Navigating gastrointestinal (GI) conditions requires a skilled blend of expertise, advanced technology, and precise testing. GI specialists employ various tools, including procedures like colonoscopy and imaging, to diagnose the root causes of digestive ailments. By interpreting test results and analyzing overlapping symptoms, they pinpoint underlying issues. Here are ways GI specialists can diagnose gastrointestinal conditions:
Evaluating Symptoms
Colon pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues might indicate underlying GI issues. A gastrointestinal doctor evaluates symptoms and factors to rule out possible causes. Doctors review your health history, including diet, medications, stress levels, and family history of digestive diseases. They often ask detailed questions about your symptoms and conduct physical exams to look for potential conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome. A specialist may match gathered information against known disease patterns, using it to help confirm or rule out causes of your condition.
Testing Stool
A fecal occult blood test (stool test) is a non-invasive option to test for GI conditions. Stool samples are provided at home and sent to laboratories to assess inflammation, blood loss, infections, or digestive enzyme deficiencies. Your GI doctor may use stool test results to identify problems like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal infections.
Examining the Esophagus
Esophageal testing offers doctors a closer look at your upper gastrointestinal tract. An endoscopy involves threading a small flexible tube with an attached camera through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the intestine. The procedure may look for signs of GERD or identify esophageal strictures or precancerous Barrett’s esophagus. Tissue samples acquired during an endoscopy are tested in the laboratory to detect conditions like celiac disease.
Performing Colonoscopy Procedures
A colonoscopy evaluates your lower GI tract from the rectum through the colon to identify the causes of GI distress. A slender tube with a camera provides an internal view of the intestines. It allows specialists to check for polyps, tumors, inflammation, and bleeding sites. The procedure also allows doctors to remove potentially cancerous polyps before malignant changes occur. Other conditions like diverticulosis or Crohn’s disease may be revealed during this test.
Visualizing the Liver and Pancreas
Imaging tests enable doctors to see any structural abnormalities that cause some GI issues. Non-invasive abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs visualize organs like the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. These imaging techniques might identify tumors, cysts, or infections. They reveal any damage caused by conditions such as fatty liver disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, or gallstones. Organ imaging through computed tomography (CT) scansormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps doctors confirm diagnoses.
Contact a GI Doctor Today
If you notice any GI symptoms or changes in your digestive system, a gastrointestinal specialist can identify possible causes through testing and imaging. By combining diagnostic technology and clinical expertise, doctors can identify conditions ranging from reflux to cancer. This enables the development of an effective, customized care plan for your digestive wellness and GI health. Consult a GI specialist as the first step towards improving your gut health today.
