Also called: Duodenal ulcer, Gastric ulcer, Stomach ulcer, Ulcer Show
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. The pain: Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help you digest food damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but
can make them worse. To see if you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor will test your blood, breath, or stool. Your doctor also may look inside your stomach and duodenum by doing an endoscopy or x-ray. Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. Treatment may include medicines to reduce stomach acids or antibiotics to kill H. pylori. Antacids and milk can't heal peptic ulcers. Not smoking and avoiding alcohol can help. You may need surgery if your ulcers don't heal. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Start Here
Your course of treatment will be based on the cause of your peptic ulcer. Treatment typically involves taking acid-suppressing medications to kill H. pylori bacteria, if present, and to promote healing, as well as stopping any medications that are causing your peptic ulcer. You may also experience symptom relief from certain lifestyle measures. Medication OptionsIf your peptic ulcer is found to be caused by an H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria in your digestive tract. Over-the-counter antacids like Mylanta, Maalox, or Tums can help you feel better, but they will not heal ulcers. If left untreated, complications from ulcers can occur. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that block acid production and promote healing of peptic ulcers. PPI drugs include:
Acid blockers, also called H2 blockers, reduce acid production and heal ulcers. These include:
Another option that your doctor may prescribe is a cytoprotective agent — a drug that protects the lining of your stomach and small intestine, which can help relieve symptoms of an ulcer. Alternative and Complementary TherapiesCertain lifestyle changes may help you recover from a peptic ulcer:
Prevention of Peptic UlcersLimiting your use of NSAIDs may help prevent peptic ulcers. Taking an alternative pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help you avoid NSAIDs. If you need to take an NSAID, opt for the lowest effective dose and take it with a meal. Peptic ulcers caused by an infection with H. pylori are not usually preventable. Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking may also help prevent peptic ulcers. What is the most common complication of peptic ulcer disease?In the United States, bleeding is the most common complication of PUD (73 percent), followed by perforation (9 percent), and obstruction (3 percent) [3].
Which findings are commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease?A history of episodic or epigastric pain, relief of pain after food intake, and nighttime awakening because of pain with relief following food intake are the most specific findings for peptic ulcer and help rule in the diagnosis.
Which of the following is the most common cause for peptic ulcers?The most common causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other causes of peptic ulcers are uncommon or rare.
What the three main symptoms associate with stomach ulcer?The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen). But stomach ulcers aren't always painful and some people may experience other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux and feeling sick.
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