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7. Diagnostic Testing for Gastroparesis

The most common diagnostic tests to confirm gastroparesis are the gastric emptying study and the upper endoscopy. In the gastric emptying study, the individual consumes a light meal with a small amount of radioactive material in it. A scanner tracks the progress of the food through the digestive tract, focusing particularly on how long it takes for the food to pass from the stomach to the small intestines. An upper endoscopy involves threading a thin tube with a camera down the esophagus and into the stomach. The endoscope allows the physician to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestines for any abnormalities or obstructions. Diagnostic testing might also include ultrasound and x-rays. Some doctors utilize motility capsules, electronic pills that transmit digestive data to an external receiver when swallowed.

diagnosis endoscopy diagnostic testing romaset / Getty Images

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