What is a Stomach Ulcer? A Stomach Ulcer is a type of Peptic Ulcer that can form in the stomach and is an area of damage to the lining of the stomach. A Duodenal Ulcer is also a type of Peptic Ulcer and is an area of damage to the lining of the duodenum, which is the digestive tract that immediately follows on from the stomach. Why do Stomach Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers occur? Stomach Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers can occur because the contents of the stomach are acidic which helps to protect the body from infection and also helps to break down the food that we eat. The lining of the stomach and duodenum are covered in mucus, which is a smooth, thick fluid that protects the lining from the acid. Damage to the lining of the stomach or duodenum can happen when the stomach produces too much acid or there is not enough mucus to protect the lining from attack by the acid. What causes Stomach Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers? It is thought that an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) is the main cause of Stomach Ulcers. It is now possible to perform a Stomach Ulcer Test at home that can detect the presence of H.Pylori. Smoking, drinking excess alcohol and regularly taking certain medicines such as aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) e.g. naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac are also risk factors that can lead to peptic ulcers. Why is it important to perform a Stomach Ulcer Test? It is important to perform a Stomach Ulcer Test because if H. Pylori is detected it can easily be treated with a course of medication which includes antibiotics and a protein pump inhibitor. The treatment lasts for one week and at the end of the week a second Stomach Ulcer Test should be performed to ensure that the infection has been eradicated. In most cases, treating the H.Pylori infection in this way will allow the ulcer to heal and prevent it from recurring. It is also important to perform a Stomach Ulcer Test because if left undiagnosed and untreated it can lead to more serious complications e.g. perforation of the stomach or duodenum which will need emergency treatment. A slow bleeding ulcer can lead to anaemia. Scars left by ulcers that have healed can cause severe vomiting and may need surgery. If you have persistent ulcer symptoms and H. Pylori is not found, you will be sent for further investigations. About 20% of people under 40 and 50% of people over 60 are infected with H. Pylori most of whom will not develop ulcers. What should I do if the Stomach Ulcer Test is positive? If the Stomach Ulcer Test is positive it is important that you should see your doctor as soon as possible so that further investigations and treatment can follow if necessary. |
