Further tests for dyspepsia

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Further tests are not needed in most cases. The above options often sort the problem. Reasons why further tests may be advised include:

If additional symptoms suggest that your dyspepsia may be caused by a serious disorder such as stomach or oesophageal cancer, or a complication from an ulcer such as bleeding. For example, if you:
pass blood with your faeces (blood can turn your faeces black).
vomit blood.
lose weight unintentionally.
feel generally unwell.
have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
vomit persistently.
develop anaemia.
have an abnormality when you are examined by a doctor such as a lump in the abdomen.
If the symptoms are not typical and may be coming from outside the gut. For example, to rule out problems of the gall-bladder, pancreas, liver, etc.
If the symptoms are severe and do not respond to treatment.
If you have a known 'risk-factor' for stomach cancer. For example, if you have Barrett's oesophagus, dysplasia, atrophic gastritis, or had ulcer surgery over 20 years ago.

Tests advised may include:

Endoscopy (gastroscopy). In this test a doctor or nurse looks inside your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. They do this by passing a thin, flexible telescope down your oesophagus. A separate leaflet describes endoscopy in more detail.
Blood test to check for anaemia. If you are anaemic, it may be due to a bleeding ulcer, or to a bleeding stomach cancer. You may not notice the bleeding if it is not heavy as the blood is passed out unnoticed in your faeces (stools). However, it may be enough to make you anaemic.
Tests of the gall bladder, liver, pancreas, etc, if the cause of the symptoms is not clear.

Treatment depends on what is found or ruled out by the tests.