Peptic ulcer
Alternative Names
Duodenal ulcer, Gastric ulcer, Duodenal ulcer, Gastric ulcerWhat is Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcer is an open sore on the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. The sores are often accompanied by a burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen (stomach).
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of peptic uler are:
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling of fullness
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach
- Mild nausea
- Discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Bloody or dark tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Possible complications
If you ignore peptic ulcers they can lead to:- Internal bleeding
- Infection
- Scar tissue
What causes
Acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. It leads that peptic ulcers appear. The digestive tract is covered with a mucous layer that protects against acid.
Causes of acid increasing or decreasing include:
- Bacteria (e.g. Helicobacter pylori)
- Regular use of pain relievers that irritate the lining of your stomach and small intestine
- Other medications such as bisphosphonates
Prevention
It is possible to reduce the risk of peptic ulcer. You should:
- Protect yourself from infections washing your hands with soap and water and by eating foods that have been cooked completely
- Be cautious with pain relievers
- Avoid drinking alcohol taking medications
Treatment
Antibiotics kill the H. pylori bacterium and other medications reduce the level of acid in the digestive system to relieve pain and promote healing. These drugs may be the prescription and non-prescription medications such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix). You may take antibiotics for two weeks and acid-reducing medications for about two months.
