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Ulcer, Peptic
Medical Questions » Ulcer, Peptic
| Name: Ulcer, Peptic |
| Also known as: Duodenal Ulcer; Gastric Ulcer; Pyloric Ulcer; Stomach Ulcer |
| Ulceration of the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine) caused by hydrochloric acid. |
Causes of Ulcer, Peptic
Hydrochloric acid is a potent acid naturally produced in the stomach to aid food digestion. The stomach protects itself with a layer of thick mucus. If there is excess acid or insufficient mucus present, the acid may eat into the stomach wall. The most common causes for excess acid or reduced mucus are smoking, stress, anxiety, alcohol, aspirin and the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori may damage the mucus lining of the stomach. The acid can cause a gastric ulcer in the stomach, or the first part of the small intestine may be ulcerated to form a duodenal ulcer. Pyloric ulcers develop at the point where a muscle ring acts as a valve between the stomach and duodenum. The term peptic ulcer refers to all three types of ulcer. |
Symptoms of Ulcer, Peptic
The ulcer may penetrate into a blood vessel to cause bleeding, anemia and weakness before any pain is felt. Most ulcers cause pain high up in the belly which is often worst just before a meal and relieved by eating. Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness, excess burping and indigestion. |
Tests for Ulcer, Peptic
Proved by a barium meal X-ray or gastroscopy. During gastroscopy a biopsy can be taken of an ulcer to exclude cancer, and a test can be performed to identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The bacteria can also be detected by a test on a sample of breath that is collected in an air-tight container. A blood test is also available, but less accurate. |
Treatment for Ulcer, Peptic
A sensible diet, stopping smoking and relaxation. If Helicobater pylori is detected, a specific course of antibiotics and anti-ulcer medication (triple therapy) can be given to eradicate it, heal the ulcer, and prevent a recurrence. Numerous tablets are available to control and often cure peptic ulcers. Because of the effectiveness of these medications, surgery for peptic ulcers is now rarely required.
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Complications of Ulcer, Peptic of its treatment
Excessive bleeding from an ulcer can cause serious anemia. A very small percentage of ulcers can be cancerous. |
Likely Outcome of Ulcer, Peptic
Most patients respond very well to medical treatment. |
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