What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

November 5, 2024

Peptic ulcer disease

What is peptic ulcer disease?

An ulcer is an open sore in the stomach or duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) which could cause abdominal pain and bleeding. Peptic ulcers are most commonly caused by either:

– a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) or

– pain relievers called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS for short) such as ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, diclofenac, or naproxen.

What is a H.Pylori Ulcer?

Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) is a bacteria that survives the very acidic environment of the stomach and causes tissue damage in the stomach lining, creating an ulcer. It is transmitted from person to person by:

– direct contact with saliva, vomit, feces or

– contaminated food or water.

It is treated with antibiotics, together with medication that suppresses stomach acid production such as proton pump inhibitor, or PPIs for short (ex. Pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole).

What is a NSAID-induced ulcer?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS for short (ex. Ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, diclofenac, naproxen) are usually used as pain relievers. These medications can cause an ulcer by disrupting the chemicals that help maintain the protective lining of your stomach. It is advisable to only use NSAIDS only as indicated by your doctor and for a limited duration. Stopping NSAIDS will help heal an NSAID ulcer together with the addition of a PPI (ex. Pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole).

Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease

The most commo symptom of ulcers is upper abdominal pain before or after eating. If left untreated, these ulcers may cause bleeding which can be seen as black stools. Some ulcers may also be a manifestation of underlying cancer. You NEED to see and be examined by a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible when:

You have symptoms of an ulcer accompanied by any of the following:

  1. Anemia, black stools, or blood in your stool
  2. Severe pain or persistent vomiting
  3. Sudden unexpected weight loss
  4. A family history of stomach cancer

How do we diagnose peptic ulcer?

The best way to diagnose an ulcer is through Gastroscopy (or EGD (EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy). This procedure may be done under mild sedation or with the patient asleep. During an EGD, your doctor will insert a long flexible tube with a light source and camera at the tip so we can directly visualize one’s stomach and intestine. We usually take biopsies to confirm presence if H.pylori bacteria is present in your stomach or duodenum. If your ulcer is bleeding, we can also use the endoscope to stop the bleeding.

Myths about peptic ulcers

– Stress, anxiety, spicy food, alcohol, or an oily/rich diet do not cause peptic ulcers!

– But they may irritate an ulcer, causing more symptoms.

– You do not need to eat a bland diet if you have an ulcer.

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