Final answer:
Peptic ulcers can be diagnosed based on symptoms or the presence of H. pylori. Treatment involves antibiotics and acid reducers. A noninvasive test can detect H. pylori infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peptic ulcers are typically diagnosed based on symptoms or the presence of H. pylori in the GI tract. Endoscopy may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment for peptic ulcers usually involves antibiotics to kill H. pylori and medications to decrease stomach acid. If a peptic ulcer causes perforation, emergency surgery is needed.
Another common cause of peptic ulcers is the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other contributing factors may include tobacco smoking and stress, but they haven't been definitively proven to cause ulcers. Diet does not appear to play a role in causing or preventing peptic ulcers.
A noninvasive test for H. pylori infection involves the patient drinking a solution of urea containing radioactively labeled carbon atoms. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the urea, producing radioactive CO₂ that can be detected in the patient's breath. Because peptic ulcers can lead to gastric cancer, patients with H. pylori infections are treated with antibiotics.