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Blood testsBreath tests " � These tests measure substances in a person's breath after he or she has been given a special liquid to drinkLab tests that check a sample of a bowel movement for the infectionA procedure called an "upper endoscopy " � " � During an upper endoscopy, a doctor puts a thin tube with a camera on the end into a person's mouth and down into the stomach and duodenum (figure 2). Then he or she checks the lining of the stomach and duodenum for ulcers.
How are peptic ulcers treated? " � Treatment depends on the cause, but most peptic ulcers are treated with medicines. � �
People with H. pylori infection are often treated with 3 or more medicines for 2 weeks to get rid of the infection. This treatment can include: � �
- Medicines to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach makes
- Different types of antibiotics
Some people need to take medicines that reduce the amount of acid for a longer amount of time. Some people take these medicines for the rest of their life. � �
It is important to follow all your doctors ' instructions about taking your medicines. Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any side effects from your medicines. � �
People who have serious problems from their peptic ulcers might also need to be treated with surgery. � �
What happens after treatment? " � After treatment, people often have follow-up tests. These can include: � �
- Tests to check that the H. pylori infection has gone away
- An upper endoscopy to check that the peptic ulcer has healed
What else can I do to help a peptic ulcer heal? " � To help a peptic ulcer heal and to prevent future peptic ulcers, you can: � �
- Not smoke
- Not take NSAIDs (if possible)
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15735 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Upper digestive tract
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Upper digestive tract
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figure 2
Upper endoscopy
During an upper endoscopy, you lie down and the doctor puts a thin tube with a camera and light on the end (called an endoscope) into your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The camera sends video pictures from inside your body to a television screen. That way, your doctor can see the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
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Upper endoscopy
During an upper endoscopy, you lie down and the doctor puts a thin tube with a camera and light on the end (called an endoscope) into your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The camera sends video pictures from inside your body to a television screen. That way, your doctor can see the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Graphic 75392 Version 3.0
View Original
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �