Bowel Disease Diagnosed diagnosis

Blood analysis. To detect parameters that establish the presence of inflammation, anaemia and/or infections.

Stool analysis. To diagnose concurrent infections (bacteria, parasites). There are also specific indicators that can confirm the presence of intestinal inflammation (calprotectin).

Digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy). These tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, as they provide a direct view of the intestinal mucosa (innermost layer of the intestine), and to obtain biopsy samples. They are not only essential for the diagnosis of IBD, but also when monitoring the response to treatments.
Colonoscopy provides a view of the colon (large intestine) and also, if necessary, the final section of the small intestine (terminal ileum).
Gastroscopy is used to view the oesophagus, stomach and the most proximal section of the small intestine (duodenum).

Capsule endoscopy. This exploratory technique involves swallowing a small camera which then takes images along the entire length of the digestive tract until it is excreted through the anus. It is very useful when performing a complete study of the small intestine (segments that cannot be accessed by gastroscopy or colonoscopy).

Ultrasound. Ultrasound is a radiological technique that may be necessary in some cases to determine the location of the inflammatory process and rule out other diseases with similar symptoms (e.g., appendicitis).

Other radiological tests. Abdominal X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are particularly useful when it comes to diagnosing complications (stenosis, fistulas) and identifying which areas of the intestine are affected by the disease.

Imaging tests help assess any complications, complete the study of the disease’s extension and evaluate the response to treatments.