How to diagnose indigestion? - Proton Pump Inhibitors

For the majority of patients indigestion is mild and does not occur very often. In such cases no treatment from a doctor is required. People who experience indigestion regularly should see their GP (general practitioner, primary care physician). You should also see your doctor if you experience severe discomfort or pain.

A doctor will ask the patient about symptoms, his/her medical and possibly family history, and examine the chest and stomach. This may involve pressing different areas of the abdomen to find out whether any are sensitive or tender.

Blood test - if the patient has any symptoms of anemia the doctor may order a blood test.

Endoscopy - patients who have not responded to treatment, or those with certain signs and symptoms, may be advised to have their abdomen examined in more detail. An endoscopy takes place in hospital. A long thin tube with a camera at the end - an endoscope - goes through the patient's throat and into the stomach. The surgeon can see images of the inside of the abdomen on an external monitor.

Tests to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection - this may include a urea breath test, a stool antigen test, and a blood test. Peptic ulcers are often cause by this bacterium.

Liver function test - if the doctor thinks the patient may have a biliary condition, which affects the bile ducts in the liver. This involves a blood test that determines how the liver is working.

X-rays - usually an upper-gastrointestinal and small bowel series. X-rays are taken of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.

Abdominal ultrasound - high-frequency sound waves make images that show movement, structure and blood flow. A gel is applied to the patient's abdomen and a hand-held device is pressed against the skin. The device emits sound waves and the doctor can see the insides of the abdomen in detail on a monitor.

Abdominal CT (computed tomography) scan - this may involve injecting a dye into the patient's veins. The dye shows up on the monitor. The CT scan takes a series of X-ray images to produce a 3-dimensional image of the inside of the abdomen.