Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 20:Gastrointestinal diseases

Diagnosis

• Radiographic examination with barium meal The technique, though simple, carries a fairly substantial risk of missing the problem.
• Endoscopy A flexible tube made of fibre optic bundles is introduced into the stomach and the endoscopist inspects the food pipe and stomach and detects any breaks in the lining membrane. It takes 15-20 minutes. If there is cancer, it can also be detected by an endoscope.
• Biopsy of lining tissue.
• Acid secretion of the stomach In this the acid output after stimulation by pentagastrin is measured. It is useful for further investigation if surgery is contemplated. Acid output is higher than normal in duodenal ulcer and low or absent in patients with carcinoma of the stomach.