What Is A Peptic Ulcer
 

Generally speaking, peptic ulcers are non-malignant sores in the stomach or duodenum. These are the parts of the gut where acid bathes the surface. Peptic means an area where digestion of food occurs (and acid is present). The digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first part of the intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum and these are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. And ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.


 

What Causes Peptic Ulcers?
 

Your stomach is naturally designed to protect itself against ulcers. A slimy layer of mucus protects your stomach lining against powerful acids (pepsin and hydrochloric acid). These acids are extremely harmful to unprotected body tissue, but at the same time are absolutely essential for proper digestion. There is a fine balance that has to be kept between the aggressive acids and the defensive mucous layers. When that delicate balance is broken, ulcers can develop. Things that upset this balance are:
 

- If your body makes too much acid the lining of your digestive tract can become damaged and an ulcer can form.

- Ulcers can also be caused by anti-inflammatory medicines NSAID's). Although most people take these medicines without problems, long-term use may damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers. Anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), naproxen (brand name: Aleve), ketoprofen (brand names: Actron, Orudis KT) and some prescription drugs for arthritis. They can do damage by making the stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects of acid and pepsin by interfering with the stomach's ability to produce mucus and bicarbonate.

- Physical or emotional stress may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but it can aggravate an ulcer if you have one.

Symptoms of a Peptic Ulcer

If you notice any one particular symptom, keep a lookout for any other symptoms that may follow. Stomach ulcer symptoms should be taken seriously.  These most common symptoms which are common to all types of stomach ulcers are:

- Abdominal pain

- Heartburn (also called acid reflux, or GERD)

- Abdominal Discomfort (2 - 4 hours before or after meals)

- There are also some symptoms which are different for each specific type of ulcer. For example, duodenal and gastric ulcers have symptoms which are quite opposite. 
    
Duodenal ulcers - This type of peptic ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Heartburn is a one of the most noticeable signs of a duodenal ulcer. You will also feel a burning or gnawing sensation in the top of your stomach. The symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are felt mostly before a meal. This happens when excess acid produced by hunger stimulation, is passed into the duodenum. Pain will be felt after taking aspirin or drinking orange juice or coffee. Another symptom of a duodenal ulcer is that about 5 in every 10 people are woken from their sleep during the night by sharp ulcer pains. With duodenal ulcers, taking a meal or an antacid usually results in a decrease in pain levels.  


Gastric ulcers - are almost opposite to the signs and symptoms of duodenal ulcers. The main differences are noticed in the timing and severity of the pain. Generally cause a dull aching pain, often right after eating. Eating will not relieve pain as is the case with other types of ulcers. Gastric Ulcers can cause feelings if indigestion and heartburn, acid reflux or nagging pains in the upper abdomen area below your breastbone. There can be episodes of nausea, a noticeable loss of appetite and unplanned weight loss. Another less common symptom of a gastric ulcer is that about 3 in every 10 people are woken up at night by dull ulcer pains. This usually happens 3- 4 hours after eating.
 
Complications from ulcers

People with ulcers may experience serious complications if they do not get treatment. The most common problems include:

Bleeding- As an ulcer eats into the muscles of the stomach or duodenal wall, blood vessels may also be damaged, causing bleeding. Don't waste any time getting immediate treatment. If your gastric ulcer is bleeding, then you may vomit bright new red blood, or older digested blood that looks like brown coffee grounds and have black, tarry bowel movements.

Perforation - Sometimes an ulcer eats a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, and bacteria and partially digested food can spill through the opening into the sterile abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and cause peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity and wall.

Narrowing and Obstruction - Ulcers located at the end of the stomach, where the duodenum is attached, can cause swelling and scarring, which can narrow or close the intestinal opening. This obstruction can prevent food from leaving the stomach and entering the small intestine, resulting in vomiting the contents of the stomach.
 

In most cases, the eradication of H. pylori and anti-ulcer medicines heal ulcers quickly and prevents most ulcers from recurring. However people who don't respond to medication or who develop complications may require surgery.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment