Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They can form from stomach acid eating away the lining or from a bacterial infection, like H. Pylori bacteria.
Peptic ulcers are a relatively common health issue, They are mainly divided into three types:
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Stomach ulcer Gastric ulcerThese are ulcers that develop inside the stomach.
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Esophageal ulcer:- These are ulcers that develop inside the esophagus.
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Duodenal ulcer:- These are ulcers that develop in the upper part of the small intestine.
In this article, we will learn about the causes of peptic ulcers, their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and the available treatment options.
Causes of peptic ulcers
Many different factors can cause the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine to break down, leading to ulcers in these areas, These factors and causes include the following:-
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Stomach bug H.Pylori:- It's a type of bacteria that can cause infection and inflammation in the stomach, leading to stomach ulcers.
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Repeated use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:- Using aspirin and ibuprofen often can raise the risk of ulcers, especially in women and people over 60.
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Smoking, and using other types of tobacco.
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Drinking alcoholic beverages.
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Exposure to radiation therapy.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is a burning pain in the belly that spreads from the navel to the chest. This pain can be mild or severe. Sometimes, this belly pain can even wake people up at night.
Also, small peptic ulcers might not cause any symptoms in early stages. Other common symptoms of peptic ulcers can include:
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Changes in appetite.
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Feeling nauseous.
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Dark or bloody stool.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Vomiting, may contain blood.
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Chest pain.
How to diagnose a peptic ulcer
There are two tests available to diagnose peptic ulcers called upper endoscopy series and upper GI series.
- Upper endoscopy
In this test, a healthcare provider inserts a long tube with a camera down the throat into the stomach and small intestine to check for ulcers. This tool also lets them take tissue samples for lab testing.
Also, not all cases need upper endoscopy, but it's recommended for people at higher risk of stomach cancer. This includes people over 45 years old, anAlso for people who suffer from:-
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Weight loss.
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Gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Difficulty swallowing.
- Upper GI tract series
If the person doesn't have trouble swallowing and their stomach cancer risk is low, the healthcare provider might suggest an upper GI series instead. In this, the patient drinks a thick liquid called barium. Then the technician takes X-rays of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. The liquid helps the provider see and treat ulcers.
Also, since H. pylori is a cause of ulcers, the healthcare provider may test for this infection in the stomach.
How to treat a peptic ulcer
Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on what's causing them. If tests show you have an H. pylori infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe a set of medicines to take for up to two weeks. These medicines may include:
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Antibiotics to help kill the infection.
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to help reduce stomach acid.
Also, if your healthcare provider decides you don’t have an H. pylori infection, they might recommend prescription or over-the-counter PPIs for up to eight weeks to lower stomach acid and help the ulcer heal.
Complications of peptic ulcers
If untreated, ulcers can get worse over time and might cause more serious health problems. These complications include:-
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Internal bleeding:- Bleeding ulcers can cause a large loss of blood and may require hospital admission. Signs include dizziness, lightheadedness, and dark (black) stools.
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Perforation:- A hole can form in the stomach or small intestine lining, causing infection. Signs of a perforated ulcer include sudden, severe stomach pain.
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Scar tissue:- This is thick tissue that forms after an ulcer. It makes it hard for food to pass through the digestive system. Signs include vomiting and weight loss.
All three complications above are serious and may need surgery, So you should get urgent medical care if you have any of these symptoms:-
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Sudden sharp belly pain.
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Fainting, heavy sweating, or confusion (signs of shock).
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Blood in vomit or stool.
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Pain when touching the belly.
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Belly pain that gets worse with movement but feels better lying down flat.
With proper treatment, most stomach ulcers heal. But they may not heal well if the person stops meds early, or keeps smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking NSAID painkillers during treatment.
Also, some ulcers, called resistant ulcers, may not heal with treatment. If the ulcer doesn't heal with first treatment, This may indicate other conditions like:-
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Excess production of stomach acid.
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Presence of other bacteria in the stomach besides H. pylori.
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Having another disease like stomach cancer or Crohn's disease.
In these cases, the healthcare provider recommends different treatment methods and runs more tests to treat or rule out other conditions.
How to prevent digestive ulcers
Some lifestyle choices and habits can lower the risk of getting digestive ulcers, These habits include:-
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Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
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Stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Limit intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
