How Do Doctors Test for Peptic Ulcers?
Doctors may administer several tests to determine if you have a peptic ulcer, including a barium swallow, an endoscopic exam, or testing for H. Pylori infections.
Jump Ahead
Barium Swallow
A barium swallow, also known as an esophagogram, is one test a doctor may administer to check for a peptic ulcer. A barium swallow can help doctors identify problems in your upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, back of throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. [1]
In this test, barium sulfate is ingested, usually in a drink form, to coat the esophagus, stomach, or intestine. The body does not absorb it, so it helps to make internal organs more visible on an x-ray. [2]
Your doctor will provide instructions before your test, which may include fasting, refraining from smoking, or following a bland diet for several days prior. [3]
Upper GI Endoscopy Exam
Another test a doctor may administer to diagnose a peptic ulcer is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also referred to as an upper GI endoscopy. This test involves a small tube equipped with a tiny light and video camera called an endoscope. The endoscope is slowly pushed through your esophagus and stomach, allowing your doctor to view them internally. Usually, a numbing spray and a sedative are given before the procedure. [4]
Your doctor will provide instructions before your test that may include fasting and refraining from taking certain medications.
Testing for H. Pylori Infections
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is often the next step when a person is diagnosed with an ulcer. [5]
H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the stomachs of those infected. The bacterium causes the stomach to produce more acid, damaging the stomach lining, which can cause some to get stomach ulcers over time. [6]
Not all people infected with H. pylori get stomach ulcers, but inversely, most stomach ulcers are caused by H. pylori. Several tests can detect an H. pylori infection, the most common being the urea breath and antigen stool tests. [7]
Urea Breath Test: With this test, you drink a urea solution. If H. pylori is present, it will convert urea into carbon dioxide. If excess carbon dioxide is present in your breath after you drink the solution, it is a sign that H. pylori is present. [8]
Stool Antigen Test: H. pylori antigens are also present in a patient’s stool. In this test, the patient provides a stool sample for analysis. [9]
References
- [1][3] National Institutes of Health – National Library of Medicine – Medline Plus – “Barium Swallow.“
- [2] National Institutes of Health – National Library of Medicine – Medline Plus – “Barium Sulfate.”
- [4] John Hopkins Medicine – “Upper GI Endoscopy.“
- [5] American College of Gastroenterology – “Peptic Ulcer Disease.
- [6][7] National Institutes of Health – National Library of Medicine – Medline Plus – “Helicobacter pylori infection.“
- [8] Cleveland Clinic – “H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) Infection.“
- [9] Mayo Clinic – “Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection.“
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material on this website, is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this or any other website.
Related Products
