There are many causes of ongoing stomach pain. If the pain continues to recur or does not improve, a doctor may suggest some tests to determine the likely cause.
When Should Chronic Abdominal Pain Be Investigated?
Stomach pain should be evaluated when it is constant, recurrent, or interfering with daily life. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain, vomiting that recurs repeatedly, blood in your vomit or stool, unexplained weight loss, fever that does not subside, or jaundice.
Common Tests Your Doctor Might Order
Blood Tests
Blood tests help to identify infection, inflammation, anemia, and organ health. Depending on your symptoms and physical examination, your doctor may recommend specific blood tests to help identify the possible cause of abdominal pain.
Urine And Feces Tests
A urine test can be used to diagnose urinary infection, blood, or other abnormalities. If symptoms suggest infection, bleeding, inflammation, or some digestive problems, stool tests may also be recommended.
Liver And Pancreas Tests
Liver function tests can help determine whether liver or gallbladder problems may be contributing to pain. Doctors may also test pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase, if they suspect pancreatic involvement.
Ultrasound And Other Imaging Methods
An abdominal ultrasound can evaluate organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen. CT or MRI may be advised when doctors need more detailed images to investigate certain causes of persistent abdominal pain.
Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI endoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to look at the food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It may be recommended for ongoing upper abdominal problems, suspected ulcers, bleeding, or other digestive problems.
How Doctors Choose Which Tests You Need
No single test can tell you what is causing every type of stomach pain. Doctors consider the pain location, duration, associated symptoms, medical history, medications, age, physical examination, and suspected causes. Tests may be simple, such as basic blood tests, or more complex, such as imaging or endoscopy.
Appropriate evaluation is useful to investigate persistent symptoms and avoid unnecessary testing. If lab investigations are recommended, a trusted pathology lab in indore can provide accurate testing. Your doctor can relate the findings to your symptoms and examination.
FAQs
1. Can blood tests determine what is causing the stomach pain?
Blood tests can give clues about infection, inflammation, anemia and function of organs. These may need to be combined with other investigations.
2. Do I need an ultrasound every time?
No. It is indicated when symptoms or examination findings suggest imaging may be helpful. It is contingent upon what is suspected to be the cause.
3. When should you have an endoscopy?
It may be done for ongoing upper abdominal symptoms, bleeding, unexplained indigestion or suspected upper digestive tract problems. When it’s appropriate, a doctor decides.
4. Do I have to fast for these tests?
Some blood tests and ultrasound tests require fasting, and some do not. Follow the preparation instructions given by your doctor or testing facility.
5. My tests are normal, but I still have pain?
Sometimes normal findings don’t explain abdominal pain. Your doctor will review your history and examination and decide if further evaluation is needed.