I have been taking Prilosec for about eight years for ulcers. I had an endoscopy in 1991, and now the doctor wants to do another. I don't understand why I have to have this test again if I am not experiencing any problems. I really do not want to have this done if it is not absolutely necessary.

Tilla

Therapy for peptic ulcers currently centers on two strategies. The first involves suppressing the stomach's acid production by use of various medications such as omeprazole (Prilosec). The second targets the source of the ulcer, with the most common causes being Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If H. pylori infection is detected in a biopsy specimen of the stomach, antibiotic therapy is used to eradicate the bacteria. As for NSAIDs, a patient's ulcers will usually go away once they stop taking this class of drugs.

You did not provide information about the cause of your ulcers. Regardless of the cause, an acid-suppressive medication such as Prilosec will help prevent further ulcers. However, if you use NSAIDs or happen to be infected with H. pylori, the ulcers may recur if you stop the Prilosec.

Your doctor may want to use endoscopy to check your stomach for H. pylori. Also, if you happen to have a family history of stomach cancer, your doctor may wish to repeat the endoscopy to rule out cancer. It is best for you to discuss the reason for repeating the endoscopy with your doctor before having the test done.