How is gastritis diagnosed?
H. pylori gastritis is easily diagnosed through the use of the urea breath test. This test detects active presence of H. pylori infection. Other serological tests, which may be readily available in a physician's office, may be used to detect H. pylori infection. Newly developed versions offer rapid diagnosis. The choice of test will depend on cost, availability and the
physician's experience, since nearly all of the available tests have an accuracy rate of 90% or better. Endoscopy, or the examination of the stomach area using a hollow tube inserted through the mouth, may be ordered to confirm diagnosis. A biopsy of the gastric lining may also be ordered.
Clinical history of the patient may be particularly important in the diagnosis of this type of gastritis, since its cause is most often the result of chronic use of NSAIDS, alcoholism, or other substances.
Gastritis that has developed to the stage of duodenal or gastric ulcers usually requires endoscopy for diagnosis. It allows the physician to perform a biopsy for possible malignancy and for H. pylori. Sometimes, an upper gastrointestinal x-ray study with barium is ordered. Some diseases such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, an ulcer disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract, may show large mucosal folds in the stomach and duodenum on radiographs or in endoscopy. Other tests check for changes in gastric function. |
More information on gastritis
What is gastritis? - Gastritis is the irritation of lining of stomach which may be evident as stomach pains, vomiting, or diarrhea, etc. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic.
What causes gastritis? - Gastritis can be caused by infection, irritation, autoimmune disorders, or backflow of bile into the stomach. The main cause of true gastritis is H. pylori infection.
What are the symptoms of gastritis? - The most common symptoms of gastritis are stomach upset or pain. Nausea and intermittent vomiting can result from erosive gastritis, radiation gastritis.
How is gastritis diagnosed? - Clinical history of the patient may be particularly important in the diagnosis of this type of gastritis. H. pylori gastritis is easily diagnosed through the use of the urea breath test.
What're the complications of gastritis? - Left untreated, gastritis may lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. Postgastrectomy gastritis and atrophic gastritis may cause symptoms of anemia.
What're the treatments for gastritis? - Dual therapy for gastritis involves the use of an antibiotic and a proton pump inhibitor. Specific treatment will depend on the cause and type of gastritis. |
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