Can x ray detect stomach ulcer
Peptic ulcer disease (also referred to as stomach ulcers) are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. There are several ways to diagnose peptic ulcer disease, ranging from blood tests, stool testing, an endoscopy, and an upper gastrointestinal series. Show Verywell / Ellen Lindner Self-Checks and At-Home TestingYou may suspect you have peptic ulcer disease if you experience stomach burning, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Stomach burning is considered to be the most prevalent symptom of peptic ulcer disease, and you’ll notice it’s worse on an empty stomach, between meals, or at night. Certain acid-reducing medication may temporarily relieve symptoms but may return—especially if you smoke or use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen often—which is typically a red flag that you may be dealing with peptic ulcer disease as opposed to general heartburn. There are also some less common but more severe symptoms to keep in mind as you monitor yourself for peptic ulcer disease. These include changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, vomiting with traces of blood, and dark blood in stools. Some people may also feel faint and have trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs it’s important to call your healthcare provider immediately. While it used to be thought that stress and spicy foods were among the triggers for ulcers, it is now known that a bacterial infection or long-term use of pain relievers are the most common causes. However, stress or certain foods can make symptoms of already established peptic ulcers worse—or possibly mask them as the cause if you haven’t been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease yet. Labs and TestsYour healthcare provider will start with a physical exam before diving into specific tests to diagnose peptic ulcer disease. Here they will examine you for any bloating and stomach tenderness. Depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history (including a list of current or recent medications you’ve taken) there are a number of tests healthcare providers can run, which may include one or more of the following:
ImagingIf the cause of peptic ulcers isn’t related to H. pylori, your healthcare provider may perform some imaging tests in order to see the contents of your stomach and intestine. These may include:
Differential DiagnosesYour healthcare provider may also consider other causes for your symptoms. These conditions, however, won't show ulcers on the endoscopy.
A Word From VerywellIt's important to speak to your healthcare provider or healthcare provider if you think you may have peptic ulcer disease in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Peptic ulcer disease may be easy to self-diagnose because of its tell-tale symptoms but requires proper medical treatment in order to be effectively managed. It's possible to minimize or completely eliminate peptic ulcer disease and its symptoms through several interventions, all of which are dependent on your complete health history and the root cause of your stomach ulcers. Frequently Asked Questions
By
Colleen Travers Thanks for your feedback! How do XBarium Contrast Radiography
You swallow a contrast solution called barium. The barium coats your esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, making it easier for the doctor to detect peptic ulcers. An X-ray is taken.
What test can detect stomach ulcer?Gastroscopy. This is a test to look inside your stomach directly and see whether you have a stomach ulcer. It involves passing a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) with a camera through into your stomach and the 1st section of the small intestine (duodenum).
What XDiagnosis. Your doctor may first perform an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series and endoscopy to check for ulcers. An upper GI series involves X-rays of the esophagus, stomach and the beginning of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
How do doctors confirm ulcers?Endoscopy. Your doctor may use a scope to examine your upper digestive system (endoscopy). During endoscopy, your doctor passes a hollow tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Using the endoscope, your doctor looks for ulcers.
|