Peptic Ulcer

What is Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the esophagus (esophageal ulcer), the stomach (gastric ulcer), or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). The ulcer causes gradual wearing away (erosion) into the deeper tissue.

What are the causes?

Normally, the lining of the stomach and the small intestine protects itself from the acid that digests food. The protective lining can be damaged by:

  • An infection caused by a germ (bacterium) called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori.
  • Regular use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
  • Rare tumors in the stomach, small intestine, or pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

  • Smoking.
  • Having a family history of ulcer disease.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Burning pain or gnawing in the area between the chest and the belly button. The pain may be worse on an empty stomach and at night.
  • Heartburn.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Bloating.

If the ulcer results in bleeding, it can cause:

  • Black, tarry stools.
  • Vomiting of bright red blood.
  • Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Medical history and physical exam.
  • Various tests or procedures, such as:
    • Blood tests, stool tests, or breath tests to check for the H. pylori bacterium.
    • An X-ray exam (upper gastrointestinal series) of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
    • Upper endoscopy. The health care provider examines the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine using a small flexible tube that has a video camera at the end.
    • Biopsy. A tissue sample is removed to be examined under a microscope.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

  • Eliminating the cause of the ulcer, such as smoking or the use of NSAIDs or alcohol.
  • Medicines to reduce the amount of acid in your digestive tract.
  • Antibiotic medicines, if the ulcer is caused by the H. pylori bacterium.
  • An upper endoscopy to treat a bleeding ulcer.
  • Surgery, if the bleeding is severe or if the ulcer created a hole somewhere in the digestive system.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not use over-the-counter medicines in place of prescription medicines unless your health care provider approves.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve within 7 days of starting treatment.
  • You have ongoing indigestion or heartburn.

Get help right away if:

  • You have sudden, sharp, or persistent pain in your abdomen.
  • You have bloody or dark black, tarry stools.
  • You vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
  • You become light-headed or you feel faint.
  • You become weak.
  • You become sweaty or clammy.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856