Open sores on the stomach’s inner lining or the upper small intestine are referred to as peptic ulcers. An ulcer is the most common cause of stomach pain.
Stomach acids chip away the protective coating of mucus in your digestive tract, causing this. You may or may not have any symptoms, or you may feel uncomfortable or have burning pain. Internal bleeding caused by peptic ulcers can result in the need for blood transfusions in the hospital.
What are the types of peptic ulcers?
- Gastric ulcers: These may occur on the side of the stomach.
- Duodenal ulcers: The upper portion of your small intestine’s interior, as shown in this image (duodenum)
Peptic ulcers are the main result of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcers are not the effect of stress or spicy foods. They may, on the other hand, exacerbate your existing symptoms.
The common warning signs of peptic ulcers:
- A scorching sensation in the stomach
- Belching, bloating, or a feeling of fullness
- Food intolerance to fats
- Heartburn
- Nausea
The most significant indication of a peptic ulcer is burning stomach discomfort. The pain is worsened by stomach acid and an empty stomach. Take an acid-reducing medication or eat some meals that buffer stomach acid to ease the pain, but the anguish may return. At night, the discomfort is likely to become more severe.
Ulcers can also generate severe warning signs and symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting or blood vomit (which can be red or black)
- Dark blood stools
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling faint
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Appetite changes
What are the causes of peptic ulcers?
Peptic ulcers are caused when the stomach or small intestine linings are eroded by gastric acid. An acid-induced open sore can be painful and even bleed.
The mucous membrane that covers your digestive tract serves as a barrier against stomach acid. Acid production or mucus production may lead to the formation of an ulcer.
The bacterial cause:
Helicobacter pylori bacteria are commonly found in the mucous layer that covers and protects the tissues of the stomach and small intestine. In most people, the pylori bacteria does not cause any problems, but it might lead to stomach ulcers if it inflames the stomach’s inner layer.
It is spread through close contact, such as kissing, from one person to the next. H. pylori can also be usually spread through contaminated food and water.
Certain medications:
Few medications can contain a type of ingredient that may trigger the peptic ulcer condition.
Smoking or drinking alcohol:
You’re also more prone to have ulcers if you drink a lot of alcohol. Ulcers were long thought to be caused by stress and eating a lot of spicy food, according to experts. However, they have the potential to aggravate ulcers and make peptic ulcer treatment more difficult.
What are the risk factors that can occur in peptic ulcers?
If you do any of the following, you may be at risk for peptic ulcers:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Untreated stress
- Consuming spicy food
How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed?
Your stomach ache specialist may begin by reviewing your medical history and completing a physical examination to see if you have an ulcer or other gastrointestinal problem. Following that, you may be requested to take part in diagnostic tests such as the ones listed below:
Laboratory tests to identify H. pylori:
Your doctor may recommend testing to determine whether or not the bacteria H. pylori exists in your body. H. pylori can be detected using a blood, stool, or breath test, among other methods. The breath test is the most accurate sort of test available.
Endoscopy:
Your doctor may use a scope to examine the upper digestive tract during an examination (endoscopy). When an endoscope is put into your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, it can help identify a problem. Your doctor will use an endoscope to look for ulcers in your stomach.
If your gastric ulcer specialist suspects that you have an ulcer, a tiny sample of tissue (biopsy) may be collected and sent to a laboratory for further testing. Having your stomach biopsied can also reveal whether or not H. pylori is growing and residing in the stomach lining.
Gastrointestinal series that begins in the upper gut:
A barium swallow is a sequence of X-rays taken of the upper digestive system that produce images of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, among other structures. Your digestive tract is shielded from view by the barium in the white liquid you consume during an X-ray.
How is a peptic ulcer treated?
Peptic ulcers can heal on their own in some cases. However, if the ulcers are not treated, they are likely to return. It is important to undergo the right stomach burn treatment for a complete cure.
The blood vessel wall in your stomach or small intestine can be eroded by them. Ulcers can also eat a hole in the lining and get infectious. They can also create edema, which can make it difficult for food to pass from your stomach to your small intestine.
If H. pylori are to blame, your doctor may prescribe a cocktail of medications to eradicate the infection.
Your doctor at a stomach ulcer hospital may also prescribe antacids or drugs to reduce the amount of acid produced by your body. Prescription medications known as cytoprotective agents can aid in healing ulcers by protecting the stomach or small intestinal lining.
Can peptic ulcers be cured?
If you have peptic ulcer disease, which causes stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers in the small intestine, the answer is yes. These ulcers are totally reversible.
How can peptic ulcer discomfort be alleviated?
Stress control: Stress has been shown to increase the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Consider the sources of your stress and do everything you can to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Exercise, socializing, and journaling are all ways to cope with stress, even if you can’t escape it.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause damage to the stomach’s protective lining, increasing the risk of an ulcer developing. In addition, smoking boosts stomach acid. Reach out to the Multispeciality Hospital In Coimbatore in case you are in need to undergo peptic ulcer treatment.
Limiting alcohol: Alcohol abuse can irritate and destroy the mucous lining of your stomach and intestines, resulting in inflammation and bleeding.
