A stomach ulcer refers to a sore in the lining or rupture of the digestive tract. This happens when stomach acid damages the lining. Stomach ulcers are usually caused by a bacterial infection, frequent use of OTC pain relievers, or a frequent use of OTC painkillers.
Stomach ulcers can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and heartburn. Stomach ulcers can be treated easily with medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be required for severe stomach ulcers. Giandliverconsultants providing the gastrointestinal and liver consultancy services.
This article will provide an overview of stomach ulcers, and what to do if they occur. A man with stomach pain may have ulcers
Types
They are a type of stomach ulcer, even though the term is often used in a broad sense. The location of peptic ulcers in the digestive tract is what distinguishes them.
The stomach/gastric ulcer (the stomach, the organ between the small and large intestines) is where you will find a stomach/gastric problem.
The duodenal ulcer (upper portion of small intestine), is located in the duodenum.
Both types of colon cancers are similar in their causes and have almost identical symptoms. To locate the exact ulcer location, a healthcare provider will need to conduct an imaging procedure.
Causes
Stomach ulcers are caused by stomach acid eating away at the lining in the digestive tract. This is often caused by:
Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori): Infections with this bacteria can cause damage to the mucus layer that protects your stomach lining. This causes stomach acid to enter the lining and can cause inflammation and ulcers. In the United States, about 75% of stomach-related ulcers are caused by H. Pylori infection.
Prolonged use NSAIDs: Long-term NSAID use, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, has been linked to pepticuls. These drugs are believed to affect the stomach’s ability protect itself against gastric acid.
Contrary to popular belief stress and spicy food do not cause stomach ulcers. However, they can worsen existing ulcers.
There are also other causes, which are less common, of peptic ulcers.
Ischemia: A decrease in blood flow to the stomach or duodenum.
Zollinger Ellison syndrome is a rare condition that results in tumors in the pancreas or small intestine. The hormone gastrin stimulates stomach acid production, leading to ulcers.
Crohn’s Disease: A form inflammatory bowel disease
Stressful events: Such as traumatic brain injury (Cushing injury), severe burns(Curling ulcer), and other trauma, injury or infection
Other medications: Osteoporosis medication such as Fosamax (alendronate), or chemotherapy drugs like Fosamax.
The following factors could also play a part in the development peptic ulcers.
Genetic susceptibility to H. pylori infection.
Smoking cigarettes is a bad idea, especially if you have H. Pylori.
Heavy alcohol consumption is a sign of liver cirrhosis.
Signs
Stomach ulcers can cause many symptoms. The severity of the ulcer will determine the severity of the symptoms. While smaller ulcers might not cause symptoms, larger ulcers can cause severe pain, bleeding and possibly bowel obstruction.
Pain in the upper abdomen, between your belly button and chest, is the most common sign of a stomach injury. The pain may last for several hours or a few minutes.
The location of the ulcer will affect the intensity of the pain. Stomach (gastric ulcers) may present pain shortly after eating. Duodenal ulcers, on the other hand, are likely to present with abdominal discomfort a few hours later after eating. Stomach ulcer pain can get worse after eating but it improves when you eat in duodenal.
You may also experience the following symptoms when you have stomach ulcers
- Heartburn
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Although stomach ulcers are uncomfortable and can cause discomfort, they are rarely life-threatening. If you experience changes in your appetite, nausea, vomiting, bloody stool, or difficulty breathing, contact a healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms can be caused by internal bleeding, perforation, or blockage. All of these conditions require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider may order several tests to confirm that you have stomach ulcers.
There are many ways to diagnose a peptic infection caused by H. Pylori bacteria.
Blood antibodies can be used to determine if specific defense proteins (known as antibodies) have been produced by your immune system in response H. pylori bacteria. This test does not identify active infection, and is not specific for old or current infection.
Carbon urea breath tests are used to measure carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air. This is done to determine if there is an active H. Pylori bacterial infection.
Fecal antigen stool tests look for foreign H. pylori proteins (antigens) in a stool sample.
You may need to stop taking antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and Pepto Bismol (bismuthsubsalicylate) for two weeks before you can undergo these tests. You may need to wait up to 4 weeks after stopping taking antibiotics before you take an H. Pylori test.
Additional diagnostic procedures can be performed if necessary.
Upper endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible fiberoptic scope in the throat to examine the stomach’s lining. This procedure is performed under mild sedation. A biopsy (small piece of tissue) can be taken from the lining to perform further testing.
Upper GI series, also known as a barium-X-ray series, involves swallowing a chalky liquid that contains barium before a series X-rays can be taken. The barium is used to help the internal organs be visible on imaging. Although it is less invasive than endoscopy, it can sometimes be less precise if the ulcers are small.
Treatment
If caught early enough, most stomach ulcers can be treated easily. There are several treatment options.
Medication: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), bismuth Subsalicylate Tablets (such as chewable Pepto-Bismol), as well as antibiotics to kill H. Pylori bacteria can be used. Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is an NSAID pain reliever, can be used to treat any fever or pain.
Modifications to your diet: Foods and drinks don’t cause or cure stomach ulcers, but some dietary adjustments can help restore damaged stomach tissue rather than irritating it. To speed up healing and keep symptoms under control, your healthcare provider might recommend that you avoid spicy foods, fried foods, acidic food, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and anything with caffeine.
Lifestyle changes: You can reduce your stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress to help relieve stomach ulcer symptoms. This will allow the ulcers to heal. As an adjunct to medications and diet changes, you may consider using mind-body treatments such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and massage.
Endoscopic intervention: In cases of bleeding or ongoing bleeding, an upper endoscopy may need to be performed. A bleeding ulcer can be closed with heat or clamped. This procedure can also include injections of medication.
Surgical intervention: Surgery should only be performed in cases of severe bleeding, perforation, or obstruction. Planned surgery can be done laparoscopically (using a small incision) while emergency procedures are usually performed openly (using a traditional incision).
Most ulcers can be healed in a matter of weeks if they are treated with medication. However, some gastric ulcers take longer than others to heal.
After you have completed the treatment, your healthcare provider may request a follow up appointment to ensure that the ulcer and bacterial infection are gone.
Stomach Cancer and Ulcers
There is some evidence that H. pylori bacteria may be linked to stomach cancer. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a biopsy to confirm the suspicion.
Summary
A stomach ulcer is a condition that occurs in the stomach lining. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, long-term OTC pain relief medication, or a stomach sore. They can also be called a peptic ulcer. Smoking and lifestyle factors can also play a role.
Most common symptoms of stomach or peptic ulcers are pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, heartburn, gas, indigestion, and stomach cramps. There are many treatment options available for acid-reducing medications, antibiotics and lifestyle or dietary changes.
A word from Very well
Healthcare providers see stomach and peptic ulcers as one of the most common GI issues. Although most stomach ulcers can be treated quickly, they can also become life-threatening if not properly treated. If you experience symptoms such as bloody stool, bloody or clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, fainting, bloody stools, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, bloody stool, bloody urine, bloody stool, bloody stomach, bloody stool, bloody or swollen bowel movements, and severe pain, it is important to get immediate medical attention.
