Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLabs and TestsImagingDifferential DiagnosesFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Peptic Ulcer Disease GuidePeptic Ulcer Disease Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Labs and Tests
Imaging
Differential Diagnoses
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Peptic Ulcer Disease Guide
There are several wayspeptic ulcer diseaseis diagnosed—including blood and breath tests, stool testing, an endoscopy, and an upper gastrointestinal series.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Your healthcare provider will start with a physical exam before ordering specific tests to diagnose peptic ulcer disease. They may:
There are a number of tests healthcare providers can order to diagnose peptic ulcer disease.
Blood Test
A blood sample can determine whether you have aHelicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infectionthat is causing a peptic ulcer. The test will measure antibodies (infection-fighting cells) to H. pylori.
Depending on the medical practice, your blood may be drawn in the healthcare provider’s office at the same visit as your physical exam or at a separate facility that handles blood testing.
Urea Breath Test
The urea breath test is another way to test for anH. pyloriinfection. The process for this test includes:
If you haveH. pyloriin your body, it will turn what you swallowed into carbon dioxide, which appears in your exhaled breath. If the carbon dioxide level is higher the second time, you have a positive breath test forH. pylori.
Stool Test
Biopsy
During anendoscopy, a tissue sample (called a biopsy) is taken from the stomach lining and analyzed in a lab.
The procedure is done in the hospital or at an outpatient center. Usually, a biopsy is done if endoscopy is needed for other reasons, such as diagnosing the ulcer, treating bleeding, or making sure there is no cancer.
If the cause of peptic ulcers isn’t related toH. pylori,your healthcare provider may perform some imaging tests in order to see the contents of your stomach and intestine.These may include:
Endoscopy
With an endoscopy, a small tube with a lens (called an endoscope) is inserted into your throat to view your esophagus, small intestine, and stomach. This will help a gastroenterologist look for abnormalities in the upper digestive system.
If any ulcers are present, you’ll be giventreatment for your peptic ulcersand another endoscopy will be performed after treatment to make sure the ulcers have healed properly. This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient facility, and you’ll be sedated through an IV to help you stay relaxed and comfortable.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series
Commonly referred to as abarium swallow, this imaging test is performed if someone is experiencing severe peptic ulcer symptoms, like stomach pain with vomiting, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.
Barium sulfate is a metallic compound and drinking a small amount of it will let a gastroenterologist see your digestive tract via X-ray, which will show any presence of peptic ulcers.
CT Scan
For theCT scan, you will drink a solution called a contrast medium, then lay on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. The machine takes X-ray photos of your stomach and small intestine.
The CT scan is a good way to see any damage peptic ulcers may have caused, such as holes in the stomach due to erosion.
Your healthcare provider may also consider other causes for your symptoms. These conditions, however, won’t show ulcers on the endoscopy.
Summary
There are several tests available to help diagnose peptic ulcer disease. Your healthcare provider will determine the best test or tests for you based on your symptoms and health history.
If you think you may have peptic ulcer disease, talk to a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. Peptic ulcer disease requires proper medical treatment to be effectively managed.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhile some people with ulcers don’t have anysymptoms, others may experience the following:Burning, gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, especially with an empty stomachBloatingHeartburnNausea or vomitingCall your healthcare provider if you have any ulcer symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, including vomiting with traces of blood, dark or black stool, or unexplained weight loss, see your healthcare provider immediately.Avoid foodsthat cause any pain or discomfort. While food can’t cause ulcers, some may be more likely to aggravate your symptoms. These may include:AlcoholCaffeinated sodaChocolateCoffeeFatty foodsSpicy foods
While some people with ulcers don’t have anysymptoms, others may experience the following:Burning, gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, especially with an empty stomachBloatingHeartburnNausea or vomitingCall your healthcare provider if you have any ulcer symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, including vomiting with traces of blood, dark or black stool, or unexplained weight loss, see your healthcare provider immediately.
While some people with ulcers don’t have anysymptoms, others may experience the following:
Call your healthcare provider if you have any ulcer symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, including vomiting with traces of blood, dark or black stool, or unexplained weight loss, see your healthcare provider immediately.
Avoid foodsthat cause any pain or discomfort. While food can’t cause ulcers, some may be more likely to aggravate your symptoms. These may include:AlcoholCaffeinated sodaChocolateCoffeeFatty foodsSpicy foods
Avoid foodsthat cause any pain or discomfort. While food can’t cause ulcers, some may be more likely to aggravate your symptoms. These may include:
Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).American Family Physician.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H.pylori infection.University of California San Francisco.Tests for H.pylori.Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease andH. pyloriinfection.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(4):236-242.Medical University of South Carolina.Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia.Cleveland Clinic.Peptic ulcer disease.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer disease–discharge.Additional ReadingVomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig.2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).American Family Physician.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H.pylori infection.University of California San Francisco.Tests for H.pylori.Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease andH. pyloriinfection.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(4):236-242.Medical University of South Carolina.Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia.Cleveland Clinic.Peptic ulcer disease.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer disease–discharge.Additional ReadingVomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig.2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).American Family Physician.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H.pylori infection.University of California San Francisco.Tests for H.pylori.Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease andH. pyloriinfection.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(4):236-242.Medical University of South Carolina.Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia.Cleveland Clinic.Peptic ulcer disease.U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer disease–discharge.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
American Family Physician.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H.pylori infection.
University of California San Francisco.Tests for H.pylori.
Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease andH. pyloriinfection.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(4):236-242.
Medical University of South Carolina.Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia.
Cleveland Clinic.Peptic ulcer disease.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer disease–discharge.
Vomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig.2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017
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