Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedTests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will likely review your signs and symptoms and perform a physical examination. A number of diagnostic tests may help your doctor determine the cause of your discomfort. These may include:
- Blood tests. Blood tests may help rule out other diseases that can cause signs and symptoms similar to those of nonulcer stomach pain.
- Stool tests. Your doctor may test a sample of your stool to look for a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) that can cause stomach problems.
- Using a scope to examine your digestive system. A thin, flexible, lighted instrument (endoscope) is passed down your throat so that your doctor can view your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
- Vu H. Dyspepsia, nonulcerative. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163180634-3/0/2088/0.html. Accessed Oct. 1, 2009.
- McQuad KR. Dyspepsia. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163180634-3/0/1389/0.html. Accessed Oct. 1, 2009.
- Indigestion. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/indigestion/index.htm. Accessed Oct. 1, 2009.
- Geeraerts B, et al. Functional dyspepsia: Past, present and future. Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;43:251.
- Quigley EMM, et al. Dyspepsia. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2008;24:692.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Non-ulcer dyspepsia. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 1999.
- Peppermint. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Caraway. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 8, 2009