Diagnosing Chronic Gastritis

Overview

Chronic gastritis is characterized by ongoing inflammation and damage to the gastric mucosa, which is the protective layer of the stomach. Specialists involved in diagnosing chronic gastritis include gastroenterologists, who specialize in disorders of the digestive system, and pathologists, who analyze tissue samples obtained during endoscopy.

To diagnose chronic gastritis, doctors may perform several examinations, screening tests, and procedures. These include:

Medical history and physical examination: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination, looking for signs of gastritis such as tenderness in the abdomen.
Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify markers of inflammation and possible underlying causes of chronic gastritis, such as autoimmune disorders. These tests can also check for anemia, which may occur due to stomach bleeding.
Stool tests: Stool samples may be collected to check for traces of blood or the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. H. pylori infection is a common cause of chronic gastritis.
Endoscopy: In this procedure, a healthcare professional uses a flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope to examine the lining of your stomach and duodenum. They may take small tissue samples, known as biopsies, during the endoscopy for further analysis.
Breath test: A breath test can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria by analyzing breath samples after ingesting a special solution.
Imaging: In some cases, X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine may be taken to assess the condition of the digestive system.
Gallbladder and pancreas function tests: Tests may be done to assess the functioning of the gallbladder and pancreas as these organs are closely connected to the digestive system.

These examinations, tests, and procedures help confirm a diagnosis of chronic gastritis by identifying factors such as inflammation in the stomach lining, the presence of H. pylori infection, or signs of bleeding.