If you think you or someone you know is having an ulcer emergency, seek immediate medical attention. The American College of Gastroenterology is a professional association of gastroenterologists and GI professionals. Its site offers an abundance of information on peptic ulcers, including information on diagnosis and treatment, as well as a glossary of medical terms associated with the condition.
The site also offers advice on diet and nutrition and provides a link to search for clinical trials related to the condition. Additional reporting by Cathy Cassata. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Peptic Ulcer. Reviewed: December 4, Medically Reviewed. A peptic ulcer is a type of sore that develops in the digestive system. Types of Peptic Ulcers The most common kinds of peptic ulcers are: Gastric ulcers A common type of ulcer, these occur on the inside of the stomach.
You can have more than one kind of peptic ulcer at the same time. This abdominal pain may:. In fact, the most common causes of ulcers are: Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can infect your stomach Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as aspirin , Advil or Motrin ibuprofen , and Aleve naproxen , which can wear away at the mucus layer of the digestive tract Certain factors can put a person at a greater risk of developing a peptic ulcer, including: Taking high doses of NSAIDs Using NSAIDs continuously over a long period of time Being female Being 70 or older Having a history of ulcer disease Taking corticosteroids , medications that may be prescribed to treat asthma , arthritis, or lupus In rare cases peptic ulcers may be caused by a condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
This occurs when a tumor of acid-producing cells forms in the digestive tract, which produces an excessive amount of acid that damages tissue in the stomach. Diagnostic tests you might take include: Lab test for H. Endoscopy During this procedure, a hollow tube with a lens will be passed down your throat to your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
This will allow your doctor to look for a peptic ulcer and take a biopsy if one is present. Barium swallow For this test, you will swallow a white liquid containing barium, which coats your digestive tract.
A series of X-rays of your upper digestive system will be taken and the liquid makes the ulcer more visible. Gastric ulcers tend to heal more slowly and can take up to two or three months to get better completely.
Duodenal ulcers take roughly six weeks to heal. Your course of treatment will be based on what's causing the ulcer. Medication Options Possible drug treatments include antibiotics to kill Helicobacter pylori bacteria in your digestive tract. The doctor may also perform an endoscopy to look for ulcers. In some cases, a doctor may also recommend a barium swallow test.
This involves swallowing a liquid that contains barium. The barium helps the doctor see the intestinal tract more clearly on an X-ray of the abdomen. For most people, treatment will involve taking medications that either reduce the amount of acid in the stomach or protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. If an H. They may also prescribe medications that help suppress excess stomach acid, such as PPIs. Rarely, peptic ulcers can lead to a perforation, or hole, in the wall of the stomach or intestine.
A perforation can put a person at serious risk of infection in the abdominal cavity. The medical name for this infection is peritonitis. If a person with peptic ulcers experiences sudden abdominal pain that grows worse, they should see a doctor immediately. Also, inflammation from ulcers can block a portion of the digestive tract. This obstruction can cause a person to:. In addition, ulcers can cause internal bleeding.
If this bleeding develops slowly, it can lead to anemia. Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue , pale skin, and shortness of breath. If the bleeding is severe, a person may see blood in vomit or stools. Anyone with symptoms of severe internal bleeding should seek immediate medical attention. It may not be possible to prevent a peptic ulcer. However, reducing risk, for example by quitting tobacco use and eating a healthful diet, may help.
People who use NSAIDs or other medications that can cause peptic ulcers should talk to a doctor about managing their ulcer-related risk. The medical community is not entirely certain how H. Pylori spreads. People should protect themselves by cooking foods thoroughly and frequently washing the hands with soap and water. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcer.
They can cause pain and other symptoms in the digestive tract. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause and taking appropriate medication, including medicine to reduce stomach acid. Ulcers can occur in many places, including in the stomach. These are called stomach or peptic ulcers. Ulcers are usually caused by an infection from a common bacteria called helicobacter pylori or from the habitual use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
Other factors, such as being older than age 50, smoking, genetics, steroid use, and frequent alcohol use, can increase your risk of developing an ulcer. The signs of a stomach ulcer can range from mild to severe.
Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer:. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. This pain typically appears between meals when your stomach is empty. It may last only a few moments, or it could last for hours. Ulcers can increase the feeling of indigestion or heartburn, a burning feeling near your heart or upper stomach that happens when stomach acid flows up into your esophagus.
If you notice increased instances of indigestion or heartburn, a stomach ulcer could be to blame. Stomach ulcers can make you feel sick to your stomach, especially early in the morning after going for a long time without food.
Ulcers trigger an inflammatory response in the stomach, which can cause stomach contractions. If they get strong enough, you may experience vomiting. If you notice your stool looks black, which is the color of digested blood, this could be a sign of a bleeding ulcer. Bleeding ulcers are a serious medical condition and require urgent attention.
Sometimes stomach ulcers create a block in the digestive system due to the inflammation they cause. This can prevent food from moving through your stomach, leading to weight loss and a decrease in appetite.
0コメント