PEPTIC ULCER (STOMACH ULCER)

A peptic ulcer is an open sore. They are usually found in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or upper small intestine. Ulcers that occur in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers that occur in the upper area of the small intestine, which is called the duodenum, are called duodenal ulcers.

What Causes Ulcers?

No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive uids in the stomach and duodenum. Ulcers can be caused by...

Infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)

Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve,
Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Midol, and others), and many others available by
prescription. Even safety-coated aspirin and aspirin in powered form can frequently cause ulcers.

Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that
increases acid output (seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer

An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include..

A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night

Bloating

Heartburn

Nausea or vomiting

Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)

Vomiting blood (that can look like “coffee-grounds”)

Weight loss

Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

How Serious Is an Ulcer

Bleeding

Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)

Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine.

Taking NSAIDs can cause any of the above symptoms without warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.

Who Is More Likely to Get Ulcers?

Women and older people are more likely to develop these ulcers. However, a recent study shows that young men are more likely to experience duodenal ulcers, while older women have more gastric ulcers. This has been linked to aspirin use.High intake of aspirin also increases risk.

Some experts believe that alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use contribute to the prevalence of the ulcers. There is very little research to back this up. Still, most doctors agree that people already experiencing the ulcers should stay away from these substances.

Cancer patients can be at risk for these ulcers when undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy. The ulcers can sometimes go hand in hand with other infections. Conditions such as cystic brosis, hepatic cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, and HIV can also cause them.If you’ve had an ulcer once, you are susceptible to having one again.You may be more likely to develop ulcers if you:

Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium

Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

Have a family history of ulcers

Have another illness such as liver, kidney, or lung disease

Drink alcohol regularly

Are 50 years old or older

How Are Ulcers Treated?

If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making changes to ones lifestyle, limiting dairy, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer. To treat an ulcer, rst eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.Ulcer medications can include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI):Proton pump medications reduce acid levels and allow the ulcer to heal. They include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Zegerid, Dexilant, and Nexium.

Antibiotics. If you have H. pylori infection, then antibiotics are used. There are multiple combinations of antibiotics that are taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI. Pepto-Bismol is also part of some treatment regimens.

Upper endoscopy: Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

Surgery: Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach or if there is serious bleeding that can’t be controlled with an endoscope

Will Drinking Milk Help Cure an Ulcer?

No. In fact, milk can make an ulcer worse. Milk provides brief relief of ulcer pain because it coats the stomach lining. But milk can also stimulate the stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices, which can aggravate ulcers.

How Can I Prevent Ulcer

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:

Don’t smoke.

Avoid alcohol.

Don’t hard drugs

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