Blood tests can show levels of specific substances in the blood. Digestive issues for which blood tests support a diagnosis include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, stomach cancer and food allergies.
Upper GI series is a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.
Intestinal problems, such as polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia.
Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. You feel tired more often than not. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.
An upper endoscopy may reveal inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, or obstruction in these parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The doctor uses a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope to perform the test. Before the procedure, he or she gives you a sedative to make you sleepy and ease any discomfort.
Laboratory tests ordered in cases of suspected gastritis including the following: Complete blood cell (CBC) count to assess for anemia, as acute gastritis can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Liver and kidney function tests. Gallbladder and pancreatic function tests.
Blood tests are used to measure antibodies to H pylori. Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances such as bacteria. Blood tests for H pylori can only tell if your body has H pylori antibodies. It cannot tell if you have a current infection or how long you have had it.
Labs and Tests
There's not any specific test that can be used to make a diagnosis of the stomach flu. Instead, a complete medical history and a physical exam will be done, which will likely be enough to make a presumptive diagnosis.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Types include: Crohn's disease causes pain and swelling in the digestive tract. It can affect any part from the mouth to the anus.
The most common causes of stomach pain
This kind of pain stems from a digestion issue, menstruation, or a passing virus. For example: Digestion issues, including indigestion, gas, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, and food poisoning, are all extremely common causes of stomach pain.
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is the second type of atrophic gastritis. It occurs when your immune system attacks your stomach lining cells. Healthcare providers may also call this condition autoimmune gastritis (AIG) or autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG).
Food intolerance means your gut is sensitive to certain foods and can't tolerate them. When you eat these foods, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms like gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Get medical help immediately if: You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. You're vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena).
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting.
Narrow or pellet-like stools: if you have advanced or severe diverticulitis, your large intestine may narrow, causing stool to become thin, narrow, or pellet-shaped.