Diagnosis | Burning sensation in the bowel

Diagnosis

The diagnosis begins with a precise survey of the symptoms and accompanying circumstances and a subsequent physical examination. Crucial for differentiating between the various inflammations and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are the exact symptomatology with accompanying symptoms, as well as the localisation of the pain and the exact time of its occurrence, for example at night or after a meal. If there is a suspected diagnosis, an ultrasound examination can be used to examine the corresponding section of the intestine more closely.

Inflammations, constipation, stone formations and many other changes can already be detected. In order to take a closer look at inflammatory processes or changes in the intestinal structure, CT and MRT examinations can also be carried out. Complaints suspected in the stomach or large intestine can also be examined more closely by means of an endoscopic examination. A tube with a camera is inserted into the body via the mouth or the bowel outlet, allowing the condition within these bowel areas to be diagnosed. Even small operations such as taking tissue samples or removing small polyps can be performed directly in endoscopy.

Associated symptoms

The accompanying symptoms can provide decisive indications for the suspected diagnosis. In many cases diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting may be present. Inflammation caused by the pathogen often leads to fever, aching limbs, headaches and other typical flu symptoms.

Loss of appetite and weight loss can also be typical. Less frequent, however, are blood admixtures in vomit and stool. They indicate ulcerous changes, tumour diseases or advanced inflammation.

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease, on the other hand, can be accompanied by general symptoms such as inflammation of the skin, eyes, blood vessels and kidneys. Inflammations of the stomach lining, on the other hand, often manifest themselves as fullness and heartburn. Diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Especially in the late sections of the small intestine and in the large intestine, a large part of the fluid within the intestine is absorbed into the body. If the intestinal mucosa is inflamed, these absorption mechanisms are quickly disrupted, resulting in the excretion of valuable water. If the infection lasts for a longer period of time, it is urgently necessary to pay attention to the water balance and the feeling of thirst, as the body loses control over it and in a short period of time the body may lose a lot of water and become dehydrated.

Here you can learn more about the following topics:

  • Causes of diarrhoea
  • Home remedy for diarrhoea

Flatulence occurs when there is too much air in the intestine. This can be caused by too much air being taken in through the mouth on the one hand, and by the formation of gases during digestion on the other. Causes for an increased gas formation can be inflammations of the intestine. In most cases, however, flatulence is caused by an incorrect diet with a lack of water and electrolytes. Severe constipation with flatulence can sometimes cause severe pain in the abdomen.