How is Indigestion or Dyspepsia Diagnosed

Diagnosis is established by a detailed enquiry of the current complaints with the medical history. Blood tests, breath tests, stool tests and Imaging techniques may be required

How is indigestion or dyspepsia diagnosed?

A detailed enquiry is made by the doctor about the exact nature of the current complaints, the medical history. Heartburn has to be differentiated from indigestion. This is followed by physical examination, which may be normal in most cases of GERD and functional dyspepsia.

Common investigations performed are:

Blood tests
Breath tests
Stool tests

These three are usually done to diagnose Helicobacter Pylori infection. This is the bacteria often associated with peptic ulcer.

Imaging techniques are also employed:

X-rays of the stomach and small intestine
Upper endoscopy: An endoscope is a long, thin tube fitted with a light source and camera. Using this, the doctor can visualise the oesophagus and stomach.