Stomach ulcers

Diagnosing a stomach ulcer

Your GP may suspect you have an ulcer, based on your symptoms. They will want to know if you're taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and may test you for an Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

You may be referredto hospital for a procedure to look inside your stomach (a Gastroscopy ).

Testing for H. pylori infection

If your GP thinks your symptoms may be caused by an H. pylori infection, they may recommend one of the following tests:

urea breath test you will be given a special drinkcontaining a chemical that isbroken downby H. pylori; your breath is then analysed to see whether or not you have an H. pylori infection
stool antigen test asmall stool sample is tested for the bacteria
blood test a sample of your blood is tested for antibodies to the H. pylori bacteria (antibodies are proteins produced naturally in your blood and help to fight infection); this has now largely been replaced by the stool antigen test

If you test positive for H. pylori, you will need treatment to clear the infection, which can heal the ulcer and prevent it from returning. A small tissue sample may also be taken from your stomach or duodenum, so it can be tested for the H. pylori bacteria.

A gastroscopy is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you won't have to spend the night in hospital.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 5 Jan 2017

Articles for stomach ulcers

Introduction

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Read about the possible symptoms, causes, treatments and complications.

Symptoms of stomach ulcer

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain that develops inyourabdomen (tummy). However, some stomach ulcers aren't painful and are only noticed when a complication of a stomach ulcer develops.

Causes of stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by H. pylori bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Diagnosing a stomach ulcer

Your GP may suspect you have an ulcer, based on your symptoms. They will want to know if you're taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and may test you for an Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Treating a stomach ulcer

If you have a stomach ulcer, your treatment will depend on what caused it. With treatment, most ulcers heal in a month or two. If your stomach ulcer is caused by an Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, a course of Penicillin and a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is recommended.

Complications of stomach ulcer

Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious if they do occur. Internal bleeding is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. A rarer complication of stomach ulcers is the lining of the stomach splitting open, known as perforation.

What are stomach ulcers?

Ulcers of the stomach are painful sores which can be found in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. This is a long-term chronic disease, which is characterized by intermittent periods of remission and relapse.

What are the causes of stomachulcers?

Some of the causes of ulcers are: the bacterium Helicobacter pylori Hyperacidity of the stomach, the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare syndrome which leads to hyperacidity.

What are the symptoms of stomach ulcers?

Complaining of a stomach ache is a very broad complaint, the physician must ask further questions in order to summarize all the symptoms carefully and thoroughly.

How are stomach ulcers diagnosed?

Stomach ulcers are diagnosed by: blood tests in order to test for presence of H.pylori, fibrogastroscopy, X-ray of the stomach and biopsy via a fibrogastroscopy.

How are stomach ulcers treated?

Ulcers are treated by using medication such as: antibiotics to fight the H.pylori infection, H2 blockers, etc. And surgical treatment that include: ulcers that continue to return, ulcers that do not heal, etc.