Diagnosis To determine the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, a healthcare professional will start by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam. This includes discussing any previous bleeding episodes and current symptoms. Several diagnostic tests may be ordered to locate the source of the bleed. Common tests for diagnosing GI bleeding include: Blood testsThese may include a complete blood …
Gastritis
Diagnosis A healthcare professional may suspect gastritis after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. To identify the exact cause, several diagnostic tests may be recommended. Common tests used to diagnose gastritis include: Tests for H. pyloriYour healthcare professional may suggest a stool test or a breath test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection.In a breath test, you …
Gas and Gas Pains
Diagnosis A healthcare professional will usually determine the cause of gas and gas pains by reviewing your medical history, dietary habits, and performing a physical examination. During the physical exam, the healthcare provider may gently press on your abdomen to check for tenderness or unusual sensations. Listening to the sounds of your belly with a stethoscope helps assess how well …
Gangrene
Diagnosis A healthcare provider typically begins diagnosing a ganglion cyst with a physical examination. During the exam, they may press on the cyst to check if it causes pain. They might also shine a light through it to see whether the lump is solid or filled with fluid. Imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI can help confirm …
Gallstones
Diagnosis Diagnosing gallstones usually begins with a review of symptoms and imaging tests that help detect stones or related complications. Several tests and procedures are available to confirm the presence of gallstones and assess their impact on nearby organs. Tests and procedures used to diagnose gallstones include: Abdominal ultrasoundThis is the most common test used to identify gallstones. During the …
Galactorrhea
Diagnosing Galactorrhea Finding the underlying cause of galactorrhea can be challenging due to the many possible reasons it may develop. Your healthcare provider will typically perform a combination of tests and examinations to determine what is causing your nipple discharge. During a physical exam, your healthcare professional may gently squeeze the area around your nipple to collect some fluid for …
Pectus Excavatum
Diagnosis Diagnosis of pectus excavatum begins with a healthcare professional examining the chest. In many cases, a physical exam is enough to identify the condition. Additional tests may assess how the condition affects the heart and lungs: • Chest X-ray, to show the sunken breastbone and any heart displacement• CT scan or MRI, for detailed images of the chest and …
Nail Fungus
Diagnosis Your healthcare provider will examine your nails and may take nail clippings or scrape debris from under the nail. These samples are sent to a lab to identify the cause of your symptoms. Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a fungal nail infection. Yeast and bacteria can also infect nails. Identifying the cause of the infection helps determine …
Functional Dyspepsia
Diagnosis A healthcare professional will usually begin with a review of symptoms and a physical examination. To identify the cause of discomfort and rule out other conditions, several diagnostic tests may be recommended. Blood testsBlood tests help rule out other medical conditions that can produce symptoms similar to functional dyspepsia. Tests for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)H. pylori is a bacterium …
Fuchs Dystrophy
Diagnosis Diagnosis of Fuchs dystrophy is made by an eye care professional through a series of specialized eye exams and imaging tests. These tests help determine the extent of corneal damage and measure the progression of the disease. Common diagnostic tests include: Cornea examination and grading: Using a slit-lamp microscope, an eye specialist examines the cornea for small drop-shaped bumps …









