These Tests are Used to Diagnose and Treat Esophageal Conditions

When you or a loved one develop a problem with your esophagus, it's essential to have it evaluated so that the proper diagnosis and treatment option can be conducted. You may be wondering, how does that happen? At Colorado Gastroenterology, our GI specialists offer specific types of tests to assess esophageal problems that could be impacting your health. Don’t let an esophageal concern continue to negatively affect your health. To find out more about the evaluations and treatments for esophageal disorders in Denver, CO, please request a visit with one of our gastroenterology physicians. Read on to discover how individual tests work.

When is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) recommended?

Commonly referred to as an EGD, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an endoscopic exam that is conducted to examine your upper gastrointestinal tract. Also referred to as an upper endoscopy, it employs the use of a small camera connected to the end of the endoscope, or tube.

To begin the exam, the tube is passed down through your throat to help our physicians see your esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine, or duodenum. The camera transmits the pictures that are taken to our computer software so that your gastroenterologists can examine them. When the images are reviewed, we can provide a diagnosis and discuss the appropriate treatment plan optimal for you. An EGD test could be advised if you’ve experienced the following symptoms:

• Functional indigestion
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Unintentional weight loss
• Recurrent nausea or vomiting
• Anemia
• Non-cardiac chest pain
• Vomiting blood
• Chronic acid reflux

Our highly trained team at Colorado Gastroenterology can give you further details about this approach and if it can be advantageous to your health.

How might a CT scan detect and address esophageal disorders?

A diagnostic computed tomography or CT scan can be an extremely helpful tool for your GI physician when it pertains to esophageal issues. CT scans often serve as the first step when examining the esophagus. As radiographic exams, CT scans offer a clear image of the area in question. Once captured, the images are then passed on to your practitioner, who studies them and can identify the ideal steps to take to help ease your esophageal issues.

Our Denver, CO digestive health specialists may order a CT exam to render an accurate diagnosis of esophageal issues. CT scans can help with:

• Detecting if existing esophageal cancer has spread
• Identifying the presence of irritation or inflammation
• Detecting the presence of esophageal cancer
• Detecting abnormalities in the esophagus

When would a barium x-ray be performed?

Your GI physician might order a barium x-ray when a radiographic assessment of your GI tract is needed. These x-ray procedures are typically conducted to diagnose concerns, like inflammatory conditions, strictures, tumors, hernias, polyps, and ulcers.

The barium used in this procedure is a dry and white chalky powder. This powder is combined with liquid so that it can be swallowed. When it has been ingested, the solution will spread over the inner walls of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The visibility of the barium liquid enables our GI doctors to assess for abnormalities that might not be apparent when regular x-rays are captured.

There are several types of barium x-ray imaging that may be used. These include a barium enema to look at the lower digestive tract, a small-bowel follow-through, and a barium swallow to look at the upper GI tract. If you or someone you love believe you may need tests for esophagus conditions, please request an appointment with our team without delay.

Find advanced esophageal treatment in Denver, CO

Should you need treatment for esophageal problems, you can rely on the experts at Colorado Gastroenterology. We will work closely with you to tailor a treatment strategy that addresses your symptoms. Contact us now to request a consultation with one of our esophageal specialists in Denver, CO to get the care you need.