The diagnosis of peptic ulcer requires your doctor to know your medical history and perform a physical exam. To be able to answer the questions asked by the examining medical professional, it is essential for you to try and keep in mind any and all the symptoms you have been facing. Things like if you think you may have an open sore in the lining of your small intestine or stomach, whether you have been taking NSAIDs, and the pain experienced must be noted.

It is always easier for a doctor to conduct a diagnosis if they have a clear understanding of what you’re going through:

1. Diagnosing peptic ulcer
The doctor will check for a bloated stomach, and also may examine your upper digestive system through an endoscopy to look for the presence of ulcers. He/she may also take a tiny piece of the intestinal or stomach lining to test for the bacterium known as H. pylori. Stool, breath, and blood sample tests are also taken to screen for the presence of the bacteria.

2. Medications for the treatment of peptic ulcer
Depending on what caused the peptic ulcer, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan, which may involve eradicating the infection or lowering the stomach acid levels to enable the ulcer to heal.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  These decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This course of treatment generally lasts for two months, but in severe cases of peptic ulcer, it may last longer.
• H. pylori infection treatment
  This involves administering antibiotics and PPIs. Within a few days, the ulcer may begin to disappear. If the bacteria are not eliminated, then a different course of antibiotics may be required.
• Treatment for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  If the cause of the ulcer is NSAIDs, you must cease consuming them. You may be weaned off them or be given a lower dosage.
• Follow-ups
  You may suffer from indigestion even after the ulcer has been treated and has healed. In such a case, the doctor is likely to recommend some lifestyle changes and diets.

3. Alternative treatments to help manage peptic ulcer
Certain dietary choices can help treat and prevent this ulcer from developing. You must avoid foods such as black pepper, garlic, chili powder, alcohol, and caffeine that cause the stomach to produce excess acid.

4. Diet for peptic ulcer
It is recommended that your diet contain foods that are a good source of fiber and vitamin A as these can be easily digested. Fibrous foods like apples, oats, oranges, legumes, psyllium husk, carrots, barley, and nuts are a good option. Foods like broccoli, spinach, kale, collard greens, and sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A. You must also consume foods that are rich in antioxidants, like snap peas and a wide variety of berries. Green tea is also known to reduce the growth of H. pylori. The best way to quicken the treatment of peptic ulcer is to follow a balanced diet of vegetables and fruits and stay away from intense spices.