Unfortunately, today there is simply no absolutely accurate method for diagnosing intestinal diseases. And therefore, doctors use various complex combinations for making a diagnosis, including laboratory tests, as well as instrumental ones.
Laboratory research
Clinical blood test
It is better to contact a doctor, regardless of specialization, already with him, so that the doctor can immediately orientate himself in the problems occurring in the patient's body. Because the level of ESR, say, in it correlates with the activity of ulcerative colitis. With certain intestinal diseases, the level of hemoglobin drops noticeably. This means that such a blood test is the No. 1 analysis for diseases of the intestine too.
C-reactive protein
This indicator demonstrates the degree of inflammation that has occurred in the body. And it is more informative than even ESR.
Tumor markers
These indicators can tell about bowel cancer (in particular, CA 19-19, CEA, CA 242). However, these markers are not considered highly specific, since they are determined, including in a number of other tumors.
Clostridium difficile toxin
Its definition is relevant when diarrhea torments after taking antibiotics.
Markers of viral hepatitis, HIV
These analyzes will definitely not be superfluous with an incomprehensible clinical picture and indistinct signs.
ANCA, ASCA
These are complex and expensive, but important tests that should be taken when intestinal inflammation is suspected. ANCA (perinuclear anti-neutrophil antibodies) will appear in patients with ulcerative colitis. But ASCA (antibodies to the yeast Cerevisiae) is often found in patients with Crohn's disease.
Coprogram
Stool analysis, the results of which are extremely important. White blood cells in the stool usually indicate inflammation. Fecal samples also help to exclude / confirm other disorders - dysbiosis, say, or helminthiasis, as well as viral and / or bacterial infections.
Hidden blood
This is a mandatory analysis of feces when a problem (any) with the intestines is suspected.
Fecal calprotectin
Determining the level of calprotectin, a protein produced by the intestinal mucosa, will be very informative for the attending physician. This level rises when the intestine is damaged (inflammatory, infectious). A high level of calprotectin may well indicate mucosal inflammation and exacerbation of ulcerative colitis in patients with clinical remission.
Instrumental research
Colonoscopy
Unpleasant, but very informative research. During the procedure, the intestines are examined from the middle using a thin flexible tube equipped with a camera. Colonoscopy also produces small tissue samples for histology.
Abdominal ultrasound
This study identifies free fluid in the abdominal cavity, which should not be there. Another method allows you to see the expansion of the intestinal loops, as well as the tumor.
X-ray
One of the oldest, but still used today, methods for examining the abdominal organs. It is used to determine intestinal obstruction.
X-ray examination with contrast
The same x-ray before which the patient drinks barium. After the patient is photographed. And they evaluate how the consumed liquid passes through the digestive system. It helps a lot to diagnose diaphragmatic hernia, diverticula, obstruction.
CT or computed tomography
Another X-ray technique that helps you get many layers of intestinal images. Gives detailed information about the state of the organ, as well as the tissues surrounding it.
MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI uses a magnetic field as well as radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues. The study is especially useful for diagnosing fistulas in the anal area, diseases of the small intestine, tumors.
Capsule endoscopy
During the procedure, the patient swallows a small capsule equipped with a camera. The latter takes pictures and transmits them to a recording device attached to the patient's belt. Then the image is displayed on the monitor. The capsule comes out of the intestines with feces.
This method is especially informative when examining the small intestine.
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