Fact 13: Diagnostic Tests
Gastritis, with its myriad of symptoms, requires precise diagnostic tools to pinpoint its cause and determine the best course of treatment. Doctors employ a mix of clinical assessments and specialized tests to get a comprehensive picture.
One of the primary tools in the diagnosis of gastritis is an endoscopy. A flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted down the esophagus, providing a clear view of the stomach lining. This allows doctors to spot inflammation, erosions, or any unusual growths.
During an endoscopy, doctors might take a small tissue sample, a biopsy, from the stomach lining. This sample can then be studied under a microscope to detect inflammation, the presence of H. pylori, or other abnormalities.
Blood tests can be used to detect the presence of H. pylori antibodies or check for anemia – a condition that might arise from chronic gastritis. A full blood count can provide information on overall health and help rule out other conditions.
The urea breath test is a unique diagnostic method for H. pylori infection. Patients ingest a urea substance tagged with carbon. If H. pylori is present, the urea is broken down and detected as carbon dioxide in the breath.
A stool antigen test can be used to confirm an H. pylori infection by checking for the bacteria’s proteins in the patient’s stool. It’s a non-invasive method and can also verify if a specific treatment has successfully eradicated the bacteria. (13)
