Overview
An ulcer on the lining of your stomach or the duodenum, the first segment of your small intestine, is called a peptic ulcer. A stomach ulcer is referred to as a gastric ulcer. It is referred to as a duodenal ulcer if it is located in the duodenum.
Causes & Symptoms of (Gastric And Duodenal Ulcer)
Causes:
Experts formerly believed that lifestyle choices like stress and food was the root cause of ulcers. We now know that digestive fluids and stomach acids play a role in the development of ulcers. The linings of your organs burn from these fluids.
Peptic ulcer causes include:
Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori bacterium. The majority of ulcers are brought on by an infection with the H. pylori bacterium. The mucus that coats your stomach and the duodenum, the first segment of your small intestine, is harmed by this bacteria. The lining is then penetrated by stomach acid.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs. These include over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. They have the potential to weaken the mucus lining your stomach over time.
Symptoms:
Indigestion symptoms could be a result of peptic ulcers.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen,
- Anywhere from the belly button to the breastbone, is a common symptom.
- Other symptoms include feeling full too quickly after eating. feeling overly satisfied after eating,
- Vomiting,
- Bloating,
- Belching
- Not feeling hungry
- Bloody or black stool
- Burping
Causes:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are the most frequent causes of peptic ulcers. There are a few other unusual or rare causes of peptic ulcers.
It is more common for those with specific risk factors to get ulcers.
Helicobecter Pylori
Peptic ulcers are frequently caused by H. pylori infection. Researchers continue to investigate the mechanism of H. pylori infection. By coming into touch with the vomit, feces, or saliva of an infected individual, the bacteria can transfer from one person to another. The bacteria can also transmit from person to person by food or drink that has come into contact with the vomit, feces, or saliva of an infected person.
NSAIDs
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are examples of NSAIDs that are commonly taken and can induce peptic ulcers. NSAIDs reduce pain, but they can increase the risk of damage and ulcers on the lining of the stomach NIH external link.
Certain NSAID varieties have a higher risk of ulceration than others.
- If you take NSAIDs for an extended period of time,
- Take an NSAID type that is more likely to cause an ulcer,
- Take high doses of an NSAID,
- Take more than one NSAID,
- Take NSAIDs along with other medications that increase the risk for ulcers,
Other Causes:
Medicines that raise the risk of developing ulcers include
- Corticosteroids NIH external link, medications used to treat low bone mass NIH external link, and some antidepressants NIH external link,
- Especially when taken with NSAIDs. Infections caused by certain viruses, fungi, or bacteria other than H. pylori are less common causes of peptic ulcers.
- treatments or surgeries involving the duodenum or stomach
A few illnesses and ailments are also less frequent causes of duodenal ulcers, including
- Illnesses that can damage the stomach, including cancer, NIH external link, Crohn's disease, damage, obstruction, or lack of blood flow.
- Duodenum, and potentially fatal ailments requiring critical care
- Severe long-term conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cirrhosis .
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a medical disorder that arises when excessive acid production in the Stomach is caused by one or more tumors known as gastrinomas.
Diagnosis and Tests
What is a peptic ulcer diagnosed by a doctor?
Ans: To diagnose a peptic ulcer, determine its cause, and look for problems, your doctor may run tests, ask you about your health and family history, do a physical examination, and prescribe medication.
Medical and family history
Your doctor will review your medical and family history in order to assist in the diagnosis of peptic ulcers and to look for ulcer-causing variables. Your physician might inquire about
- Persons signs and symptoms
- Persons medical background, including any instances of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections or peptic ulcers in the past
- Medications you consume, particularly NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds)
Physical Examination
A physical examination can aid in the diagnosis of problems related to peptic ulcers. When doing a physical examination, a doctor typically.
- Examines your abdomen for swelling.
- Uses a stethoscope to listen to noises coming from inside your abdomen.
- Tapping your abdomen to feel for any soreness or discomfort.
How do medical professionals diagnose Gastric ulcers?
- Blood tests
Blood tests can be used by doctors to look for indications of an H. pylori infection or issues related to peptic ulcers. A medical practitioner will draw blood from you for a blood test and send the sample to a laboratory.
- Urea breath tests
A urea breath test is one tool that doctors use to monitor for H. pylori infections. You will ingest a pill, liquid, or pudding containing urea that has been "labeled" with a certain carbon atom in order to take the test. The bacteria will turn the urea into carbon dioxide if H. pylori is present. You will exhale carbon dioxide into a container after a few minutes.
A medical practitioner will take a breathalyzer test. The medical practitioner will certify that you have an H. pylori infection in your digestive tract if the test finds the tagged carbon atoms.
- Stool test
- Upper gastrointesinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy
To confirm the diagnosis of a peptic ulcer and investigate its cause, physicians may prescribe an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
During an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a physician views the lining of the upper GI tract, which includes your stomach, duodenum, and esophagus, using an endoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a camera. A physician takes biopsies during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy by inserting a tool through the endoscope to remove tiny bits of tissue from the lining of your stomach. The tissue will be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
- Upper GI series
To aid in the diagnosis of peptic ulcers or ulcer complications, physicians may occasionally request an upper gastrointestinal series. Upper GI series visualizes your upper GI system using x-rays and barium, a chalky liquid you consume.
Method of Treatment
Method No.1
Prevention:
You can lower your risk of getting peptic ulcers by adopting specific habits and lifestyle choices.
- These include limiting one's daily alcohol intake to two drinks and avoiding combining alcohol and prescription drugs.
- Frequently wash your hands to prevent illnesses.
- Reducing the amount of aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve) you take.
- You can avoid getting a peptic ulcer by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes giving up smoking and other tobacco.
- Usage and eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Method No.2
Medications:
Doctors usually prescribe medications to speed up the healing process in order to cure peptic ulcers. Additionally, they search for the source of ulcers and address or prevent it. Discuss your best course of action for treatment with your doctor.
Healling Duodenal Ulcer
Physicians may prescribe or recommend
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs),
- H2 blockers,
- Other medications to treat peptic ulcers.
Method No.3
Surgery and therapeutic invenventions:
Hospitals are usually where doctors treat issues resulting from peptic ulcers. Doctors may prescribe medical procedures like.
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Surgery to manage ulcer complications in addition to treating the ulcer itself.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is Duodenal Ulcer Prognosis?
Treatments exist for duodenal ulcer symptoms. If you make dietary and sleep schedule adjustments and take medication as needed, you should be able to manage your duodenal ulcer symptoms to a manageable level.
When person should a call to doctor?
If you take antacids and heartburn treatments frequently and your symptoms persist, call your doctor if you have acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week for several weeks.
