Diagnostic Tests for Flatulence

Diagnostic Test list for Flatulence:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Flatulence includes:

• General inspection - note gulping of air and repetitive belching.
• Physical examination
  • Examine the gastrointestinal system to exclude signs of organic disease - e.g. bowel obstruction, abdominal masses.
• Blood tests
  • Hemoglobin looking for anemia that may suggest malabsorption of iron, folate, B12
  • Albumin level looking for evidence of hypoalbuminaemia that may suggest Malabsorption
  • Amylase and lipase to detect pancreatic disease
  • Celiac antibody screen
• Stool tests
  • Fecal occult blood test
  • Stool microscopy for ova and parasites and culture (may need multiple samples to detect Giardia parasites)
  • Quantitative stool fat analysis - if steatorrhea (fatty, pale colored, extremely smelly stools that float in the toilet and are difficult to flush away) is present. Steatorrhea is due to excess fat in the stool and is characteristic of malabsorption of nutrients which may be due to celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, previous gastrectomy and cystic fibrosis.
• Lactose tolerance test - can be done in cases suspected of lactase deficiency.
• Radiology investigations
  • Abdominal X-Ray is not normally required unless bowel obstruction is suspected
  • Upper abdominal ultrasound scan if suspect gallstones
  • Barium enema
  • Small bowel series
• Colonoscopy - may be indicated.
• Two week trial of a lactose free diet - will help to confirm a suspicion of lactose intolerance.
• Hydrogen breath testing - may confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance, small bowel bacterial overgrowth and short small bowel.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Flatulence causes:

• Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Tests
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
• Food Allergies & Intolerances: Home Testing:
  • Home Food Allergy Tests
  • Home Food Intolerance Testing
  • Home Water Testing
  • Home Lead Poisoning Tests
  • Home Heavy Metal Poisoning Tests
• Digestive-Related Home Testing:
  • Home Stomach Ulcer Tests
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Test Kits
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Test Kits

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