What is Peptic Ulcer?

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine develops painful sores or ulcers (the duodenum).

The stomach lining is normally protected from the effects of its digestive fluids by a thick layer of mucus. However, a variety of factors can weaken this barrier, allowing stomach acid to harm the tissue.

Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are the two most prevalent forms of peptic ulcers. These designations indicate the location of the ulcer.

Ulcers in the stomach are known as gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are found in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine (also known as the small bowel). Both stomach and duodenal ulcers can occur at the same time.

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

Many people who have ulcers don't show any signs or symptoms at all. Some people with ulcers experience stomach pain, frequently felt in the upper abdomen.

Food might make the pain go away, but it can also make it worse. Nausea, vomiting, and a sense of being bloated or full are some other symptoms.

It's vital to understand that there are a variety of causes for stomach pain, and not all abdominal discomfort is an 'ulcer'.

Some people might face mild to moderate symptoms. These symptoms include:

Peptic Ulcer Causes

Many people have the misconception that stress and certain foods can lead to ulcers. Two main causes can cause ulcers:

H. Pylori Bacteria:

The H. pylori bacteria attach to the mucus layer in the digestive tract and create inflammation (irritation), which can lead to the breakdown of this protective coating. Because your stomach includes powerful acids to digest food, this breakdown is a concern. Acids can eat through stomach tissue without the mucus layer protecting it.

Pain Killers:

You're more prone to develop a peptic ulcer if you take aspirin frequently and for a long time. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are in the same boat (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen and naproxen are two of them.

NSAIDs prevent your body from producing a substance that protects your stomach and small intestine from stomach acid. Other pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, will not cause ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer Diagnosis

A barium upper gastrointestinal X-ray (upper GI series) or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are used to diagnose an ulcer (EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

The barium upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray is simple to produce and has little risk or discomfort (apart from radiation exposure). Barium is a white, chalky material that is taken orally.

It shows up on X-rays and allows doctors to view the contour of the stomach; however, barium X-rays are less reliable and can miss ulcers up to 20% of the time.

An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is more precise than X-rays. Still, it requires the patient to be sedated and the insertion of a flexible tube via the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Upper endoscopy provides the extra benefit of being able to take small tissue samples (biopsies) to test for H. pylori infection.

H. pylori tests are now commonly available, and your doctor will design a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms while also killing the bacteria.

The quickest way to find out if you have H. pylori is to do a breath test. A blood or stool test, or a sample taken during an upper endoscopy, can also be used to check for it.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment

The treatment for your ulcer will be determined by the underlying cause. Your doctor will prescribe a combination of medications if tests reveal that you have an H. pylori infection. The drugs must be taken for up to two weeks.

Antibiotics are used to fight infections, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to lower stomach acid.

Antibiotic regimens may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea or stomach distress. Consult your doctor if these side effects cause substantial discomfort or do not improve over time.

Suppose your doctor finds that you do not have an H. pylori infection. In that case, he or she may prescribe or recommend an over-the-counter PPI (such as Prilosec or Prevacid) for up to 8 weeks to reduce digestive enzymes and aid in the healing of your ulcer.

Acid blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid), can help with stomach acid and ulcer pain. These drugs are available with a prescription and over the counter in some areas.

Complications of Peptic Ulcer

People with ulcer disease can live regular lives without food restrictions or lifestyle adjustments because of contemporary treatment. It has been discovered that smokers have a higher risk of ulcers and treatment failure.

The bacteria H. pylori is eradicated, which not only heals ulcers but also prevents them from recurring. Patients with ulcers usually have a good quality of life. Some ulcers are likely to heal without the need for drugs (though they probably recur as well).

As a result, the most serious issues that arise as a result of ulcers are ulcer complications. Some complications include:

Blood transfusions may be required for patients who have persistent or severe bleeding. With the help of specialist endoscopic devices, an endoscopy is conducted to determine the source of bleeding and to stop active ulcer bleeding.

Takeaway

Most peptic ulcers recover with adequate treatment. If you stop taking your medicine too soon or continue to use cigarettes, alcohol, or nonsteroidal pain medications during therapy, you may not recover.

After your initial treatment, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress. If the treatment doesn’t heal the ulcer, this may indicate:

Frequently Asked Questions