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Gastritis (cont.)

Whether you see your own health care provider in his or her office or go to an emergency department, the evaluation is the same.

The health care provider first interviews you about your symptoms, medical history, habits and lifestyle, and the medications you take.

This information is enough to make the diagnosis in many people.
Be sure to tell him or her about all the medications you take, including nonprescription drugs, herbal and botanical preparations, and supplements such as vitamins.
Also report any measures you have taken to relieve the symptoms and how well those measures worked.

Laboratory testing: No laboratory tests can pinpoint a diagnosis of gastritis.

Often, no tests are necessary.
If your health care provider orders tests, it is probably to rule out certain medical conditions.
If all other possibilities are ruled out, that leaves gastritis as the most likely cause of your symptoms.

The following tests are most likely to be ordered:

X-rays films or other diagnostic images may be ordered, although they are usually not necessary.

An ECG (a heart wave tracing) is usually performed if your heartbeat is rapid or you are having chest pain.

You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system.

The gastroenterologist may in turn recommend an endoscopy.
During the endoscopy, a thin, flexible probe with a tiny camera on the end is sent into your stomach for a direct look.
At the same time, samples of your stomach lining can be taken to test for a wide variety of conditions.