Diagnosis of Indigestion
Diagnostic Test list for Indigestion:
The list of medical tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Indigestion
includes:
Indigestion Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Tests and diagnosis discussion for Indigestion:
To diagnose indigestion, the doctor first rules out other problems,
like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x-rays of the
stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which the doctor uses
an instrument to look closely at the inside of the stomach.
(Source: excerpt from Indigestion: NIDDK)
Diagnosis of Indigestion: medical news summaries:
The following medical news items
are relevant to diagnosis and misdiagnosis issues for Indigestion:
Diagnostic Tests for Indigestion: Online Medical Books
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Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about diagnostis of Indigestion.
INDIGESTION:
Ask the Following Questions:
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
- Is there a history of drug or alcohol ingestion? Alcohol, tobacco, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, caffeine, and antibiotics are just a few of the drugs that may irritate the stomach.
- Is the indigestion brought on by exertion? A history of indigestion brought on by exertion should suggest angina pectoris.
- Is there a loss of appetite and weight? These findings would suggest not only a GI neoplasm but also pernicious anemia, chronic pancreatitis and pyloric obstruction, and chronic gastritis. Chronic organ failure should also be entertained, such as uremia, cirrhosis, or congestive heart failure.
- Is the indigestion or pain relieved by food or antacids? These findings would suggest a duodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis.
- Is the indigestion or pain brought on by food? These findings would suggest cholecystitis, gastric ulcer, or toxins in food such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) or sulfites.
- Is the indigestion or pain unrelated to meals? These findings would suggest a chronic appendicitis, chronic intestinal obstruction, or tabes dorsalis.
- Is there no pain associated with the indigestion? This finding would suggest functional dyspepsia.
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
Routine tests include a CBC, urinalysis, chemistry panel, VDRL test, thyroid profile, serum B
12
and folic acid, an upper GI series, esophagogram, and stools for occult blood and ovum and parasites. The next step is a cholecystogram or gallbladder ultrasound.
If these studies are negative, a gastroenterologist should be consulted. He will do esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, and duodenoscopy. He may also perform esophageal motility studies or esophageal pH monitoring. A Bernstein test may be of value in solving the diagnostic dilemma. He may also want to order a CT scan of the abdomen or a small bowel series.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003
INDIGESTION:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
The association of other symptoms and signs is important. If there is relief by antacids, esophagitis, gastritis, or an ulcer may be present. If there is blood in the stool, one should suspect an ulcer or carcinoma. Radiographic studies in the form of an upper GI series and esophagram, cholecystogram, and barium enema are usually indicated. A gastric analysis, esophagoscopy, and gastroscopy often need to be done. Awareness that a systemic disease such as an electrolyte disturbance or uremia may be the cause will suggest the need for other studies, especially if there are systemic symptoms, fever, or shortness of breath.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
Dyspepsia:
History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient complains of dyspepsia, begin by asking him to describe it in detail. How often and when does it occur, specifically in relation to meals? Do drugs or activities relieve or aggravate it? Has he had nausea, vomiting, melena, hematemesis, a cough, or chest pain? Ask if he's taking prescription drugs and if he has recently had surgery. Does he have a history of renal, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease? Has he noticed a change in the amount or color of his urine?
Ask the patient if he's experiencing an unusual or overwhelming amount of emotional stress. Determine the patient's coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.
Focus the physical examination on the abdomen. Inspect for distention, ascites, scars, obvious hernias, jaundice, uremic frost, and bruising. Then auscultate for bowel sounds and characterize their motility. Palpate and percuss the abdomen, noting tenderness, pain, organ enlargement, or tympany.
Finally, examine other body systems. Ask about behavior changes, and evaluate the patient's level of consciousness. Auscultate for gallops and crackles. Percuss the lungs to detect consolidation. Note peripheral edema and any swelling of the lymph nodes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Dyspepsia:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient complains of dyspepsia, begin by asking him to describe it in detail. How often and when does it occur, specifically in relation to meals? Do any drugs or activities relieve or aggravate it? Has the patient had nausea, vomiting, melena, hematemesis, cough, or chest pain? Ask if he’s taking any prescription drugs and if he has recently had surgery. Does he have a history of renal, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease? Has he noticed any change in the amount or color of his urine?
Ask the patient if he’s experiencing an unusual or overwhelming amount of emotional stress. Determine the patient’s coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.
Focus the physical examination on the abdomen. Inspect it for distention, ascites, scars, obvious hernias, jaundice, uremic frost, and bruising. Then auscultate it for bowel sounds and characterize their motility. Palpate and percuss the abdomen, noting any tenderness, pain, organ enlargement, or tympany.
Finally, examine other body systems. Ask about behavior changes, and evaluate level of consciousness. Auscultate for gallops and crackles. Percuss the lungs to detect consolidation. Note peripheral edema and any swelling of lymph nodes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dyspepsia:
History
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient complains of dyspepsia, begin by asking him to describe it in detail. How often and when does it occur, specifically in relation to meals? Do any drugs or activities relieve or aggravate it? Has he had nausea, vomiting, melena, hematemesis, cough, or chest pain? Ask if he’s taking prescription drugs and if he has recently had surgery. Does he have a history of renal, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease? Has he noticed any change in the amount or color of his urine?
Ask the patient if he’s experiencing an unusual or overwhelming amount of emotional stress. Determine the patient’s coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dyspepsia:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
If the patient complains of dyspepsia, begin by asking him to describe it in detail. How often and when does it occur, specifically in relation to meals? Do drugs or activities relieve or aggravate it? Has he had nausea, vomiting, melena, hematemesis, a cough, or chest pain? Ask if he's taking prescription drugs and if he has recently had surgery. Does he have a history of renal, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease? Has he noticed a change in the amount or color of his urine?
Ask the patient if he's experiencing an unusual or overwhelming amount of emotional stress. Determine the patient's coping mechanisms and their effectiveness.
Focus the physical examination on the abdomen. Inspect for distention, ascites, scars, obvious hernias, jaundice, uremic frost, and bruising. Then auscultate for bowel sounds and characterize their motility. Palpate and percuss the abdomen, noting tenderness, pain, organ enlargement, or tympany.
Finally, examine other body systems. Ask about behavior changes, and evaluate the patient's level of consciousness. Auscultate for gallops and crackles. Percuss the lungs to detect consolidation. Note peripheral edema and any swelling of the lymph nodes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
INDIGESTION:
Approach to the Diagnosis
(Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
The association of other symptoms and signs is important. If there is
relief by antacids, esophagitis, gastritis, or an ulcer may be present. If
there is blood in the stool, one should suspect an ulcer or carcinoma.
Radiographic studies in the form of an upper GI series, esophagram,
cholecystogram, and barium enema are usually indicated. A gastric analysis,
esophagoscopy, and gastroscopy often need to be done. Awareness that a
systemic disease such as an electrolyte disturbance or uremia may be the
cause will suggest the need for other studies, especially if there are
systemic symptoms, fever, or shortness of breath.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, 2007
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