Peptic Ulcer: Being Aware of the Real Causes

Peptic Ulcer: Being Aware of the Real Causes

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an open sore on the inside lining of your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine.
Peptic ulcers that develop on the inside lining of your stomach are called gastric ulcers. When peptic ulcers are in the hollow tube (esophagus) where food travels from your throat to your stomach they are called esophageal ulcers. Peptic ulcers that occur in the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) are called duodenal ulcers.

Spicy foods and stress do not cause peptic ulcers as it was once believed. Peptic ulcers are usually caused by a bacterial infection or some medications, although stress and diet can make them worse.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain that is burning is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. The ulcer causes the pain that is aggravated when stomach acid comes in contact with it, the ulcerated area. The pain typically occurs as follows:

Is experienced anywhere from your navel to your breastbone
Is worse when your stomach is empty

Begins between meals

Flares at night

Stops briefly if you eat certain food that buffer the stomach or by taking
antacids

Lasts for minutes to hours

Disappears and returns for several days or weeks

Additional symptoms that are severe that are caused by peptic ulcers,
that may occur less often, include the following:

Nausea and vomiting

Vomiting of blood- which may be red or black

Dark blood in stools or stools that are black and tarry

Appetite changes

Unexplained weight loss

Causes

Peptic ulcers occur when the acid in your digestive tract that helps you digest foods damage the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine, causing an open sore that may bleed. The lining of your digestive tract is coated by a layer of mucous that usually protects it against acid. But when there is an increased amount of acid or a decreased amount of mucous you may develop an ulcer. The causes of peptic ulcers include the following:

A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

Long-term use of over-the-counter and prescription medications
that can irritate or inflame the lining of your stomach and small intestine,
such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) like
aspirin and ibuprofen.

Other prescription medications. Prescription medications used to treat
osteoporosis called bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, etc.)

Risk Factors

Smoking. People who are infected with H. pylori may be at a greater
risk of deloping a peptic ulcer if they smoke.

Having Uncontrolled Stress. Stress is not a cause of peptic ulcers but is
a contributing factor.

Drinking Alcohol. Alcohol can irritate or erode the mucous lining of your
stomach and increase the amount of stomach acid that is produced.

Diagnosis

Detecting an ulcer can be done using the following:

Tests to determine if H. pylori is in your body may include a blood test, a
breath test or a stool test.

Examining your digestive system with a scope (endoscopy) which is a
hollow tube with a lens (endoscope) that your doctor passes down your
throat, into your stomach and small intestine to look for ulcers.

X-ray of your upper digestive system. Known as a barium swallow or
upper gastrointestinal series, this series of x-rays is performed creating
images of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine after you swallow a
white liquid (containing barium) that coats your digestive tract which
makes an ulcer more visible.

Treatment

Peptic ulcers will get worse if they are not treated. If your peptic ulcer is caused by the H. pylori bacterium you will be given antibiotic medications. And your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce the level of acid in your digestive system, to relieve pain and assist in healing. When pain relievers are the cause of your ulcer, your doctor may prescribe a different pain reliever or a different dose. If your ulcers do not heal you may need surgery.

It is important to see your doctor if you have symptoms of a peptic ulcer for treatment and to prevent complications.
References
Peptic Ulcer. Mayo Clinic. January 6, 2011
Peptic Ulcer. National Institutes of Health. February 6, 2013.