Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcers
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect an ulcer based on your symptoms.
Peptic ulcer disease is confirmed through endoscopy. This is done using a small tube with a light and camera to view the area. It is passed through the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Breath, blood, and stool tests may also be done to look for signs of H. pylori. This bacteria is a common cause of peptic ulcers.
REFERENCES:
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Dyspepsia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Investigation and management of dyspepsia, symptoms suggestive of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or both. NICE 2014 Sep:CG184.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease. Updated April 2, 2018. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/peptic-ulcer-disease. Updated January 2020. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/all-content. Updated November 2014. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Last reviewed November 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 2/9/2021