Peptic Ulcer Disease: All You Need To Know
Peptic ulcers are painful open sores that get formed on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The most common sign of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.
Peptic ulcers are of two types:
- Gastric ulcers that develop in the stomach.
- Duodenal ulcers that develop in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).Duodenal ulcers that develop in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and long-term usage of NSAIDs like ibuprofen causes ulcer.There is no link between stress and peptic ulcers, but they might exacerbate the ulcer symptoms.
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of peptic ulcer-
Dry gangrene:
- Severe stomach aches
- Burning or dull pain in the stomach
- Bloated,overstuffed, or belching
- Fatty meals intolerance
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The uncommon or severe symptoms of peptic ulcer include:
- Vomiting blood, which may appear red or black.
- Having blood in the faeces, or tarry, black stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling weak
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
Causes
When the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine is attacked by digestive acids it leads to a peptic ulcer. The acid causes a painful open sore and it may bleed. A mucous layer covers the digestive tract, which often shields the tract from the acid. An ulcer may develop if the amount of acid is increased or the intensity of mucus is decreased. Other causes are:
- Bacteria : The mucous layer that covers and protects the tissues that line the stomach and small intestine is a popular habitat for Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The H. pylori bacterium usually causes no health issues, but it can lead to ulceration by inflaming the stomach's inner layer.
- Use of specific painkillers on a regular basis : The lining of the stomach and small intestine may become irritated or inflamed if you use aspirin or other specific over-the-counter and prescription painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and other drugs are some of the examples. Acetaminophen is not a component of them.
- Different medicines : Combining certain additional drugs with NSAIDs can significantly increase the risk of getting ulcers. These include steroids, anticoagulants, aspirin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), alendronate, and risedronate-containing tablets.
Risk factors
You may be at a higher risk of developing peptic ulcers in addition to the hazards associated with taking NSAIDs in the following situations:
- Smoking increases the risk of peptic ulcers in people having H. pylori infection.
- Alcohol elevates stomach acid production that can irritate and erode the mucus lining of the stomach.
- Take a lot of stress.
- Eat hot and very spicy food.
These elements together do not create ulcers, but they can exacerbate the existing ulcers and make them difficult to treat.
Complications
Following are the peptic ulcer complications-
- Internal bleeding : Blood loss can be gradual and cause anemia, or it can be severe and necessitate hospitalization or blood transfusions. Black or bloody feces or vomit might result from significant blood loss.
- Perforation in the stomach wall : When the stomach or small intestine are perforated by peptic ulcers, there is more risk of developing a serious abdominal cavity infection (peritonitis).
- Stomach cancer : Stomach Cancer: According to studies, individuals with H. pylori infection are more prone to stomach cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
- H. pylori testing in the lab : To find out if you have the bacterium H. pylori in your body, the doctor may suggest tests such as a blood, stool, or breath test to check for H. pylori bacteria. The most accurate test is the breathalyzer.
- Endoscopy : The upper digestive system may be examined using a scope (endoscopy). An endoscope is a hollow tube with a lens attached to it that is passed down the throat, into the stomach, and small intestine. The doctor will check for ulcers during an endoscopy procedure.
If an ulcer is found, the doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to be examined in a lab. Additionally, a biopsy test can determine if H. pylori bacteria is present in the stomach lining. - Upper gastrointestinal series : This series of X-rays of the upper digestive system, often known as a "barium swallow," produces images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. You take a white drink (including barium) before the X-ray which coats the lining of the digestive tract and it enhances the visibility of ulcers.
Treatment
The cause of peptic ulcers will determine the type of treatment needed. Typically, treatment includes eradicating the H. pylori bacterium, minimizing the use of NSAIDs, and aiding in the ulcer healing by using the medications.The medications are as follows:
- Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori : A combination of antibiotics may be suggested by the doctor if H. pylori is discovered in the digestive tract in order to eradicate the bacterium. These include tetracycline, levofloxacin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tinidazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin.
- Drugs that help the body repair by preventing the creation of acid : PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, work to lower stomach acid by preventing the action of the cells' acid-producing mechanism. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and other prescription and over-the-counter treatments are among them.
Proton pump inhibitor usage over an extended period of time, especially high doses, may increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fracture. Consult your doctor to see whether taking a calcium supplement could lower this risk. - Medications that lower the formation of gastric acids : Histamine (H-2) blockers, often known as acid blockers, lessen the amount of stomach acid produced into your digestive tract, relieving ulcer discomfort and promoting healing. Acid blockers include the drugs famotidine, cimetidine, and nizatidine, which are both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
- Stomach acid-neutralizing antacids : A prescription for an antacid might be prescribed by the doctor. Antacids can quickly relieve pain while neutralizing any existing stomach acid. Although they can relieve symptoms, antacids are often not used to treat ulcers.
