Diagnosis of Gastritis
The diagnosis of gastritis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Because gastritis shares symptoms with many other digestive disorders, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and prevention of complications.
Medical History and Physical Exam
The doctor will begin by:
Asking about abdominal symptoms, including pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting
Reviewing the use of NSAIDs, alcohol, or tobacco
Discussing any history of stress, infections, or chronic diseases like diabetes or autoimmune conditions
Performing a physical examination to check for tenderness in the upper abdomen
If symptoms are mild, the doctor may recommend empirical treatment before proceeding to further tests.
Endoscopy
The most accurate diagnostic tool for gastritis is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy):
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the stomach
Allows direct visual inspection of the stomach lining
Can detect signs of inflammation, erosion, ulcers, or bleeding
Enables biopsies to be taken for lab analysis
Biopsy samples can also test for H. pylori infection and rule out more serious conditions such as cancer.
H. pylori Testing
If H. pylori is suspected, several tests may be used:
Urea breath test – detects H. pylori activity in the stomach
Stool antigen test – looks for bacterial proteins in faeces
Blood test – checks for antibodies, though less reliable for current infection
Biopsy during endoscopy – confirms the presence of H. pylori and assesses for chronic gastritis or precancerous changes
Blood Tests
Complete blood count (CBC) – may show signs of anaemia due to bleeding or B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 levels – low levels suggest autoimmune gastritis
Inflammatory markers – sometimes elevated in acute cases
Imaging (Rarely Required)
Abdominal X-ray or CT scan – occasionally used to rule out other conditions like perforation or obstruction
Imaging is not routinely required unless serious complications are suspected
Diagnosis of Gastritis
A timely and accurate diagnosis of gastritis helps guide appropriate therapy, detect underlying infections, and prevent progression to ulcers or malignancy.