Peptic Ulcers

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic doctors start with a thorough physical examination and medical history. The doctor will ask about any medications you are taking, especially aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), which can irritate the stomach lining.

The main tests used at Mayo Clinic for peptic ulcers are:

• Breath, stool or blood tests to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) stomach bacteria
• An endoscopy exam to confirm H. pylori infection and rule out other digestive disorders such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and stomach cancer.

If no peptic ulcers are found, your Mayo doctor may diagnose functional dyspepsia.

Read more about endoscopy at MayoClinic.com.