Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers that form in the upper part of the small intestine. On the other hand, gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers that form in the upper part of the small intestine. Essentially, you can get both kinds of ulcers at the same time, and getting one does not necessarily preclude you getting the other as well. Herein, we take a closer look at duodenal ulcers and understood how it is diagnosed accurately and then treated effectively.
Diagnosis of duodenal ulcer
One of the best ways to determine if you have a duodenal or gastric ulcer is to first determine when and where the pain occurs. If eating any food items or certain kinds of food aggravate your pain, then chances are likely that you are suffering from peptic ulcer. But, you may also want to note that it is not possible to localize your ulcer merely on the basis of the location where the pain originates from. It is important that you consult your physician at the earliest. Chances are that after a detailed medical examination, he or she would recommend a series of tests to determine whether you have a duodenal or gastric ulcer. Most likely, the doctor will recommend a blood test and/or stool sample and look for the presence of H.Pylori. This bacterium is behind 90% of the ulcers in the intestinal area.
- Blood and stool test
Your doctor is most likely to recommend a blood or stool test. This test can indicate the presence of H.Pylori which can further indicate that you may indeed have a duodenal or gastric ulcer. - Breath test
He or she may also test your breath. Here, he may ask you to consume a little radioactive carbon. The radioactive carbon reacts with H. Pylori in your stomach area, and at this point, your doctor will examine your breath for more carbon dioxide than normal. This again indicates the presence of H.Pylori. - Imaging tests
If the conclusions from the above tests are not clear, then your physician may also recommend a set of imaging tests which should help indicate the presence of ulcers.
Treatment of duodenal ulcers
When it comes to treatment of duodenal, or for that matter, gastric ulcers, your doctor would prescribe a set of medication that’s designed to kill H Pylori. Also, he or she may prescribe a certain set of antibiotics depending on the disease’s severity and your current symptoms. It is important that you consult your doctor immediately and get your condition diagnosed at the earliest so that you can receive adequate treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer, it is important that you take care of what you consume. You may want to opt for bland but nutritious food and avoid spicy food as it can inflame your current condition. This is how duodenal ulcer is diagnosed, and it is important that you follow the course of medication sincerely, in order to get the same treated, as soon as possible.
