Diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disorders

Table of Content

• Diagnostic Tests For Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disorders

Introduction

Gastrointestinal diseases are disorders that affect digestion, absorption and excretion due to various issues like gas, bloating, constipation, gut inflammation and even genetic disorders. Diagnosing these gastrointestinal issues at the right time is very essential for giving effective treatments and preventing any further complications. The commonly used diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disorders are given in this article. 

Diagnostic Tests For Gastrointestinal Disorders

Here are 12 common digestive diagnostic procedures gastroenterologists use for learning about digestive system-related disorders,

1. Clinical Examination

Gastroenterologists do a physical examination before going into the actual diagnosis for finding out disorders like diarrhoea, constipation, acidity, etc., After enquiring about your medical history, your gastroenterologist does physical exams like,

a) Observation of the belly area for signs of abnormalities like visible masses or surgical scars with bulges.

b) Auscultation of the duration, pitch and intensity of the bowel sounds.

c) Palpation of belly regions to feel the presence of any masses or tenderness.

d) Rectal exam for feeling bulges, masses, inflammations or changes in muscle tone. 

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests can help in diagnosing bacterial/parasitic infection, celiac disease, and lactose intolerance by analysing the blood count, liver function test, antibodies and pancreatic enzyme test. The lab tests that are used to determine liver efficiency are CBC (complete blood count), blood albumin and also liver function tests (SGOT, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin).

3. Stool Analysis

Stool analysis gives the overall picture of the gut health as it helps in knowing the indigestion, absorption, microbial balance etc,. With the data from stool analysis, we can diagnose conditions such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, malabsorption, infection, celiac disease, bacterial infections etc. 

4. Endoscopic Procedures

Chronic acidity, heartburn and sudden weight loss needs a thorough inspection of the intestine. Endoscopy is a non-surgical diagnostic test which entails examination of the stomach and digestive tract with the help of an endoscope. Biopsy (tissue samples) are also taken during the endoscopic procedures. This procedure can make an accurate diagnostic tool for accessing colon cancers, crohn’s disease and ulcers. 

5. Barium Swallow

In barium swallow tests, a chalky white liquid called barium metal is used in X-ray procedures. Here, the barium when ingested can help in viewing the stomach and intestines. When given as an enema, it helps in imaging the colon and terminal ileum. Barium X-rays are used to diagnose conditions like ulcerations, narrowing, fistulae etc.,

6. CT Colonography or Virtual Colonoscopy

CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy is mostly used in colon cancer screenings and also other conditions related to colon. They can give you accurate images about the tumours or polyp growth within the colon or rectum. They are considered superior to the traditional colonoscopy as virtual colonoscopy can help you visualise certain parts that are difficult to see under the traditional ones.

7. MRI Scan

In MRI scanning, a beam of magnetic fields is sent through the body to detect the abnormalities for the organ in question. This imaging test gives an accurate image of the organ and its structures, thus we get a clear picture about the presence of cancer or any other infections.

8. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real time images of organs, tissues and blood vessels. Abdominal ultrasounds are used to examine abdominal organs like liver, pancreas, gallbladder etc.,

9. Renal Function Test

Chronic kidney diseases can affect gastrointestinal functions - causing upper GI symptoms like erosive gastritis, ulcerative oesophagitis and duodenitis. If a person affected with kidney disorders is having gastrointestinal symptoms, he/she is first diagnosed and treated for kidney diseases rather than for gastroenterological symptoms. 

10. Manometry

Manometer is a device used to measure muscle pressure and movements. Esophageal manometry uses the systemic contraction and relaxation of esophageal muscles to evaluate achalasia. In the same way, anorectal manometry is used to analyse rectal sphincters for diagnosing faecal incontinence.

11. pH Monitoring

Esophageal ph monitoring devices are used to measure the amount of stomach acids entering the food pipe in the 24 hour period. Though this is mostly used for diagnosing GERD, it is also used for knowing the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. During this procedure, a thin tube is passed through the nose and positioned above the oesophagus. We get the reading of the acid levels from the sensor readings attached to this device. 

12. Breath Tests

In a breath test, the patient is asked to drink the beverage containing fructose or lactose so that they can leave their breath in the breath analyser bag at regular intervals. This test can help in diagnosing infections, bacterial overgrowth indigestions and lactose intolerances. 

Take-Home Points

• Gastrointestinal diseases are the disorders in stomach and intestines that includes bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, diarrhoea etc,.

• There are various tests and procedures used to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. 

• Some of the common gastrointestinal diagnosis tools are manometry, renal function test, colonoscopy, MRI scans, barium swallow, blood tests, stool analysis and endoscopic procedures.