How is Gastroparesis diagnosed?

How is Gastroparesis Diagnosed?

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, leading to delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. Diagnosing gastroparesis involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.

Medical History Evaluation

The first step in diagnosing gastroparesis is a thorough medical history evaluation. The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, their duration and severity, as well as any factors that may worsen or alleviate them. They will also inquire about your medical history, including any underlying conditions or medications that could contribute to gastroparesis. This information helps the healthcare provider assess the likelihood of gastroparesis and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests.

Physical Examination

During the physical examination, the healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive assessment to look for signs of gastroparesis and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. They may palpate your abdomen to check for tenderness or abnormal masses. They will also listen to your abdomen using a stethoscope to detect any abnormal bowel sounds, which can be indicative of gastroparesis.

Diagnostic Tests

Several diagnostic tests can help confirm the diagnosis of gastroparesis:

1. Gastric Emptying Study

The gastric emptying study is considered the gold standard test for diagnosing gastroparesis. During this test, you will consume a meal or drink containing a small amount of radioactive material. A special camera is then used to track the movement of the radioactive material through your stomach and into the small intestine. This test measures the rate at which your stomach empties, and a delayed emptying time suggests gastroparesis.

2. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be performed to examine the lining of your stomach and small intestine. This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through your mouth and into your digestive tract. It allows the healthcare provider to visually inspect for any abnormalities, such as inflammation or blockages, that could be causing your symptoms.

3. Electrogastrography

Electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the stomach muscles. It involves placing electrodes on your abdomen to record the stomach's electrical signals. Gastroparesis can be detected by abnormalities in the frequency and strength of these signals.

4. Breath Test

A breath test may be conducted to assess for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, which can contribute to gastroparesis symptoms. In this test, you will consume a specific substance, and your breath will be analyzed for the presence of certain gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine.

5. Blood Tests

Blood tests may be ordered to evaluate your overall health and check for any underlying conditions that could be causing or contributing to gastroparesis. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose levels, thyroid function tests, and other relevant markers.

6. Other Tests

In some cases, additional tests such as gastric manometry (measuring the pressure and contractions in the stomach) or wireless motility capsule (a small device swallowed to measure transit time through the digestive system) may be recommended to further evaluate the function of your stomach.

It is important to note that the specific diagnostic tests used may vary depending on the healthcare provider's judgment and the individual patient's circumstances. The diagnosis of gastroparesis is typically made based on a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and the results of these diagnostic tests.