Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effect of its digestive juices but many factors could reduce this protective layer, allowing stomach acid to penetrate through and damage the stomach.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
Infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori and prolonged nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use are the two major causes of PUD. Other risk factors of the disease include:
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Prolonged use of steroids
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
People with peptic ulcer may experience the following symptoms:
- Burning stomach pain.
- Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching.
- Intolerance to fatty foods.
- Heartburn.
- Nausea
- Vomiting, which could be bloody
- Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling faint
- Unexplained weight loss
- Appetite changes
What to do as a person with peptic ulcer
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to
- See a doctor: Your doctor will perform some physical examinations and order lab investigations to confirm if you got peptic ulcer. Investigations can include blood tests for H. pylori, endoscopy to visualize the insides of your stomach and upper gut, and upper gastrointestinal tract x-rays.
- Avoid pain medications that are NSAIDs: These can aggravate your symptoms. Use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, has been linked to increased risk of bleeding and other complications of peptic ulcer such as perforations. This is why it’s important to avoid NSAIDs in people that have peptic ulcer; your doctor will prescribe pain medications that are safe in peptic ulcer patients.
- Stop smoking: Smoking interferes with wound healing. This prevents peptic ulcer from healing and expands the sores in your stomach. Avoiding cigarette smoke could help with the healing process and ensure that the peptic ulcer heals on time.
- Control stress: Stress has been associated with worsening symptoms of peptic ulcer. Identify sources of stress and avoid them. Where it is impossible to avoid, exercise and relaxing activities can help in coping with stress.
- Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and result in inflammation and bleeding. Avoiding alcohol or limiting intake is important to allow peptic ulcers heal.
- Avoid other Ulcer triggers: Your doctor may instruct you to avoid certain foods that may trigger ulcer symptoms, including spicy, fatty meals and carbonated drinks.
Treatment of Peptic Ulcer
In addition to modifying your lifestyle and dietary habits, your doctor may prescribe some anti-ulcer medications, including medications that suppress acid production, such as omeprazole, and medications that neutralize acid in the stomach, such as antacid suspensions. Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics along with the anti-acid medications to eliminate Helicobacter Pylori if it has been confirmed to be the cause of the ulcer.
Untreated, peptic ulcer may lead to severe complications, including rupture of the stomach or intestines, severe bleeding from your back passage, massive loss of blood, and sometimes changes that might lead to cancer in the stomach.
Speak with a physician for proper evaluation if you suspect your symptoms are suggestive of peptic ulcer. While the condition is treatable, modifying your diet and lifestyle are integral to recovering fast from peptic ulcer.
