Stomach Ulcer is sometimes misdiagnosed as Biliary Tract Disease

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Biliary Tract Disease, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Stomach Ulcer.

The Helicobacter pylori bacterium is responsible for most cases of stomach ulcers. Treatment is aims to get rid of the bacterium with antibiotics. Successful elimination of Pylori is confirmed by breath tests. Antiacids are recommended to reduce acid production in the stomach. Sometimes, untreated stomach ulcers might perforate the stomach lining. This is a medical emergency and immediate surgery is required. The standard in diagnosing a stomach ulcer is an endoscopy. During the endoscopy, tissue samples are taken to perform a biopsy on.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Blood in vomit or stool, pain below the ribcage, vomiting, weight loss, symptoms of anaemia, shock due to blood loss, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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