Peptic Ulcers:
What are peptic ulcers?
An ulcer is an open sore or lesion that is typically found on the skin or the mucous membrane areas of the body. An ulcer in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum, where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are preset, is referred to as a peptic ulcer. When the peptic ulcer is located in the stomach, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer, and similarly when it is located in the duodenum, it is referred to as a duodenal ulcer. An ulcer is neither contagious nor cancerous. Ulcers are almost always benign; however, some may become malignant. The common size of an ulcer is between 1/8 of an inch and ¾ of an inch.
Causes of gastric and duodenal ulcers:
The cause of peptic ulcers can be from both lifestyle factors, as well as the presence of a bacterial infection. Most research demonstrates that approximately 80 percent of gastric ulcers and 90 percent of duodenal ulcers are caused by an infection of a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Other factors in the development of peptic ulcers include:
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Stress
- A family history of ulcers
- Type O blood (for duodenal ulcers)
- Acid and pepsin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin)
Symptoms of peptic ulcers:
The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach, most often after eating. This can occur immediately after eating or hours after eating. This pain often feels like heartburn, indigestion or hunger pains, and can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 hours. The pain often awakens the individual at night. Drinking milk, resting, and taking antacids can all help to diminish the pain. Other symptoms may include:
- belching
- nausea
- vomiting
- poor appetite
- weight loss
- feeling weak and tired
How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?
There are a number of options available for diagnosing ulcers, and for testing for the H. pylori bacterium. These diagnostic procedures include:
- Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series - an x-ray of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to locate an ulcer, which is made visible on the x-ray image by swallowing chalky liquid known as barium.
- Endoscopy - a small flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum and is used to view the entire upper GI tract.
- Blood, breath, and stomach tissue tests - performed to detect the presence of H. pylori. Although, some of the tests for H. pylori are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because they may occasionally give false positive results, and the other tests may give false negative results in people who have recently taken antibiotics, omeprazole, or bismuth, research shows these tests can be accurate in detecting the bacteria.
Complications of peptic ulcers:
Persons with peptic ulcers may experience serious complications if the ulcer is left untreated. Common complications may include: bleeding, perforation, or a narrowing or obstruction of the intestinal opening.
Treatment options:
Specific treatment options should be discussed with a physician. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications to treat the ulcers, antibiotics, or surgery (which may include: vagotomy, antrectomy, or a pyloroplasty).
Related information:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
