Although they might be nothing more than annoying, some ulcers can become life-threatening. Peptic ulcers, which are open sores that can develop on the lining of the stomach, can cause pain and are usually caused by bacteria called H. pylori. However, if a peptic ulcer is not treated, then it may cause perforations and obstructions and develop into cancer.
Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers
To accurately diagnose a peptic ulcer, your primary doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. He or she is a specialist in treating diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach, esophagus, liver, pancreas, intestines, colon, and rectum. After examining you, he or she may order an endoscopy in Bethlehem, PA to see inside of your gastrointestinal tract to look for ulcers.
An endoscopy involves threading a shallow tube with a lens inside of it, called an endoscope, down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The doctor will look at the lining in these areas to check for damage caused by an ulcer. If he or she finds an ulcer, he or she will usually take a tissue sample of the lining of the affected area to find out the cause of the ulcer.
Preparing for an Endoscopy
Before having an endoscopy, your stomach should be empty, so you will need to stop eating or drinking four to eight hours before it takes place. In addition, you shouldn’t take blood thinners and your doctor will advise you about taking medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiac disease. You will probably be given a sedative to relax you for the procedure so you will want to have someone to drive you home.
Once an ulcer has been diagnosed and its cause known, then you can receive treatment for it. Click here to get more information about diagnosing an ulcer, and contact Gastroenterology Associates.
