Examination of gastric diseases is carried out to diagnose the cause of symptoms and determine the severity of the disease.

The inspections carried out include:

• History and Physical

The doctor will ask about the symptoms the patient is experiencing, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating and other digestive disorders. The doctor will also ask about the patient's medical history, such as whether the patient has a history of stomach disease or other diseases, and whether the patient is taking certain medications. The doctor will examine the patient's stomach for signs of stomach disease, such as tenderness or stomach enlargement.

• Supporting investigation

•             Laboratory tests can be carried out to measure stomach acid, blood and liver enzyme levels.

Blood tests can be carried out to assess the patient's general health condition, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte and platelet levels,  and can also be done to detect infection, anemia or bleeding.

•             Liver Enzyme Examination. Liver examination can be performed to assess liver function. The liver is an organ that plays a role in drug metabolism, so liver enzyme examination is important to determine the correct drug dose. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT).

•             Urea Breath Test. A urea breath test is carried out to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is one of the causes of gastric disease.

•             Stool Antigen Test. The stool antigen test is carried out to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stool.

•             Check gastric pH. Gastric pH examination is carried out to measure stomach acid levels. High stomach acid levels can increase the risk of stomach disease.

• Radiological examination can be carried out to see the structure of the stomach from the outside. Radiological examinations that can be carried out include:

-       Abdominal ultrasound is an examination that uses high frequency sound waves with the aim of producing moving images so you can see the size, shape and position of the stomach.

- Endoscopy is an examination carried out by inserting an instrument in the form of a thin tube equipped with a camera into the stomach through the mouth. An endoscope can be used to see directly the condition of the stomach, including the presence of wounds, inflammation, or tumors.

- CT scan is an examination that uses X-rays to produce 3-dimensional images of the body. CT scans can be used to see the condition of the stomach in more detail, including the presence of infection, bleeding, or tumors.

Keywords: gastric disease examination, stomach disease symptoms, stomach disease diagnosis, stomach laboratory examination, gastric radiology examination, gastric endoscopic examination, stomach CT scan examination, stomach blood examination, liver enzyme examination, urea breath test, stool antigen test, examination Gastric pH.

Author: Dr. Nurmalia Purnama Sari, SpPK, MSi.Med (Doctor in Charge of PRAMITA Lab Branch Jl. Veteran No. 173, Palembang)