What is an ulcer?

Ulcers are sores in the lining of the digestive tract. The digestive tract consists of esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first part of the intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. These ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.

lining of the digestive tract

What is Symptoms of stomach ulcers?

Possible signs of an ulcer

Feeling better after eating or drinking and then worse 1 or 2 hours later (duodenal ulcer).

Duodenal ulcer

Feeling worse after eating or drinking (gastric ulcer)

Types of ulcers

Gastric ulcer

Stomach pain wakes you up at night.

Stomach pain at night

Feeling full quickly

Feeling full

Heavy feeling, bloating, burning or dull pain in the stomach

Heavy feeling

Vomiting

Unexpected weight loss

What is the cause of ulcers?

Doctors used to consider that ulcers were caused by stress or eating foods with too much acid. We know that's not true. Most ulcers are caused by an infection. The infection is caused by a bacterium (germ) called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short. Acid and other juices made by the stomach can contribute to ulcers by burning the lining of the digestive tract. This can occur if the body produces too much acid or if the lining of the digestive tract is damaged in some way. It is possible that physical or emotional stress does not necessarily cause an ulcer, but may aggravate if you have one.

More stress

Too much acid foods

Helicobacter pylori bacterium

Ulcers can also be caused by anti-inflammatory drugs. Although most people take these medicines without problems, it is possible that the long-term use can damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen , ketoprofen and some prescription drugs for arthritis.

How does my doctor know I have it?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may have prompted some medicine before testing. This is because ulcers usually improve within a period of approximately one week of treatment. You may not need to test if it improves.

Endoscopy room

If no improvement, your doctor may do an endoscopy or special x-rays to study the digestive tract. During an endoscopy, your doctor looks at the stomach through a thin tube. It may take a biopsy (a sample of the stomach lining) to assess the presence of H. pylori. You can also use blood tests and breath to assess the presence of H. pylori.

special x-rays to study

How are ulcers treated?

One way to treat ulcers is to kill the bacteria H. pylori. The goal of treatment can also reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces acid neutralizing and protecting the injured area so it can heal. It is also very important to stop doing things like smoking and drinking alcohol, which can damage the lining of the digestive tract.

 

Bacteria H. pylori

Bacteria H. pylori pylori bacteria in stomach

Are there other medications?

You can use several other medications to help treat ulcers. Two types of drugs (H2 blockers and inhibitors of proton pump) reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. Usually help people start to feel better within 3 days.

Antacids neutralize acid that the stomach produces. A medicine called sucralfate coats the ulcer to protect it from the acid so it has time to heal.

Another medication, misoprostol, reduces the amount of acid and protects the stomach lining. Usually used to prevent gastric ulcers in stomach who need to take anti-inflammatory drugs and had stomach irritation or ulcers in the past