Every healthcare brand communication manager must know about the following tests when promoting Gastroenterology department or physicians. These are some of the most common diseases.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux)
▼Symptoms
Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain
Diagnostic Tests
- Upper endoscopy: Visual confirmation of esophageal erosions
- Esophageal pH monitoring: Acid exposure >4% (Normal: <4%)
- Bravo capsule: 48–96 hour wireless monitoring
- Clinical history: Symptom correlation with reflux episodes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
▼Symptoms
Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea/constipation (alternating), mucus in stool
Diagnostic Tests
- Rome IV criteria: Symptom-based diagnosis
- Hydrogen breath test: >20 ppm rise indicates SIBO (Normal: <20 ppm)
- Colonoscopy: Excludes IBD (normal findings)
Crohn’s Disease
▼Symptoms
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, perianal fistulas, fatigue
Diagnostic Tests
- Colonoscopy + biopsy: Transmural inflammation, granulomas
- MRI/CT enterography: Strictures, fistulas
- Fecal calprotectin: Elevated (>250 µg/g)
- CRP/ESR: Elevated inflammatory markers
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
▼Symptoms
Bloody diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, abdominal cramps
Diagnostic Tests
- Colonoscopy + biopsy: Continuous mucosal inflammation
- Fecal calprotectin: Elevated (>250 µg/g)
- Stool cultures: Rule out infection (negative results)
Celiac Disease
▼Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, dermatitis herpetiformis
Diagnostic Tests
- tTG-IgA antibody: Elevated (>4 U/mL)
- Duodenal biopsy: Villous atrophy (Marsh criteria)
- HLA-DQ2/DQ8: Genetic predisposition
Gastritis
▼Symptoms
Epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite
Diagnostic Tests
- Upper endoscopy: Erythema/erosions in gastric mucosa
- H. pylori testing: Stool antigen or urea breath test (positive)
Chronic Pancreatitis
▼Symptoms
Epigastric pain radiating to back, steatorrhea, weight loss, diabetes
Diagnostic Tests
- CT/MRI abdomen: Pancreatic calcifications, duct dilation
- Fecal elastase: Reduced (<200 µg/g)
- MRCP: Ductal abnormalities
Liver Cirrhosis
▼Symptoms
Jaundice, ascites, fatigue, pruritus, hematemesis (varices)
Diagnostic Tests
- FibroScan: Liver stiffness >12.5 kPa
- INR: Prolonged (>1.3)
- Serum albumin: Reduced (<3.5 g/dL)
Gastroenteritis (Chronic/Post-infectious)
▼Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss
Diagnostic Tests
- Stool studies: Rule out pathogens (negative results)
- Hydrogen breath test: Assess carbohydrate malabsorption
Colorectal Cancer
▼Symptoms
Rectal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, change in bowel habits, obstruction
Diagnostic Tests
- Colonoscopy + biopsy: Malignant cells on histology
- CEA levels: Elevated (>5 ng/mL)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
▼Symptoms
Bloating, diarrhea, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies
Diagnostic Tests
- Hydrogen/methane breath test: Early rise (>20 ppm within 90 mins)
- Jejunal aspirate culture: Bacterial count >10³ CFU/mL
Peptic Ulcer Disease
▼Symptoms
Epigastric burning, nausea, melena (if bleeding), vomiting
Diagnostic Tests
- Upper endoscopy: Visible ulcer crater
- H. pylori testing: Stool antigen or breath test (positive)
Short Bowel Syndrome
▼Symptoms
Diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances
Diagnostic Tests
- D-xylose test: Assess carbohydrate absorption
- Fecal fat analysis: Steatorrhea (>7g fat/day)
Hemorrhoids (Grade III-IV)
▼Symptoms
Rectal bleeding, prolapse, itching, pain with defecation
Diagnostic Tests
- Anoscopy: Visual confirmation of prolapsed hemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy: Rule out malignancy