Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis and rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Tests may include:

Gastric emptying tests

To see how fast your stomach empties its contents, one or more of these tests may be recommended:

• Scintigraphy. This is the most important test used in making a diagnosis of gastroparesis. It involves eating a light meal, such as eggs and toast, that contains a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner that detects the movement of the radioactive material is placed over your abdomen to monitor the rate at which food leaves your stomach.

  You'll need to stop taking any medications that could slow gastric emptying. Ask your doctor if any of your medications might slow your digestion.

• Breath tests. For breath tests, you consume a solid or liquid food that contains a substance that your body absorbs. Eventually, the substance can be detected in your breath. Samples of your breath are collected over a few hours and the amount of the substance in your breath is measured. The test can show how fast your stomach empties after consuming food by measuring the amount of the substance in your breath.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy

This procedure is used to visually examine your upper digestive system — your esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). It uses a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. This test can also be used to diagnose other conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease or pyloric stenosis, which can have symptoms similar to those of gastroparesis.

Ultrasound

This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. Ultrasound can help diagnose whether problems with your gallbladder or your kidneys could be causing your symptoms.