How Do We Diagnose Recurrent Abdominal Pain?
As one of few centers solely focused on treating recurrent abdominal pain, we offer specialized care that can only be found in the nation's top hospitals. Even if you have been suffering for years, our experts get to the source of your pain.
One of our goals is to rule out underlying conditions, such as blockages (obstructions). To do this, we may perform one or more tests, including:
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan: Using X-rays and special computer software, this test creates 2-D and 3-D images of your intestines. Providing alternative views of your abdominal organs, CT scans help us examine details that might not be visible through other imaging tests.
- Blood test: Using a sample of your blood, we may run a number of tests including:
- Complete blood count to look for signs of anemia and infections
- Electrolyte and kidney function panel to look for electrolyte abnormalities and liver issues
- Albumin tests to assess your nutritional status
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: Examining the entire length of your colon (colonoscopy) or just the lower part of your colon (sigmoidoscopy) with the help of a small flexible tube and tiny camera we insert into your rectum (endoscope).
- Double balloon enteroscopy: Accessing your small intestine with the help of an endoscope, small balloons apply gentle suction to "grab" and bring sections of your intestines closer to the camera. Double balloon enteroscopy allows us to examine areas of your bowel that are beyond the reach of conventional tools.
- Small intestine X-ray: A standard X-ray of your small intestine helps us find blockages and any other abnormalities.
- Stool culture: Also known as a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), this test identifies microscopic amounts of blood, white blood cells and evidence of food intolerances.
- Wireless capsule endoscopy: Swallowing a pill with a tiny wireless monitoring system inside (SmartPill®) to record acid levels, temperature and pressure changes in your intestines. Wireless capsule endoscopy lets us know how fast or slow your stomach is emptying.
- Upper endoscopy: With the help of an endoscope that we pass through your mouth and esophagus, we carefully examine the lining of your stomach for ulcers, inflammation, infection and cancer. Learn more about upper endoscopy.
It's common for people with recurrent abdominal pain to have normal test results. This doesn't mean you aren't sick. It may take time for us to fully understand your condition, but there's plenty we can do in the short term to help you feel better.
