Introduction
A digestive system is an important unit of the human body. It helps break down complex food substances into simpler particles for easy absorption by the body. Any disease affecting the digestive system will cause significant health problems. So, it is always necessary to find out the cause of the digestive disorders and start the treatment as soon as possible. In order to find out the cause and to start the treatment, a proper diagnosis is very much essential. Primarily the diagnosis made by the doctor is based on the history of the disease and the physical examination done by the doctor. In order to confirm the diagnosis, certain tests are done. The test can be of different types based on the patient's condition.
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Testing of Fecal Matter: Culturing the fecal matter is a very good diagnostic method to determine if any bacteria are present in the stool. For this test, the fecal matter of the patient obtained is sent for culturing. The result will be obtained after some time. This culture method helps identify any bacteria or viruses that cause certain diseases. Some of the examples are H.pylori bacteria that can be found through this method.
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Testing to Identify the Presence of Blood: In this test, the patient's stool sample is sent to the lab to identify if any blood is present. It helps to identify any gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding from the rectum. The test is known as the fecal occult blood test or immunochemical test of fecal matter.
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Testing of Blood: A complete blood test is done as a routine procedure. It helps to find out any infections, if present, pass on the value of blood cells present. For example, it helps to identify if any Helicobacter pylori infection is present based on the helicobacter antigens present. By looking at the value of IgE antibodies, it helps to find out any food allergies. Blood tests help to rule out anemic conditions if present. High levels of white blood cells can indicate any inflammatory state.
Which Is the Diagnostic Procedure to View Upper GIT Using an Endoscope?
Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which the doctor passes a flexible tube into the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. The tube holds a camera at the tip, known as an endoscope. As the tube passes through, the doctor can view if any changes are present based on the history given by the patient. If any inflammatory changes are found, small scrapping of the tissue is done. The scrapped tissue is then sent for biopsy. The biopsy will help to rule out any abnormal growth or anything present.
What Is a Breath Test?
This diagnostic test helps to identify any abnormal bacteria that is present. In this test, the patient is asked to swallow a capsule or a liquid that contains urea. Urea is a radioactive material. After that, a swallowed capsule or liquid is exhaled back into the bag. The presence of abnormal bacteria can be identified if there is a conversion of urea into carbon dioxide. Usually, H pylori bacteria can be identified by this method.
Which Are the X Rays to View the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (GI Tract) And Lower Gastrointestinal Tract?
The upper gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. For better viewing of the upper GI tract, the patient is asked to swallow a substance known as barium. This barium gets coated over the lining, which helps in detailed view in X-rays. In addition, it helps understand any abnormalities in the upper GI tract.
The lower gastrointestinal tract consists of the lower part of the small intestine, rectum, and large intestine. In this technique of X-ray taking, barium is given as an enema through the patient's rectum. This barium coats over the lower GI tract. When X-rays are taken, it helps visualize any obstruction or narrowing in that region leading to digestive problems. This method is also known as a barium enema.
What Is Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan)?
It is a diagnostic procedure in which a series of X-ray images are taken from different angles, and computer imaging techniques are used to produce a CT scan report. This type of diagnostic procedure provides a more clear and more detailed image when compared to normal X-rays. In this procedure, the X-ray beam moves in a circular motion around the patient's body. Cross sectional images are obtained for each of the structures in the area as it moves around. It helps in diagnosing tumors, bleeding, and injuries.
Which Is the Imaging Technique to View Abdomen Using Sound Waves?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to view the area's organs, structures, and blood vessels to produce the report. It is used for assessing the blood flow to these areas. For example, ultrasound helps to determine the presence of any tumor and the cause of stomach pain. In this well-trained sonographer, apply a gel over the belly area. This gel helps to provide a clear image of the things inside the belly. After applying the sonographer, gently move the device in a back and front pattern to observe the situation. The device placed on the belly sends signals to the computer, and the computer recreates them into images. It usually takes about 30 minutes for the procedure.
Which Is the Diagnostic Procedure to View the Lower GIT Using Colonoscope?
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to view the large intestine, a part of the GI tract. In this procedure, the doctor passes a long flexible tube into the colon through the patient's rectus. At the tip tube, there is a camera known as a colonoscope to view the conditions over there. Based on the history given by the patient, the doctor will view any inflammatory or abnormal changes in the area through the colonoscope.
What Is Magnetic Resonance and Imaging Technique (MRI)?
This diagnostic procedure uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images. MRI provides more accurate information for some diseases not diagnosed with a CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound. It helps to differentiate normal healthy tissue from diseased tissues. Radiation is not used in MRI; it is just the magnetic fields. As a higher level of diagnosis, MRI scan is used. Usually, the procedure takes up to 30 to 90 minutes. A device called coils is placed on the abdomen for detailed imaging for an MRI scan.
Sometimes, a dye is injected into the veins to obtain clear images. The patient is provided a headset to remove the sounds during the procedure. When the diagnostic images are made, the patient must hold their breath for a few seconds according to the physician's instructions.
Which Is the Diagnostic Procedure to View the Colon Using Colonoscope?
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to view the colon of the patient. It is mainly used to diagnose ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. This procedure passes a lubricated flexible tube onto the colon through the rectum. The tube holds a camera at the tip of the tube known as a sigmoidoscope. After placement of the tube inside, the air is passed into the colon through a tube for easy visualization. After passing the air, the sigmoidoscope sends the images to the computer. According to the type of disease condition, sometimes a sample is obtained and sent for biopsy. Usually, it is used to diagnose colon polyps, colon cancer, and any ulcers in the rectal area.
Conclusion
Diagnosis is a very important point in the treatment of the disease condition. A proper diagnosis helps in proper treatment and a better disease prognosis. However, diagnosis is only made confirmatory based on the various tests prescribed by the doctor. So, do not hesitate to do any diagnostic procedure or tests because it's only intention is to cure the disease state properly.
