Recognizing peptic ulcer disease

Abstract

PREVIEWDetermining which patients to test and which to treat is the crux of management of peptic ulcer disease. A number of laboratory tests are now available to confirm initial clinical recognition of dyspepsia due to Helicobacter pylori infection. Fortunately, the disease can be cured with combination antisecretory and antibiotic therapy. However, the value of testing in patients in whom the presence of an ulcer is unconfirmed remains controversial. Nevertheless, it is generally agreed that confirmed cases of H pylori infection should be treated. In this article, the authors discuss clinical and laboratory diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease and provide an algorithmic approach to evaluation.