Question 1

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Accepted Answer

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition where painful sores develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of NSAIDs that weaken the protective mucous coating. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects active bacterial infection.

Question 2

What causes peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

Peptic ulcer disease is caused primarily by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which weakens the protective mucous layer of the stomach and duodenum. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen is the second most common cause, as these medications reduce the stomach's ability to protect itself from acid. Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and severe physical stress from illness or surgery.

Question 3

What is the best test for peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for peptic ulcer disease because it directly detects active Helicobacter pylori infection in your digestive system. This test identifies the bacterial antigens in a stool sample, confirming whether H. pylori is present and causing your ulcers. Unlike antibody blood tests that can remain positive even after treatment, the stool antigen test shows current infection status, making it ideal for both initial diagnosis and confirming successful treatment. Identifying H. pylori allows your healthcare provider to prescribe targeted antibiotic therapy that can eliminate the bacteria and cure the underlying cause of most peptic ulcers.

Question 4

When should I get tested for peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent burning stomach pain, especially between meals or at night, or if you notice dark or bloody stools. Testing is also important if you have frequent heartburn, nausea, bloating, or unexplained weight loss, as these symptoms may indicate an ulcer. Get tested immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or difficulty swallowing, as these could signal serious complications requiring urgent medical attention.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer disease is burning stomach pain that feels like hunger pangs, typically occurring between meals or during the night. You might also experience bloating, belching, nausea, heartburn, and feeling uncomfortably full after eating small amounts. Some people notice dark or tarry stools indicating bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting that may contain blood or look like coffee grounds. However, some ulcers cause no symptoms at all until serious complications develop.

Question 6

Who is at risk for peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

People who regularly take NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for pain or arthritis are at higher risk for developing peptic ulcers. Those infected with H. pylori bacteria, which spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals, face increased risk. Smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers, people over 50, and those with a family history of ulcers also have elevated risk. Additionally, individuals experiencing significant physical stress from serious illness, surgery, or burns are more susceptible to developing stress ulcers.

Question 7

What happens if peptic ulcer disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated peptic ulcers can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The ulcer can perforate or create a hole through the stomach or intestinal wall, causing severe infection in the abdominal cavity that requires emergency surgery. Ulcers may also cause internal bleeding that leads to anemia or dangerous blood loss requiring hospitalization and blood transfusions. Scar tissue from chronic ulcers can narrow the digestive tract, blocking food passage and causing persistent vomiting and weight loss. Early testing and treatment prevent these complications and can cure the condition when H. pylori is identified and eradicated.

Question 8

Can peptic ulcer disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

While blood tests can detect H. pylori antibodies, the H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is more accurate for diagnosing active peptic ulcer disease. Blood antibody tests show if you have ever been exposed to H. pylori, but they remain positive even after the infection is treated, making them less useful for current diagnosis. The stool antigen test specifically identifies active bacterial infection, providing more reliable results for both initial diagnosis and confirming successful treatment. Diagnosing the actual ulcers themselves requires endoscopy or imaging procedures, but identifying H. pylori through stool testing helps determine the underlying cause and guides treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is peptic ulcer disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for peptic ulcer disease depends on the underlying cause identified through testing. If H. pylori infection is detected, your doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics along with proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid and allow ulcers to heal. This triple or quadruple therapy typically lasts 10-14 days and successfully eliminates the bacteria in most cases. For ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stopping these medications when possible and taking acid-reducing drugs helps ulcers heal. Your doctor may also recommend antacids for symptom relief and protective medications that coat the stomach lining.

Question 10

How can I prevent peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk of peptic ulcer disease by practicing good hygiene, including washing hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom to prevent H. pylori transmission. Limit or avoid NSAIDs when possible, and if you must take them regularly, talk to your doctor about protective medications to take alongside them. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both increase ulcer risk and slow healing. Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and maintaining regular meal times also support digestive health, though no specific foods have been proven to prevent ulcers.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

While natural remedies cannot replace medical treatment for peptic ulcers, some approaches may provide symptom relief alongside prescribed therapy. Probiotics from yogurt or supplements may help restore healthy gut bacteria and support H. pylori treatment effectiveness. Honey, particularly Manuka honey, has antibacterial properties that some studies suggest may help fight H. pylori. Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and acidic foods can reduce stomach irritation and discomfort. However, it is essential to get tested and receive proper medical treatment, especially for H. pylori infection, as antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the bacteria and cure the underlying cause of most ulcers.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Peptic Ulcer Disease Blood Test

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

What causes peptic ulcer disease?

What is the best test for peptic ulcer disease?

When should I get tested for peptic ulcer disease?

References

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