As defined, ulcer is
a sore, which means an open or painful would.
*Peptic ulcers* are
open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper
portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is
stomach pain.
*Peptic ulcers
include:*
•
Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
•
Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your
small intestine (duodenum)
Ulcers are the
classic cause of typical indigestion. These are breaks in the lining of the
stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer) that hurt due to exposure
to gastric acids. Most ulcers are caused by an infection called Helicobacter
pylori (HP), and can be cured by appropriate antibiotic treatment. Some ulcers
and smaller "erosions" result from reactions to medicines, especially
those taken for muscle pains and arthritis (aspirin compounds and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]).
*THINGS TO NOTE*
^ The pain of a
duodenal ulcer can be worse when the stomach is empty (for example in the
middle of the night), and is then often relieved by food.
^ The symptoms of
ulcers are characteristically intermittent; symptoms occur for a few weeks, and
may disappear for a few months (even if the ulcer is still present).
^ The most common
causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori
(H. pylori) and long-term use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) (Advil, Aleve, others).
^ *Stress and spicy
foods do not cause peptic ulcers.* However, they can make your symptoms worse.
*Symptoms*
•
Burning stomach pain
•
Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
•
Fatty food intolerance
•
Heartburn
•
Nausea
*Other common signs
and symptoms of ulcers include:*
• dull pain in the
stomach
• not wanting to eat
because of pain
• feeling easily
full
• burping
or acid reflux
• heartburn, which
is a burning sensation in the chest)
• pain that may
improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
• anemia, whose
symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin
•
Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
•
Trouble breathing
•
Vomiting food eaten hours or days before.
•
Difficulty swallowing
•
Black or tar-like stools (an indication that there is blood in the stools)
•
Sudden, severe pain in the abdominal area
•
Pain that radiates to the back
•
Pain that doesn't go away when you take medication
•
Feeling faint
•
Nausea or vomiting
•
Unexplained weight loss
•
Appetite changes
*What Causes Peptic
Ulcers?*
Ulcers form when the
protective lining of the stomach or duodenum (known as the mucosa and
submucosa) becomes eroded. Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms, but large
ulcers can cause serious bleeding. Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the
inner lining. If the ulcer erodes beyond that, a hole can open that goes all
the way through the intestine, called a perforation of the intestinal lining. A
perforation is a medical emergency.
Most ulcers can be treated with medications,
including antibiotics. But surgery may be needed in some cases.
*Stomach ulcers are
almost always caused by one of the following:*
• Despite the
popular belief that peptic ulcers are caused by spicy foods or stress, the
reality is that most of the time, peptic ulcers are caused by infection with a
bacterium called *Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).*
• long-term use of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or
naproxen
*Rarely, a condition
known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome* can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers by
increasing the body’s production of acid. This syndrome is suspected to
cause less than 1 percent of all peptic ulcers.
*WHO ARE THE PEOPLE
THAT GETS ULCERS?*
Ulcers can develop
at any age but are rare among teenagers and even rarer in children.
Duodenal ulcers usually occur for the first time between the ages of 30 and 50.
Stomach ulcers are more likely to develop in people older than 60. While
duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men than women, stomach ulcers develop
more frequently in women than men.
*TREATING PEPTIC ULCER*
Treatment will vary
depending on the cause of your ulcer. Most ulcers can be treated with a
prescription from your doctor, but in rare cases, surgery may be required.
It’s important to
promptly treat an ulcer. Talk to your doctor to discuss a treatment plan. If
you have an actively bleeding ulcer, you’ll likely be hospitalized for
intensive treatment with endoscopy and IV ulcer medications.
Symptoms of an ulcer
may subside quickly with treatment. But even if your symptoms disappear, you
should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor. This is
especially important with H. pyloriinfections, to make sure that all
bacteria are eliminated.
*Healthful diet*
In the past, it was
thought that diet could cause ulcers. We know now this isn’t true. We also know
that while the foods you eat won’t cause or cure a stomach ulcer, eating a
healthful diet can benefit your intestinal tract and overall health.
In general, it’s a
good idea to eat a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
That said, it’s
possible that some foods play a role in eliminating H. pylori. Foods that
may help fight off H. pylori or boost the body’s own healthy bacteria
include:
• broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage, and radishes
• leafy greens, such
as spinach and kale
• probiotic-rich
foods, such as sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, yogurt (especially
with lactobacillus and Sacharomyces)
• apples
• blueberries,
raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries
• olive oil
Additionally, since
people with stomach ulcers may have accompanying acid reflux disease, it is a
good idea to stay away from spicy and sour foods while an ulcer is healing.
*Prevention of
stomach ulcers*
To prevent the
spread of bacteria that might cause a stomach ulcer, wash your hands with soap
and water on a regular basis. Also, be sure to properly clean all of your food
and to cook it thoroughly as needed.
To prevent ulcers
caused by NSAIDs, stop using these medications (if possible) or limit their
use. If you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and
avoid alcohol while taking these medications. And always take these medications
with food and adequate liquids.
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