Tests to Diagnose Stomach Problems

The abdomen is a large area and consists of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and blood vessels. There are several tests to detect abdominal problems.

Abdominal ultrasound

· Used to evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating

· Check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors, and many other conditions.

· It is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.

· Is not useful in detecting problems in the stomach and intestine

Cat Scan (Computerized tomography scan)

· Creates cross-sectional images of internal organs of the abdomen like liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and pelvic organs

· Shows detailed images of bones, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels

· CT scanning is fast, painless, non-invasive, and accurate

· Best test to diagnose stones

· Uses ionizing radiation (Should not be used for children and pregnant women)

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MRE (Magnetic resonance enterography)

· Shows detailed pictures of the small intestine

· Pinpoints inflammation, bleeding, and other problems.

Barium enema

An X-ray exam that detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Barium swallow

An X-ray test that helps examinethe back of your mouth and throat and the esophagus.

Diagnostic laparoscopy

It is used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

Upper GI endoscopy

It helps diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tract problems that include the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy

Detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy

Examines rectum and lower part of the large intestine.

Abdominal angiogram

· Images the blood vessels of the abdomen to assess the blood flow to organs of the abdomen, such as the liver and spleen

· It is also used to deliver medication into structures of the abdomen to treat conditions

Symptoms of Appendicitis: Sharp Pain in the Right Side of the Stomach?

Appendicitis is a condition for inflammation in the appendix, a small finger-like tube that extends from the large intestine to the right side of the body—the inflammation results in severe abdominal pain. Immediate surgery to remove the appendix is the standard procedure because if left in place, the inflamed appendix would burst and result in the infection spreading through the body, often with the most severe consequences. The appendix is not an essential organ, and removing it does not affect the health in any way.

The Symptoms

The exact nature of the symptoms and the severity may vary significantly from person to person. However, there are some common signs of an inflamed appendix that appear in almost all cases. These include:

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever that may go up to 102 degrees F or even higher.

• A swollen belly.

• Inability to pass gas.

• Pain in the lower abdomen, starting near the navel and then moving further down.

• The pain may increase when coughing, walking or making, and sudden movements.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the lower back.

• Pain when passing urine.

• Either constipation or diarrhea.

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While pain in the lower right side of the abdomen is common, the location may vary depending on the patient’s age and the location and size of the appendix.

Contact a Doctor without Delay

If you or someone you know has any or all of the symptoms given above, contact a Best Gastroenterologist in Salem. Because the symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of bladder or urinary tract infections like gastritis, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder problems, kidney stones, intestinal infections, etc., only a highly qualified and experienced doctor at a hospital with the latest medical equipment will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis. Among the tests, the doctor may use are:

• Physical examination of the abdomen to find signs of inflammation

• Urine tests.

• A Rectal examination.

• Blood tests to look for signs of infection.

• CT Scans.

• Ultrasound.

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Appendicitis is a common medical condition, and treatment is through surgery. As long as the symptoms are caught early, and treatment is begun without delay, there is typically no cause for concern and the patients will be able to make a full recovery and lead a completely normal life in all respects.