How to Diagnose Gastrointestinal Problems
Many people suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including diarrhea, GERD, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. GI conditions caused by food reactions or infectious illnesses usually subside on their own. Unfortunately, GI issues can become chronic and are difficult to diagnose and treat. Many of these problems are diagnosed only after many other issues are ruled out.
Instructions
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Visit a specialist in gastrointestinal problems if you have any issues similar to those listed above. Prepare to undergo an endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal. Your doctor will use a small camera to look at the lining of your stomach, esophagus and initial part of your small intestine. The camera inserts into your mouth and progresses down the gastrointestinal tract.
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The doctor may use a fluoroscopy to examine the moving body structures. This procedure consists of an x-ray which shows the body area being examined and projects images onto a monitor so the physician can observe the movements of the stomach, duodenum and esophagus.
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Have an (ERC) Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography test so your doctor can examine any problems with your gallbladder, liver and pancreas. You swallow the scope, and the doctor directs a camera to the spot where the ducts to the pancreas open into the duodenum. He then injects dye into the ducts to visualize the area and determine a course of treatment.
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If you have any issues with your liver, the doctor may want to perform a liver biopsy to examine tissue and assess if there is any disease. This usually occurs after blood tests indicate a potential problem with your liver.
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Tips & Warnings
Your doctor gives medicine to numb your throat and a sedative to help you sleep during the ERC exam.
