13/07/2026

MONDAY | JULY 13, 2026

26

HEALTH

Not just gastric? Stay calm with answers provided by endoscopy

M ANY Malaysians are quick to blame stomach discomfort on spicy food, coffee or stress. While occasional indigestion is common, persistent symptoms that keep returning or worsen over time should not be ignored. Recurring heartburn, bloating, nausea, upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing or ongoing indigestion may be linked to conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection. In some cases, they can also indicate more serious conditions that require early medical attention. Experts added that over- the-counter medication may temporarily relieve symptoms, but it does not identify the underlying cause. Ultimately, certain symptoms, including frequent heartburn, painful swallowing, persistent nausea, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting blood or passing black stools, should always be assessed by a doctor instead of being repeatedly self-treated. One of the most effective ways to investigate persistent upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is through an upper GI endoscopy. The procedure uses a thin, flexible tube fitted with a high-definition camera to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, allowing doctors to identify the cause of symptoms rather than relying on medication response alone. Despite being a common procedure, many people remain hesitant because they are unsure what an endoscopy involves. Experts mention the most common concerns patients express are fear of pain and the possibility of waking up during the procedure. In reality, patients are required to fast for six to eight hours beforehand to ensure the stomach is empty. They should also inform their doctor about any medications, allergies or existing medical conditions before the examination. During the procedure, sedation is administered intravenously, allowing patients to sleep comfortably throughout. The endoscope is then guided through the mouth to examine the upper digestive tract, with the procedure typically taking less than 10 minutes. Patients generally do not feel or remember the examination. If necessary, doctors may also take a biopsy to test for H. pylori infection or investigate THE number of dengue cases recorded nationwide this year rose 34.8% to 42,848 as of July 9, compared with 31,790 cases recorded during the same period last year. In a statement last week, the Health Ministry said dengue-related deaths increased by 78.9% to 34, up from 19 during the corresponding period in 2025. Epidemiological analysis showed that nearly two-thirds, or 63.5%, of all dengue cases in Malaysia were reported in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Selangor recorded 19,313 cases, a 43.2% increase from the same period last year, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya reported 7,909 cases,

o Persistent heartburn, bloating, stomach pain may be signs of more than indigestion, but early diagnosis, treatment can prove beneficial, life saving to patients abnormalities such as ulcers, polyps or growths. Following the procedure, patients are monitored while the sedation wears off. Mild bloating or a sore throat may occur but usually resolves on its own. While doctors may discuss some findings immediately, biopsy results are generally reviewed during a follow up appointment. Although many upper GI conditions are highly treatable, delayed diagnosis remains a concern. According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry, more than 60% of cancer cases in the country are diagnosed at stage three or four. Globocan 2022 also reports 1,528 new stomach cancer cases and 1,223 related deaths in Malaysia in a single year, highlighting the importance of early detection. Symptom relief should not be mistaken for recovery, as persistent upper GI symptoms may be caused by common conditions or, in some cases, early-stage gastric cancer. The symptoms alone are often not enough to distinguish between the two. Additionally, earlier diagnosis gives doctors more treatment options, whereas cancers detected at a later stage are often significantly more difficult to treat. For patients who remain anxious about undergoing an endoscopy, both specialists Higher case numbers were also recorded in Johor, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Sarawak, Perlis, Terengganu and the Federal Territory of Labuan. “The Klang Valley remains the country’s main dengue hotspot and requires more intensive and coordinated control measures. Although several states have recorded fewer cases compared with the same period last year, this should not lead to complacency. “All states must continue to strengthen and sustain dengue prevention and control measures, as the situation can change rapidly depending on epidemiological, environmental and weather

Digestive issues can easily be overlooked as minor problems when they may actually be far more serious ailments.

conditions,” the ministry said. It said the increase is consistent with dengue’s cyclical epidemiological pattern, under which endemic countries typically experience major outbreaks every three to five years. The ministry said periodic surges are driven by several factors, including changes in population immunity, shifts in dominant dengue virus serotypes and weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature and humidity that favour the breeding and survival of Aedes mosquitoes. Other contributing factors include rapid urbanisation, population movement, environmental conditions, the emphasise the procedure is quick, safe and generally painless. They add that obtaining an accurate diagnosis early not only helps guide appropriate treatment but may also prevent more serious complications from being overlooked. Rather than expecting the worst, an endoscopy provides clarity about what the body may be trying to signal. While many Malaysians may dismiss recurring discomfort as “just gastric”, persistent symptoms deserve proper medical evaluation. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre Damansara consultant upper gastrointestinal and general surgeon Dr Tee Sze Chee and consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and physician Dr Muhammad Ilham Abdul Hafidz.

Despite what one might think, endoscopy is painless. – PICS FROM 123RF

Dengue on the rise: Over 42,000 cases, 34 deaths reported so far in 2026 up 83.8%. presence of enforcement and

continuous intervention

water-holding containers that serve as mosquito breeding sites, and the effectiveness, coverage and sustainability of vector control programmes, as well as active community participation in eliminating Aedes breeding grounds. The ministry said it would continue strengthening dengue prevention and control efforts through a whole-of-nation approach based on the Integrated Vector Management framework. The strategy includes enhanced disease and entomological surveillance, early detection of case increases and outbreaks, vector control, risk communication, community empowerment, law

monitoring

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effectiveness. The ministry also urged all communities, local authorities, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, the private sector and the public to strengthen dengue prevention efforts by ensuring their surroundings remain free of Aedes breeding sites, carrying out regular clean-up activities and seeking early medical attention if dengue symptoms develop. It said it would continue to closely monitor the dengue situation and intensify prevention and control measures to curb transmission, prevent complications and deaths, and protect public health. – Bernama