommend that people with IBS incorporate soluble fiber into their diet to help decrease symptoms.

Soluble fiber is found in:  oats, rice, barley, figs, prunes, peas, legumes, tomato sauce, and raisins.

 

IBS Medications

IBS Medications are an essential part of IBS treatment. There are many medications prescribed for IBS.

If your IBS is not well-controlled with lifestyle or dietary changes, your doctor may prescribe one or more of these medications. The three categories of IBS medications are laxatives, antidiarrheal agents, and drugs for pain relief.

Laxatives are often prescribed for constipation-predominant IBS. These are important because overdry stool can cause cramping.

Antidiarrheal agents reduce diarrhea and bloating in patients with IBS with diarrhea.

 

 

IBS Tests and Procedures

The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.

For diagnosis, a physician may perform an endoscopy, blood tests for celiac disease, and a stool sample. Diagnosis for IBS often starts with checking for constipation and diarrhoea.

The physician will also examine the patient and ask about symptoms and health history. Occasionally, a CT scan or an MRI is used to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue.

If celiac disease is suspected, the physician may perform a biopsy of the small intestine to rule it out.

Depending on the diagnosis, the physician may also recommend treatments including fiber supplements for constipation and fiber-enriched foods.

 

IBS and FODMAP Groups

The most common symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas.

Symptoms may also be different for individuals with IBS.
Diet is one of the most important management tools for IBS.

FODMAPs are sugars with the following functional groups: fructose, fructans, galactans, polyols, and lactose.

They are found in foods rich in fiber, with the exception of fructose found in fruits.

These are some types of foods that are most eaten by people with IBS:

• Fresh produce
• Most meats
• Eggs
• Grains

Dairy can be an issue for some individuals, and it is recommended that they consume lactose free products

 

IBS Exercise

Knowing which exercises will be most helpful for irritable bowel syndrome patients is not always easy. But there are many different remedies available in order to make the activity of living with the condition better.

Gentle or low-impact activities such as walking, yoga, light cycling, tai chi, or swimming can help reduce stress and improve fitness.

Making an effort to get the best treatment possible can do a lot to ease symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and make life easier for those suffering from it.

 

 

Avoiding IBS Triggers

Caffeine
One of the many IBS triggers is caffeine; it causes symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain often related to the bloating of gas, noted by those afflicted with IBS.

The symptoms are aggravated after a period of time rather than a one-time consumption which reinforces caffeine as one of the severe ibs triggers.

Stressful Situations
Uncontrolled stress can be one of the most detrimental factors for people suffering from IBS.

Foods:
High-fiber products, found in cereals, grains, pastas and processed foods.

Gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils, carbonated beverages and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower.

IBS is especially prevalent in women. Watch what you eat: There are several foods which are easier to digest than others, including bananas, oatmeal, and apples.

Sip water or other non-caffeinated beverages often: This will help keep you hydrated and reduce constipation. Take your medication as prescribed.

 

Healing Your Gut

In addition to the laundry list of symptoms that come with IBS, this condition is also associated with the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria that live in your intestines that help to digest food, protect against infections, and help the immune system function properly.

Research has shown that people with IBS tend to have lower levels of species of bacteria associated with healthy gut function. The key question is how does this happen?

Normally the balance of bacteria in your gut is controlled by things like diet, stress, and sleep.

However, if the small intestine sends too much material back to the stomach (a condition called reflux), it can trigger an imbalance in the gut.

 

 

What is the best probiotic for IBS?

 

The human body is an amazing thing. It can do things that seem impossible to many people. Your body has the ability to heal itself after any type of injury.

Yet, it can be difficult for your body to heal itself when you suffer from IBS. So how do you help your body heal itself?

Probiotics can be a great way to help your gut heal and feel better. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestines and stomach.

When you have IBS, there is too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria.

So, by balancing the good and bad bacteria, your digestive system can feel better and stay on more of a regular schedule.

Dr. Schneider is here to provide you with expert medical advice in the field of gastroenterology.

Book an appointment online or contact us  on 011 482-3010 to find out more. 

GIDocJHB is lead by Dr. Schneider and an expert team focused on Gastrointestinal health, care, and management.

Our team is highly trained, with extensive experience and a friendly attitude, making us approachable and easy to speak too.

An ideal time to treat any condition is at the earliest possible stage.

Alongside prompt diagnosis and treatment, screening for intestinal worms early offers significant benefits and can reduce negative and dangerous side effects.

Our focus is on helping you and your family maintain the best quality of life.

Whether you are young or old, privately insured or not, GIDOCJHB pride ourselves on accessibility, ability, and affordability.

What is Deworming?

Deworming is the process of expelling intestinal worms or parasitic worms from the body by administering an anthelmintic medicine/drug.

In more simple terms, it is a medicated process to kill worms.

Why is Deworming Important?

Parasitic worms can lead to malnutrition. Deworming tablets allows people to absorb the critical nutrients needed to be and stay healthy.

Parasitic worms and their larvae are generally found in contaminated food and water in poor communities or areas where cleaning does not frequently happen. 

Those who walk without wearing any socks or shoes in high-risk areas are most likely to contract worms.

Read more about What to do about intestinal worms here

 

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Common symptoms of intestinal worms are:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Gas/bloating
• Redness or rash on the buttocks
• Fatigue
• Urinating frequently
• Weight loss
• Tiredness, weakness or hunger due to worms.
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Dehydration
• Blood in the stool

 

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Schneider

 

Diagnosing Worms

Gastroenterologists may recommend several different tests to help them diagnose intestinal worms. These tests may include:

• Fecal tests to check for signs of infection
• Blood tests to detect some types of parasite
• Colonoscopy, which uses a thin camera to check the bowel for parasites
• Imaging tests to check other organs for signs of damage from the parasite
• Tape tests – A tape test involves placing a piece of tape over the anus as the person sleeps to check for signs of eggs.
• Checking Fingernails – As your hands are the primary mode of transferring worms inside the body through ingestion, worms often leave their eggs under the fingernails. Your gastroenterologist will examine the area under your fingernails to determine the presence of worms.

 

Treatment of Intestinal Worms

Although intestinal worms sound like a serious medical condition, treatment is often straightforward.

In some cases, the person may not need any treatment or medication at all if they have a healthy immune system.

In other cases, gastroenterologists will sometimes choose to monitor the person first to see if their body can take care of the worm before moving on to medication.

During this period, the individual should report any symptoms they might be having.

In other cases, gastroenterologists will use one or more antiparasitic medications to get rid of the intestinal worm.

In addition to the medicine that kills the intestinal worm, you may need medicine to reduce inflammation or other symptoms, like nausea, that you’re having.

Everyone in your family should be treated, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Other Prevention and Home Treatment Remedies

 

One of the more important aspects of prevention is basic sanitation.

For example, people should always wash their hands both before and after using the toilet to avoid possible exposure.

Washing the hands before cooking or handling food is also essential.

Many intestinal worms enter the body through the food that a person eats. As a result, it is essential to follow some safe food and general cleanliness practices:

• Do not defecate in the open, always use a toilet
• Disinfect your toilet seat regularly
• Cook meat properly before eating
• Always wash your hands properly with water and soap before eating & after using the toilet
• Always trim your nails and keep them short & clean
• Always wear slippers or shoes while using the toilet
• Never leave food uncovered
• Always drink filtered or bottled water
• Do not ever eat raw vegetables and fruits without washing them with clean water

Some home remedies are also beneficial for deworming and to ease the discomfort:

• Garlic – Raw garlic is charged with amino acids containing sulphur, which act as natural deworm for children by killing parasites and expelling them out of your body for good.
• Pumpkin seeds – are rich in cucurbitacin, which can paralyze worms and make it impossible for them to survive inside the body.
• Raw Papaya is known for its medicinal properties due to an enzyme Papain found in it. This enzyme works as an anthelmintic which kills intestinal worms whereas papaya seeds help to expel worms out of the body.
• Carrots – are rich in Vitamin A, known for immune-boosting properties which help your body to fight against intestinal worms.
• Turmeric is famous for its medicinal and antiseptic properties for long. It helps to eliminate parasitic worms from your body and also in healing internally.
• Coconuts are rich in lauric acid, which forms into monolaurin, a compound known for enhancing immunity. A strong immune system helps your body ward off or eradicate parasitic worms from your body.

 

FAQ about Deworming

1. What is the Importance of Deworming in Adults?

Deworming is advised at least once a year. adults need deworming because there is a mild chance of parasites getting in our body orally either due to poor hygiene or outside food.

2. How Frequently Should I Deworm My Child?

We recommend at least once every six months.

3. Who’s Supposed to Deworm?

Everyone who is at risk of getting worm infestation is supposed to deworm. More particularly, it’s needed for toddlers and small children.

Also, grown-ups with poor body or food hygiene due to poor living conditions or unclean habits, people handling pets or raw meat and persons who walk barefoot ought to deworm.

4. Can Babies Get Worms?

Yes, everyone is susceptible to intestinal worms, regardless of their age.

5. Is There a Particular Age for Deworming?

Kids above the age of 2 can be dewormed.

 

The expert team at GIDOCJHB in Johannesburg is committed to helping you maintain your digestive health with a full range of medical services from diagnosis to management.

Our facilities are well equipped and we are able to perform diagnostic services and treatments using the latest techniques.

Our focus is on helping you and your family maintain the best quality of life.

Whether you are young or old, privately insured or not, GIDOCJHB pride ourselves on accessibility, ability and affordability.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Make an appointment to see Dr Schneider and enjoy a healthier tomorrow.

 

What is Celiac Disease?

 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder that’s triggered when you eat gluten.

Celiac disease is also known as:
• sprue
• nontropical sprue
• gluten-sensitive enteropathy

More information can be found here:

 

Causes of Celiac Disease

Your genes combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors can contribute to celiac disease, but the precise cause isn’t known.

Infant-feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections and gut bacteria might contribute, as well.

Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection or severe emotional stress.

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune response in the small intestine.

Over a period of time, this reaction damages your small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients.

The intestinal damage often causes diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and even anaemia.

Normally, the body’s immune system is designed to protect it from outside invaders.

When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, their immune system forms antibodies to gluten, which then attack the lining of the intestine.

 

Who is at Risk for Celiac Disease?

 

Celiac disease tends to be more common in people who have:

• A family member with celiac disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• lupus
• rheumatoid arthritis
• lactose intolerance
• Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• Intestinal cancer
• Microscopic colitis (lymphocytic or collagenous colitis)
• Addison’s disease
• People who have other autoimmune diseases.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of celiac disease and accidentally eat something with gluten in it, vary among sufferers and include:

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss and anaemia
• Depression, irritability, and panic attacks
• Bloating and gas
• Bone and joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Nerve damage, leading to tingling in the legs and feet
• Blood in the stools or in the urine
• Migraine headaches
• Mouth sores and tooth discolouration
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

Symptoms can improve within days of removing gluten from the diet.

However, you shouldn’t stop eating gluten until a diagnosis is made.

Removing gluten prematurely may interfere with test results and lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.

 

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Schneider

 

How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

 

If your gastroenterologist thinks you might have celiac disease, he or she will perform a careful physical examination and will discuss your medical history with you.

They may also perform a blood test to measure levels of antibodies to gluten.

People with celiac disease have higher levels of certain antibodies in their blood.

A stool sample may be tested to detect fat in the stool since celiac disease prevents fat from being absorbed from food.

In cases where blood test or skin biopsy results are inconclusive, an upper endoscopy can be used to test for celiac disease.

During an upper endoscopy, a thin tube called an endoscope is threaded through the mouth and down into the small intestines.

A small camera attached to the endoscope allows the doctor to examine the intestines and to check for damage to the villi.

 

Treatment

 

The only way to treat celiac disease is to permanently remove gluten from your diet.

This allows the intestinal villi to heal and to begin absorbing nutrients properly.

If necessary, your gastroenterologist will recommend a dietitian to work with and teach you how to avoid gluten while following a nutritious and healthy diet.

They will also give you instructions on how to read food and product labels so you can identify any ingredients that contain gluten.

Removing gluten from your diet will gradually reduce inflammation in your small intestine, causing you to feel better and eventually heal.

Children tend to heal more quickly than adults.

Gluten can be hidden in foods, medications and nonfood products, including:

• Modified food starch, preservatives and food stabilizers
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Herbal and nutritional supplements
• Lipstick products
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Envelope and stamp glue
• Playdough

You’ll have to remain on this diet for the rest of your life; eating any gluten at all can damage your intestine and restart the problem.

 

Foods to Eat

 

A gluten-free diet is not that different from most healthy diets.

In addition to avoiding packaged or processed foods, you would fill your plate with naturally wholesome gluten-free foods such as:

• Eggs
• Dairy including yoghurt, butter, and non-processed cheeses (but check the label of flavoured dairy products)
• Fruits and vegetables including most of which are canned or dried
• Grains including rice, quinoa, corn, millet, tapioca, buckwheat, amaranth, arrowroot, teff, and gluten-free oats
• Legumes like beans, lentils, peas, peanuts
• Meat, poultry, and fish (not breaded or battered)
• Non-gluten starches including potato flour, cornflour, chickpea flour, soy flour, almond meal/flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour
• Nuts and seeds
• Soy foods like tofu, tempeh, and edamame
• Tamari (a good substitute for soy sauce)
• Vegetable oils (preferably monounsaturated or polyunsaturated).

 

Follow-up Care

 

Medical follow-up at regular intervals can ensure that your symptoms have responded to a gluten-free diet.

Your gastroenterologist will monitor your response with blood tests.

For most people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet will allow the small intestine to heal.

For children, that usually takes three to six months.

For adults, complete healing might take several years if you follow a consistent diet and treatment plan.

If you continue to have symptoms or if symptoms recur, discuss this with your gastroenterologist who will be able to advise you what to do next.

GIDocJHB specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases affecting the digestive system.

We provide you with prompt on-site access to consultant-delivered medical care for your digestive problems.

Our lead clinician, Dr. Schneider, takes a patient-centered approach to diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, including acid reflux,  indigestion, Barrett’s oesophagus, stomach ulcers, Coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

In addition to offering best in-class medical treatments, Dr Schneider actively promotes a healthy diet as a key component to restoring and maintaining good digestive health.

 

Schedule a Meeting With Dr. Schneider

 

Thousands of years ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine famously said, “All disease begins in the gut” and “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.

This is as important today as it was many generations ago.

If you have an unhealthy gut it can have a big impact on our overall health and especially the appearance of your skin, including spots, inflammation and eczema.

The gut microbiome is the bacteria found in your intestines that influences your overall health, especially your skin.

Skin problems and gut issues have a long-proven history of connection. During your adolescent years, chances are you must have heard a lot of advice on what foods to eat to prevent acne and skin breakouts.

More and more studies are coming out demonstrating a strong association between skin disorders and gut health, leading many health professionals to determine there is a gut-skin axis.

Could keeping your gut healthy be the key to having flawless, radiant skin? Let’s find out.

 

 

Gut Health = Overall Health

Have you ever heard the saying “you are what you eat”?

Sometimes when problem skin conditions persist and do not respond well to skin care products and treatments, the source of the issue may be in the gut.

The primary role of the gut is to absorb the nutrients from your food that your body needs for growth, repair, and normal functioning. Our hair, nails and skin are usually the first places in which we notice changes.

This is because when nutrients are in short supply, the body drives nutrients towards essential organs like the heart, brain and liver.

Unlike other organs, you can easily touch, see and check your skin health daily, so it’s an outside visual indicator of what’s going on inside your body.

Acne, facial redness, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin are all skin conditions which can have the same root cause; poor gut health and gut function, so it makes sense that the health of your gut is fundamental to having healthy, clear skin.

Important Steps You Can Take to Healing Your Gut and Skin

1. Lower Your Stress Levels

High levels of stress can impact your entire body, including your gut. Some ways to lower stress may include working towards your goals, learning a new skill, walking, or spending time with friends or loved ones.

 

2. Take a Probiotic

Speak to your doctor about adding a probiotic to your daily routine. Some probiotics have been shown to help with acne while other strains help with rosacea.

 

3. Eat Slowly

Chewing your food, eating smaller portions and eating slower can help promote full digestion and absorption of nutrients. This may help you reduce digestive discomfort and maintain a healthy gut.

 

4. Identify and Eliminate Problem Foods

If you want more glowing skin, you need to figure out what is causing your skin not to glow in the first place.

For many people things like gluten, dairy and caffeine can contribute to poor gut health and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or acne.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Not getting enough quality of sleep can have serious effects on your gut health. Try to prioritize getting at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drinking filtered water has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Staying hydrated is a simple way to promote a healthy gut.

Be sure to take a water bottle with you when you leave the house, so you’re never caught out while on the go.

 

7. Take a Multivitamin

Taking a multivitamin can also ensure you’re receiving adequate levels of skin-beautifying vitamins and minerals for a glowing appearance.

8. Improve Your Diet

Reducing the amount of processed, high-sugar, high-carbs and high-fat foods that you eat can contribute to better overall gut health.

Studies have shown that eating plant-based foods and lean protein can positively impact your gut. A diet high in fibre has been shown to contribute tremendously to a healthy gut microbiome. 

Read more about the best foods for gut health here.

9. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise promotes movement of the gut and promotes blood flow to the skin which is an important step to having radiant, glowing skin.

Remember, the main step in healing your gut and skin is to make sure that your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs through a balanced and consistent diet including a variety of coloured plant foods.

Fruits and vegetables are the richest sources of nutrients and should make up the foundation of your diet.

Other foods to include are whole grains, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meats and fish, and whole-food fats like organic butter, avocado, and unrefined plant oils.

 

Dr Schneider is a highly qualified Gastroenterologist who specialises in Endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and other stomach problems at Milpark Hospital, Parktown, Johannesburg.

GIDOCJHB provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures. These include gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ERCP.

Dr Schneider has a special interest in capsule endoscopy and in the management of patients with gastrointestinal tumours.

We are dedicated to providing the best, personalised healthcare along with informed health advice and treatment.

What is a Video Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy (also referred to as a video capsule endoscopy) looks at the inside of your oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Your gastroenterologist will give you a pill-sized capsule for you to swallow, which has wireless video camera functionality. 

As the capsule travels through your digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder you wear on a belt around your waist.

These pictures are sent to a small recording device you have to wear on your body.

Your gastroenterologist will be able to view these pictures at a later time and will be able to provide you with useful information regarding your small intestine.

 

 

Why is Capsule Endoscopy Done?

Capsule endoscopy is used to examine the small intestine that cannot be seen with other types of endoscopy or colonoscopy.

The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a bleeding cause from the small intestine and for suspected or confirmed Crohn’s disease .

It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and tumours of the small intestine.

Your doctor might recommend a capsule endoscopy procedure to: 

• Diagnose unexplained abdominal pain
• Find the cause of GI bleeding
• Screen for tumours, polyps, or ulcers
• Diagnose Celiac Disease
• Diagnosing Crohn’s disease
• Do follow-up testing after X-rays or other imaging tests
• Diagnose certain cancers

Unlike endoscopy or colonoscopy, which can be used to remove polyps (polypectomy), capsule endoscopy can only be used for visual diagnoses, not treatment.

 

Schedule an Appointment With Dr Schneider

What to Expect Before the Procedure?

You will receive preparation instructions before the examination from your gastroenterologist.

To keep the medication from interfering with the camera, your doctor might ask you not to take certain medications before the procedure.

Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as swallowing disorders and heart or lung disease.

Tell your doctor of any previous abdominal surgery, or previous history of bowel obstructions in the bowel, inflammatory bowel disease, or adhesions.

Timing

The capsule endoscopy test is always scheduled for early in the morning.

To help the camera capture clear images of your digestive tract, you’ll be asked to fast for at least 12 hours before the procedure.

In some cases, your doctor may ask you to take a laxative before your capsule endoscopy to flush out your small intestine.

This has been shown to improve the quality of the pictures collected by the capsule’s camera.

Location

Capsule endoscopy is more always performed at a gastroenterologists office, a gastroenterology procedure unit of a hospital, or an accredited endoscopy centre available in some cities.

What to Wear

To reduce sweat and make the test easier, we recommend wearing a light cotton T-shirt.

Your outfit should be one you won’t need to change out of for at least eight hours, as the equipment must remain in place until the test is over.

 

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Capsule endoscopy is a relatively straightforward procedure and most patients consider the test comfortable.

A sensor belt will be strapped around your waist over your shirt. 

Once all the equipment is in place and checked out, you will swallow the camera capsule with water. A slippery coating makes it easier to swallow.

You are then free to leave, drive, and even return to work if appropriate.

You must avoid physical activity and follow specific dietary guidelines throughout the day.

 

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Wait two hours after you swallow the capsule to resume drinking any liquids. After four to five hours, you can have a light lunch or a snack recommended by your gastroenterologist.

The capsule endoscopy procedure is complete after eight hours or when you see the camera capsule in the toilet after a bowel movement, whichever comes first.

It may take some people hours or days to evacuate the capsule, but most people pass it in 24 to 72 hours.

If you are unable to spot the pill-cam in your stools after two weeks, call your doctor. An X-ray may be needed to see if the device is stuck somewhere in your digestive tract.

 

Getting Your Results

It may take a few days or up to 2 weeks for the medical team to look at all the pictures. They send the results to the gastroenterologist who arranged the test.

If you have not heard about the result within a couple of weeks after your test, contact your gastroenterologist.

 

Interpreting the Results

The final report will contain a list of normal and abnormal findings.

It will also include details about bowel preparation, the quality of bowel preparation, the extent and completeness of the exam, relevant findings and other important information.