What Tests can be Used to Diagnose and Treat Esophageal Disorders?
7/15/2022
Should you or a loved one experience a problem with your esophagus, it is crucial to get it assessed by a medical professional so that the proper diagnosis and treatment strategy can be performed. You might be wondering, what does that involve? At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, our GI physicians carry out certain types of tests to diagnose esophageal disorders that may be interfering with your health and wellness. Don’t allow an esophageal problem to continue to negatively affect your quality of life. To learn more about the various testing procedures and treatments for esophageal disorders in Dallas, TX, request a visit with one of our gastroenterology doctors. Read below to discover how individual tests work.
When is an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) necessary?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic exam that is performed to evaluate the upper gastrointestinal tract. Also called an upper endoscopy, it employs the use of a miniaturized camera connected to the end of the endoscope, or tube.
During the exam, the tube is passed down through your throat to help our team see your esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine, or duodenum. The camera transfers the pictures that are captured to our computer monitor so that your GI doctor can examine them. When the images have been examined, our team of GI providers can make a diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment approach right for your needs. An EGD could be an appropriate test if you’ve noticed the following symptoms:
- Functional indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Persistent acid reflux
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Swallowing difficulties
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Anemia
- Vomiting blood
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Our highly trained team at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can offer more information about this exam and whether it might help address your needs.
How might a CT scan detect and treat esophageal disorders?
A diagnostic computed tomography or CT scan can be a helpful tool for your GI provider when it pertains to esophageal conditions. These images function as the first step when examining the esophagus. These radiographic exams offer a clear image of the area. The pictures are then passed on to your doctor, who examines them and can discuss the ideal approach to follow to help you get relief from your esophageal condition.
Our Dallas, TX digestive health specialists may recommend CT imaging to provide an accurate diagnosis of esophageal concerns. These images can help with:
- Detecting the presence of esophageal cancer
- Identifying the presence of irritation or inflammation
- Detecting if existing esophageal cancer has metastasized
- Detecting irregularities in the esophagus
When would a barium x-ray be performed?
Your gastroenterologists may order a barium x-ray if a radiographic evaluation of your digestive tract is ideal. These procedures are frequently conducted to detect health concerns, such as polyps, tumors, hernias, ulcers, strictures, and inflammatory conditions.
The barium utilized in the exam is a dry and white chalky powder-like consistency. The barium powder is mixed with liquid, allowing it to be ingested. Once ingested, it will spread over the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The clarity of the barium liquid enables our gastroenterology physicians to look for irregularities that might not be observed when conventional x-ray images are ordered.
There are multiple types of barium x-ray procedures that may be recommended. These include a barium enema to visualize the lower digestive tract, a barium small-bowel follow-through (SMFT), and a barium swallow to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. If you a member of your family think you would need an esophageal evaluation, please request an appointment with our team without delay.
Get expert esophageal treatment in Dallas, TX
In the event you find yourself in need of treatment for esophageal disorders, you can rely on the experts at Digestive Health Associates of Texas. We will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that treats your needs. Contact us now to request a visit with one of our esophageal specialists in Dallas, TX. We look forward to helping you identify the health solutions you need.