What is a peptic ulcer?
Your stomach and small intestine have a mucous lining that usually protects them from stomach acid. A peptic ulcer occurs when the acid damages the lining, which causes an open sore or ulcer.
When an ulcer develops in your stomach, it’s called a gastric ulcer. It’s called a duodenal ulcer when it’s located in the upper part of your small intestine.
What causes a peptic ulcer?
Stress and spicy foods do not cause an ulcer, but they can make your symptoms worse if you already have a peptic ulcer. The two primary causes of peptic ulcers are:
Helicobacter pylori bacteria
Most ulcers develop due to an infection caused by H. pylori. The bacterial infection harms the protective lining, allowing stomach acid to damage the wall and cause an ulcer.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are a group of pain relievers and fever reducers that includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. NSAIDs stop your body from making a chemical that protects the walls of your stomach and small intestine from acid. As a result, a peptic or duodenal ulcer can develop.
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?
A small ulcer may not cause symptoms. When it gets larger, however, you may experience:
- Dull or burning abdominal pain
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Burping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
The abdominal pain caused by a peptic ulcer tends to occur when your stomach is empty. You may also find that your pain comes and goes over the course of a few weeks.
How is a peptic ulcer treated?
Dr. Rayapudi performs diagnostic testing such as blood tests and imaging studies, which may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series or upper endoscopy. Then the doctor customizes your treatment based on the severity of the ulcer and your symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include dietary changes, avoiding NSAIDs, and medication. Antibiotics may help eliminate H. pylori bacteria, while other medications reduce stomach acid or help protect the mucosal lining.
What complications can develop from a peptic ulcer?
Bleeding develops when an untreated peptic ulcer begins to wear away tissues. When that happens, you may vomit blood or have bloody or black stools.
In severe cases, the ulcer may create a hole in the organ’s wall. It could also cause scar tissue that blocks the passageway between the stomach and small intestine.
If you develop persistent stomach pain or other symptoms, call Gastro Office or book an appointment online.
