10 Symptoms and Treatments of a Duodenal Ulcer

9. Tests the doctor is likely to perform

Usually, doctors request an endoscopy to confirm their suspicion that this patient has a duodenal ulcer. To perform the test the doctor or nurse inserts a telescope tube through the gullet. Sometimes they refer to this test as a gastroscopy. It is obviously a very unpleasant procedure to go through, but it clearly shows the presence of an ulcer or inflammation, and it gives the doctor the information they need to know the best treatment. If they think the ulcer comes from an H. pylori infection, stool and blood tests can also help make the right diagnosis.