Occasional heartburn, constipation, or bloating may seem like a normal part of getting older, but persistent digestive symptoms should never be ignored. In many cases, early evaluation can identify treatable conditions before they become more serious.
Routine and advanced gastrointestinal screenings play an important role in detecting diseases at their earliest stages, often before symptoms develop.
Dr. Prem Chattoo is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Hudson River Gastroenterology in New York. His expertise includes knowing when additional testing is appropriate to protect your long-term health and provide valuable peace of mind.
Here’s what our team wants you to know about advanced digestive health screenings after age 50.
As we age, the digestive tract naturally changes. For instance, the muscles that move food through the intestines may slow down, stomach acid production may fluctuate, and the balance of gut bacteria may shift.
These age-related changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Although these concerns are common, they’re not always simply "part of aging." Ongoing symptoms deserve a professional evaluation to determine whether an underlying condition is responsible.
For many adults, colorectal cancer screening begins at age 45, per the most recent guidelines. However, some individuals may benefit from earlier or different diagnostic testing based on their medical history, symptoms, or family history.
You may need additional or early evaluation if you experience:
A family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s), or certain hereditary digestive disorders may also require early or advanced screening studies.
Rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, advanced screening can often provide answers sooner and guide appropriate treatment.
For instance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common condition that causes chronic abdominal pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Once diagnosed, IBS often responds very well to dietary changes, stress management, and medications to treat symptoms.
While colonoscopy may be the most recognizable screening, numerous other tests can help identify digestive complaints.
Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, Dr. Chattoo may recommend:
A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer and removing precancerous polyps during the same procedure. It also helps diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and other conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
If you have persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing, chronic nausea, or unexplained upper abdominal pain, an upper endoscopy allows Dr. Chattoo to examine the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.
This test can identify ulcers, Barrett's esophagus, inflammation, and other abnormalities.
Some areas of the small intestine can’t be easily seen with traditional endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy uses a small swallowable camera that captures thousands of images as it passes naturally through the digestive tract, helping detect bleeding, inflammation, or small bowel disorders.
In certain situations, imaging studies, endoscopic ultrasound, or specialized laboratory testing may help evaluate pancreatic disease, liver conditions, bile duct disorders, or unexplained digestive symptoms.
Your digestive system changes over time, but you don't have to navigate those changes alone.
Whether you're due for routine colorectal cancer screening or experiencing new gastrointestinal symptoms, we can help determine whether advanced testing is appropriate.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Prem Chattoo at Hudson River Gastroenterology today. Call the office or book an appointment online.
