Page 103 - Life Insurance underwriting Ebook IC 22

c) Ilematemesis- vomiting with blood.

d) Dysphasia. Difficult in swallowing.

e) Diarrhea: frequent passage of loose and watery stools (feces).

f) Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools

g) Jaundice: yellowish discoloration of skin and mucus membrane due to
increased levels of bilirubin levels in blood.

2.2 Common investigations done in individuals with gastro-intestinal disease

a) Laboratory tests - the type of blood test done would depend on so applicant's
history and complaints

b) X-ray Tests include Barium swallow, barium enema etc. The patient is given
Barium contrast orally or as an enema depending upon the procedure.

c) Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis The USG is useful for looking a fluid
filled structures like gall bladder (for gall stones) or solid organs like liver (for
tumors etc.)

d) CT scan: A series of cross sectional X-ray pictures are taken which with the
help of a computer helps in visualization of internal organs.

e) Gastrointestinal endoscopy: The gastroenterologist passes a flexible fiber
optic tube through the mouth or the anus to view parts of the GI tract to
evaluate abnormalities like peptic ulcer.

f) Liver biopsy: the physician inserts a needle through the skin to remove a small
piece of liver tissue which is sent for microscopic examination.

2.3 Disorders of the digestive system

Symptoms of the gastrointestinal system are common and may indicate minor
diseases of no underwriting significance or major diseases which would need
significant risk assessment

a) Esophagus

I) Gastro Esophageal Reflux (GERD)

It is reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus due to incompetent
valve or hiatus hernia (tipper part of the stomach protrudes upwards
through the diaphragm).

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