5 Most Common Diagnostic Tests for Digestive Disorders
According to a report published in the National Herald, nearly 56% of Indian families suffer from digestive problems. Digestive disorders affect the gastrointestinal tract and can significantly impact quality of life.
These issues range from common conditions such as acid reflux to more serious problems like liver disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Early detection and diagnosis are important in managing these disorders, and various gastrointestinal disease tests can help identify the underlying causes.
This blog will explore five of the most commonly used diagnostic tests for digestive disorders.
What Are Digestive Disorders?
Digestive problems, or stomach problems, refer to a broad category of illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal tract. These can include temporary issues like indigestion to chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcers. The digestive system plays an important role in absorbing nutrients, breaking down food, and eliminating waste, and any disruption to these processes can result in various symptoms.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Digestive Problems?
Symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases differ depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common signs include-
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool
If these symptoms persist, an individual must consult a healthcare provider, who may recommend diagnostic tests to determine the root cause.
What Are the Diagnostic Tests for Digestive Disorders?
Below are five common diagnostic tests used to assess stomach problems-
1. Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive test in which doctors use a flexible tube fitted with a camera to examine the digestive tract. It helps detect issues such as inflammation, ulcers, or abnormal growths in the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. In some cases, doctors may take tissue samples (biopsies) during the procedure for further analysis. This can help diagnose conditions like gastritis, coeliac disease, and certain cancers.
2. Stool Occult Blood Test
This test detects hidden blood in the patient’s stool, which can indicate colon cancer or gastrointestinal conditions like diverticulosis and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s particularly useful when a patient has no visible symptoms, as blood in the stool may signal bleeding in the digestive tract.
3. Ultrasound
Another common diagnostic test for digestive disorders is an ultrasound. It’s a non-invasive imaging technique that produces detailed images of abdominal organs, including the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and intestines. It helps detect gallstones, liver abnormalities, or blockages in the bile ducts.
Ultrasounds are safe, painless, and widely used to diagnose digestive disorders in the early stages. Sometimes, an endoscopic ultrasound may be required for a more detailed view of certain organs.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests also provide essential information in diagnosing digestive disorders. Common blood tests for stomach problems include-
- Liver Function Tests (LFT): These measure protein and enzyme levels in the blood to assess liver health. Abnormal results can indicate liver diseases, which may indirectly affect digestion.
- Kidney Function Tests (KFT): These assess kidney health by measuring substances like creatinine and urea in the blood. Chronic vomiting or diarrhoea caused by digestive disorders can lead to dehydration, affecting kidney function.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test detects inflammation, which can be a sign of digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is another marker for inflammation. High levels may indicate gastric issues such as gastritis or pancreatitis.
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Antibody Test: This test detects antibodies for H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach ulcers and gastritis.
5. CT Scan
A CT scan produces detailed cross-sectional images of the digestive organs and is commonly used to detect tumours, obstructions, abscesses, or infections in the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly helpful for diagnosing complex or unclear digestive issues.
Gastrointestinal diseases can severely affect one’s quality of life. If not diagnosed or detected early, they can lead to severe complications like stomach ulcers and cancer. Therefore, if anyone is experiencing symptoms related to digestive disorders, they should consult their healthcare professional immediately.
To book tests for stomach problems, visit Dr Lal PathLabs today.
FAQs
1. What are some early warning signs of gastrointestinal disease?
Common early signs of gastrointestinal issues include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. If these symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
2. What blood tests show digestive problems?
Blood tests that can help diagnose digestive problems include Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Kidney Function Tests (KFTs), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody test.
3. Which test can fully diagnose stomach problems?
Common imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series, MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays. To obtain a more detailed view of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium enema or barium swallow may be used alongside an X-ray for better clarity.
