A peptic ulcer is a sore on the protective lining of the GI tract. There are two types of peptic ulcers: - Duodenal ulcers, found on the duodenum; and
- Gastric ulcers, found on the stomach.
Although peptic ulcers can be serious, they can be controlled and even healed with proper medical treatment (see information on the Care Diagnostica Stomach UlcerTest). CAUSE OF PEPTIC ULCERS The major cause in the development of a peptic ulcer is a bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori, or H. Pylori for short, which lives on the lining of the stomach and duodenum. H.Pylori can cause inflammation of the stomach by acting as an irritant to the stomach lining. It is thought that this infection may also be involved in the development of stomach ulcers. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing an ulcer include: - Drugs such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Spicy foods, alcohol and coffee may increase the symptoms;
- Being overweight;
- Smoking.
Ulcers can also occur in people weakened by severe disease, e.g. chronic respiratory disease. Occasionally a stomach ulcer can be caused by cancer and rarely other specific illnesses, such as Crohn’s diseas SYMPTOMS OF A PEPTIC ULCER The symptoms of a peptic ulcer can vary from person to person and can be intermittent. Some of the more common symptoms include: - Regular heart burn;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- A burning sensation or pain in the upper part of the stomach;
- Bad breath.
Other symptoms can include: - Loss of appetite;
- Excessive belching;
- Loss of weight;
- Sudden and severe abdominal pains;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Black or tar-like stool
HOW TO DIAGNOSE A PEPTIC ULCER A blood test can detect the presence of H.Pylori, which the doctor can do or you may wish to do yourself at home (see information on Care Diagnostica Stomach Ulcer test). Confirmation of the diagnosis can be done by the following methods: - Endoscopy, which involves passing a small tube and camera into your stomach; this allows the doctor to look at the lining of the GI tract;
- Barium meal, which is essentially an x-ray of the GI tract
TREATMENT OF A PEPTIC ULCER If the ulcer is caused by H. Pylori, the doctor will prescribe an extended course of appropriate antibiotics that should clear up the infection in about two weeks. You will be advised to eat a healthy diet and avoid aspirin and foods that can lead to indigestion. The use of antacids can also be helpful. If your case is particularly severe, the doctor may prescribe medication that can reduce the amount of acid that is produced by your stomach, such as cimetidine (e.g. Tagamet) and ranitidine (e.g. Zantac). |
