Diagnosis of Peptic ulcer

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Infection with H. Pylori causes your body to produce antibodies to fight off the infection. These can be detected by taking a blood sample.

Peptic ulcers may also be diagnosed by a procedure called a gastroscopy (or upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy). This is when a flexible instrument is passed into the stomach so that the lining can be seen. During the gastroscopy, a small sample of the stomach lining (biopsy) may be taken to look for evidence of H. Pylori infection and check for stomach cancer, which can cause similar symptoms.

An X-ray examination (involving a Barium meal) can also be used, but it does not offer the opportunity to take tissue samples.

Alternatively, a breath test may be done. This involves drinking a substance that is normally broken down by H. Pylori. If the bacterium is present, it is changed into a chemical that can be detected with a breathalyser.

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