How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?
In order to be diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, the first key element is to obtain a very good history from our patients; find out what they have been doing the last few days, or even the last few weeks. What kind of medicines have they been taking? Have they been taking any pain relieving medications? Have they travelled anywhere recently? Have they eaten certain types of food that may have been upsetting to their stomach? Blood tests can be performed in order to check for the body's memory for a certain type of infection called H. pylori that can promote ulcers. Blood tests can also be performed to make sure that one has not had any bleeding, or recent bleeding, that can account for a certain degree of anaemia within the body. Stool studies can be checked for the presence of blood which can account for possibly a bleeding ulcer. Radiographic studies, such as a study called an upper GI barium study can be performed, where one drinks a liquid substance and pictures are taken by X-ray in order to localise a potential ulcer in the stomach. Or, ultimately, an upper endoscopy procedure can be performed, where a camera is used to take a look inside at the lining of the oesophagus, the lining of the stomach, and also to look at the beginning of the small intestine in order to evaluate the presence of ulcers and potentially to treat bleeding ulcers or ulcers that may bleed in the near future, in order to prevent any major complications.
