Duodenal ulcers are sores found in the lining of the upper part of the small intestine or the lower part of the stomach. Duodenal ulcers are the most common form of ulcers that involve the gastrointestinal tract. These ulcers can strike both sexes of any age, but they are most often found in adults.
Information. Doctors diagnose duodenal ulcers by listening the patient’s symptoms and running blood and stool tests. Some doctors also give the patient an endoscopy where a fiber optic tube is passed down the patient’s GI tract while they are sedated. The ulcer can be seen on a monitor and is severity can be evaluated. The patient may also be given an X-ray and tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause ulcers.
