Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers

Millions of people each year suffer from peptic ulcers. According to Cure Research, peptic ulcers cost $6 billion annually for the treatment of peptic ulcers and indirect costs due to loss of work and productivity. Three to five million people will visit the doctor's office due to peptic ulcers each year. Diagnosing peptic ulcers early can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year for the patient.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers: Blood Test

Blood tests are used in diagnosing ulcers by checking for the presence of H. pylori antibodies, which is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. The negative aspect of this test is it can't differentiate between an active infection and past exposure. Also, a blood test could come back as a false-negative if a person has been taking antibiotics or is taking proton pump inhibitors, a medication prescribed for ulcers.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers: Breath Test

A breath test is used to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria. A small glass of clear, tasteless liquid is given to the patient to drink. In less than an hour, the patient blows into a bag which is immediately sealed. The test measures the carbon dioxide in the breath.

The H. pylori bacteria break the liquid down and increases the amount of carbon in the blood. The body removes this carbon by releasing carbon dioxide in the breath. This test is more accurate than a blood test, but is most often used after treatment to check if the bacteria has been completely killed.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers: Upper GI series(UGI)

An upper GI, also called a barium swallow, is used to detect ulcers on an x-ray. This is done by swallowing a white, metallic, chalky liquid containing barium which coats the digestive tract making an ulcer more visible. An upper GI can detect some but not all ulcers.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers: Endoscopy

An endoscopy may follow an upper GI if it reveals the presence of an ulcer. Some doctors may choose to do the endoscopy first. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end. Before the test is done the patient is given a mild sedative and then the endoscope is put into the mouth and threaded into the stomach. The doctor is then able to see the stomach lining to diagnose a peptic ulcer. A biopsy is performed by taking a small tissue sample from the stomach to examine under a microscope to check for cancer. The tissue sample can also reveal the presence of H. pylori. There may be a repeat endoscopy done in two to three months to make sure the peptic ulcer is healing.

Diagnosing peptic ulcers is an important step to maintaining good health. Ulcers should never be treated at home with only over-the-counter antacids. It may relieve the pain temporarily, but the underlying cause of the peptic ulcer is still present. If you have symptoms of an ulcer, consult a doctor right away.

Cure Research

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