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Stomach Tests

• Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): A flexible tube with a camera on its end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth. The endoscope allows examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
• Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the stomach and abdomen. 
• Magnetic resonance imaging: Using a magnetic field, a scanner creates high-resolution images of the stomach and abdomen.
• pH testing: Using a tube through the nose into the esophagus, acid levels in the esophagus can be monitored. This can help diagnose or change treatment for GERD.
• Barium swallow: After swallowing barium, X-ray films of the esophagus and stomach are taken. This can sometimes diagnose ulcers or other problems.
• Upper GI series: X-rays are taken of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
• Gastric emptying study: A test of how rapidly food passes through the stomach. The food is labeled with a chemical and viewed on a scanner.
• Stomach biopsy: During an endoscopy, a doctor can take a small piece of stomach tissue for tests. This can diagnose H. pylori infection, cancer, or other problems.
• H. pylori test: While most people with H. pylori infection don't develop ulcers, simple blood or stool tests can be done to check for infection in people with ulcers or to verify that the infection is wiped out after treatment..

Stomach Treatments

• Histamine (H2) blockers: Histamine increases stomach acid secretion; blocking histamine can reduce acid production and GERD symptoms.
• Proton pump inhibitors: These medicines directly inhibit the acid pumps in the stomach. They must be taken daily to be effective.
• Antacids: These medicines can help against the effects of acid but don't kill bacteria or stop acid production.
• Endoscopy: During an upper endoscopy, tools on the endoscope can sometimes stop stomach bleeding, if present.
• Motility agents: Medicines can increase contraction of the stomach, improving symptoms of gastroparesis.
• Stomach surgery: Cases of severe stomach bleeding, ruptured ulcers, or cancer require surgery to be cured.
• Antibiotics: H. pylori infection can be cured with antibiotics, which are taken with other medicines to heal the stomach.