Peptic Ulcers are sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach, the upper portion of the small intestine and sometimes the lower esophagus.
Peptic Ulcers are caused by bacterial called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), as well as from erosion from stomach acids.
Other causes and risk factors can include:
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and aspirin
- Use of Alcohol
- Use of Tobacco
- Spicy foods
There are three types of Peptic Ulcers:
- gastric ulcers: develop inside the stomach.
- duodenal ulcers: develop in the upper section of the small intestines (duadenum).
- esophageal ulcers: develop inside the esophagus.
Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
The most common symptoms of peptic ulcers is abdominal discomfort which usually feels like a dull gnawing ache. The pain may come two or three hours after eating or when the stomach is empty in the middle of the night.
Other Symptoms include:
- burping
- dark stool
- bloating
- heartburns
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling easily full
- indigestion
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcers:
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcers is usually done by patient history and confirmed by Laboratory tests for H. pylori, Endoscopy or Upper gastrointestinal series.
Complications of Peptic Ulcers include:
- bleading
- perforation
- blockage of the stomach
- stomach cancer
Treatments:
- Eradication of H.pylori if present
- Acid-suppressive drugs
Common drugs used in the treatment of peptic ulcers include:
- Antacids: These neutralize the acid produce in the stomach
- Proton pump inhibitors: These stop the production of any acid by the stomach
- H2 blockers: These reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach
Foods to limit or avoid when you have acid reflux and an ulcer
These foods may increase secretions of stomach acid, causing irritation of the stomach, or directly irritate the stomach walls.
- spicy food
- alcohol
- caffeine
- acidic foods (tomatoes and citrus)
- chocolate
- carbonated beverages
This is dependent on the individual. Not everyone who has a stomach ulcer has problems with all the foods, so you may consider testing foods in small amount to see what irritates you.
