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Peptic ulcer
Alternative Names: Ulcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal or gastric; Duodenal ulcer Symptoms: Abdominal pain  is a common symptom but it may not always be present. The abdominal pain from peptic ulcers can differ a lot from person to person. For example, the pain may get better or worse after eating a meal. Text Continues Below Other possible symptoms include: Nausea, vomiting Weight loss Fatigue Heartburn, indigestion, belching Chest pain Vomiting blood Bloody or dark tarry stools It is important to note that you may have no symptoms at all from an ulcer. Signs and tests: To diagnose an ulcer, your doctor will order one of the following tests: An upper GI -- a series of x-rays taken after you drink a substance called barium. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) -- a special test performed by a gastroenterologist in which a thin tube is inserted through your mouth into the gastrointestinal tract to look at your stomach and small intestines. During an EGD, the doctor may take a biopsy from the wall of the intestines to test for H. pylori. Your doctor may also order: Stool guaiac cards to test for blood in your stool Hemoglobin test to check for anemia References: Spechler, SJ. Peptic Ulcers. In: Feldman, M, Friedman, LS, Sleisenger, MH, eds. Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA; WB Saunders Company; 2002:747-772. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>