Peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer disease is a condition in which painful sores or peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effect of its digestive juices. But many things can reduce this protective layer, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.
Who is more likely to get peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers?
Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group of common pain relievers
A family history of peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers.
Illness such as liver, kidney or lung disease.
Regularly drinking alcohol.
What causes peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
Pain-relieving NSAID medications.
pylori commonly infects the stomach. About 50% of the world’s population has an H. pylori infection, often without any symptoms. Researchers believe people can transmit H. pylori from person to person, especially during childhood. The H. pylori bacteria stick to the layer of mucus in the digestive tract and cause inflammation (irritation), which can cause this protective lining to break down. This breakdown is a problem because your stomach contains strong acid intended to digest food. Without the mucus layer to protect it, the acid can eat into stomach tissue.
Pain relievers
Another major cause of peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer disease is the use of NSAIDs, a group of medications used to relieve pain. NSAIDS can wear away at the mucus layer in the digestive tract. These medications have the potential to cause peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers. Common pain relievers are
Aspirin
Naproxen
Ibuprofen
Prescription NSAIDs
NSAID use coupled with an H. pylori infection is potentially the most dangerous. People who have H. pylori and who frequently use NSAIDs are more likely to have damage to the mucus layer, and their damage can be more severe. Developing a peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer from NSAID use also increases if you:
Take high doses of NSAIDs.
Are 70 years or older.
Are female.
Use corticosteroids
Use NSAIDS for a long time.
Can coffee and spicy foods cause peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers?
It’s a common misconception that coffee and spicy foods can cause peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers. In the past, you might have heard that people with peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers should eat a bland diet. But now we know that if you have a peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer, you can still enjoy whatever foods you choose as long as they don’t make your symptoms worse
What are peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer symptoms?
Gnawing or burning pain in your middle or upper stomach between meals or at night.
Pain that temporarily disappears if you eat something or take an antacid.
Bloating
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting.
Dark or black stool (due to bleeding).
Vomiting
Weight loss.
Severe pain in your mid- to upper abdomen.
How are peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers diagnosed?
Endoscopy
If you have severe symptoms, your provider may recommend an upper endoscopy to determine if you have a peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer. In this procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope (a small, lighted tube with a tiny camera) through your throat and into your stomach to look for abnormalities.
Imaging tests
Less frequently, imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans are used to detect peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers. You have to drink a specific liquid that coats the digestive tract and makes peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers more visible to the imaging machines.
Will peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers heal on their own?
Though peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers can sometimes heal on their own, you shouldn’t ignore the warning signs. Without the right treatment, peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:
Bleeding
Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach).
Gastric outlet obstruction (from swelling or scarring) that blocks the passageway from the stomach to the small intestine.
What peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer treatments are available?
If your peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer is bleeding, your doctor may treat it during an endoscopy procedure by injecting medications into it. Your doctor could also use a clamp or cauterization (burning tissue) to seal it off and stop the bleeding.
For most people, doctors treat peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers with medications, including:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): These drugs reduce acid, which allows the peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer to heal.
Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers): These drugs also reduce acid production
Antibiotics: These medications kill bacteria. Doctors use them to treat H. pylori.
Protective medications: Like a liquid bandage, these medications cover the peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer in a protective layer to prevent further damage from digestive acids and enzymes.
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How can I prevent peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers?
Talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAID medications (like acetaminophen) to relieve pain.
Discuss protective measures with your doctor, if you can’t stop taking an NSAID.
Opt for the lowest effective dose of NSAID and take it with a meal.
Quit smoking.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Are peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers curable?
For most people, treatment that targets the underlying cause (usually H. pylori bacterial infection or NSAID use) is effective at eliminating peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer disease. Peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers can reoccur, though, especially if H. pylori isn’t fully cleared from your system or you continue to smoke or use NSAIDs.
How long does it take a peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer to heal?
It generally takes several weeks of treatment for a peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer to heal.
Is it safe to take antacids?
Antacids temporarily relieve peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer symptoms. However, they can interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed medications. Check with your doctor to find out if antacids are safe to take while undergoing treatment.
What should peptic ulcer / stomach ulcer patients eat?
No foods have been proven to negatively or positively impact peptic ulcer / stomach ulcers. However, eating a nutritious diet and getting enough exercise and sleep is good for your overall health.
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