What tests should be done for stomach discomfort

Gastric discomfort usually requires gastroscopy, helicobacter pylori testing, upper gastrointestinal barium meal, abdominal ultrasound, and blood routine examination. Stomach discomfort can be caused by various reasons, and targeted examinations can identify the cause and develop appropriate treatment plans.

1. Gastroscopy:

Gastroscopy is the most direct and accurate method for diagnosing stomach diseases. It directly observes the mucosal conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum through a hose with a camera. For suspected cases of gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric polyps, and even gastric cancer, gastroscopy is the preferred examination. During the examination, doctors can also take a small amount of tissue for pathological biopsy to clarify the nature of the lesion. If symptoms such as recurrent upper abdominal pain, black stool, and unexplained weight loss occur, it is recommended to undergo gastroscopy examination in a timely manner.

2. Helicobacter pylori testing:

Helicobacter pylori is an important pathogenic factor that causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. The main detection methods are carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath tests, which are non-invasive, simple, and highly accurate. If there is discomfort in the stomach accompanied by acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, or bad breath, it is necessary to undergo this examination. Once confirmed positive, standard eradication treatment should be carried out under the guidance of doctors. Common drugs include amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets, omeprazole enteric coated capsules, etc. During the treatment, attention should be paid to serving of individual dishes to avoid cross infection.

3. Upper gastrointestinal barium meal examination:

The upper gastrointestinal barium meal examination involves the subject swallowing barium sulfate contrast agent and observing the morphology, peristalsis, and emptying of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum under X-ray. This method is suitable for people who cannot tolerate gastroscopy or have a fear of gastroscopy, and can detect larger ulcers, tumors, or abnormal gastric motility. But the detection rate of superficial mucosal lesions by this examination is not as good as gastroscopy. If suspicious lesions are found, further gastroscopy diagnosis is still needed.

4. Abdominal ultrasound:

Abdominal ultrasound is mainly used to exclude diseases of the organs around the stomach, such as gallstones, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or liver problems, which may sometimes manifest as stomach discomfort. Fasting is necessary before the examination to avoid interference from intestinal gas. If there is discomfort in the stomach accompanied by pain in the upper right abdomen, worsening after eating greasy food, or radiating pain in the back, ultrasound examination can provide important clues. It is radiation free and suitable for preliminary screening of special populations such as pregnant women and children.

5. Blood routine examination:

Blood routine examination can reflect whether there is infection, anemia or inflammation in the body. If stomach discomfort is caused by acute gastritis or bleeding from peptic ulcers, a blood routine may show an increase in white blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin. For people with long-term stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, and pale complexion, blood routine can help determine whether there is iron deficiency anemia, indirectly indicating the possibility of chronic stomach diseases or hidden gastrointestinal bleeding. The selection of examination for stomach discomfort should be based on specific symptoms and doctor's advice. Daily attention should be paid to a regular diet, avoiding spicy, cold, and greasy foods, and reducing the stimulation of coffee, strong tea, and alcohol. Maintain emotional stability and avoid long-term mental stress. If the symptoms persist and do not improve, or if vomiting blood, black stool, sudden weight loss, etc. occur, seek medical attention immediately and do not delay self medication. Regular physical examinations and a healthy lifestyle are the foundation for maintaining stomach health.