All You Need To Know About Peptic Ulcers

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

The two main types of peptic ulcers are duodenal and stomach (gastric) ulcers, with duodenal ulcers contributing to at least 80% of the conditions diagnosed today. In rare cases, the digestive juices may enter other parts of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract to cause an oesophageal ulcer or a jejunal ulcer.

According to experts, more than 70% of patients don’t experience any gastric ulcer symptoms. In the few cases where people do feel certain signs, the following symptoms are quite common:

• Pain in the middle of the upper abdomen (also known as epigastric pain)

• Gnawing feeling in a particular place of the abdomen (also known as focal abdominal pain, which happens when the juices corrode the GI lining)

• Pain, burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach within 30 minutes of eating (happens in stomach ulcers)

• Pain, burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach 2 to 3 hours after eating, but a sense of relief immediately after eating (happens in duodenal ulcers)

• Pain in the lower part of the abdomen, especially near the belly button (happens in jejunal ulcers)

• Severe heartburn, especially at night (happens in oesophageal ulcers)

• Stomach bloating

• Frequent burping and/or belching

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

The stomach ulcer symptoms in female and male members are not too different in most cases. When peptic ulcers are not treated on time, they can lead to several complications, where your GI tract can bleed, perforate, or get obstructed. In the unusual case of these health risks, the symptoms you will notice are:

GI bleeding

• Discharge of blood when passing stools

• Palpitations

• The stool appears to be extremely black, almost like tar

• Dizziness

• Pale-looking appearance

• Vomit appears to be in the shape and colour of coffee grounds (a condition known as coffee ground vomitus)

GI perforation

• Sudden but severe pain in the abdomen

• Sudden swelling in the abdomen

• The abdomen is very tender to touch

• Fever and body chills because of stomach pain

GI obstruction

• Constant swelling, pain and bloating in the stomach

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Sudden weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Irregular bowel movements leading to constipation

Causes

The two most popular triggers of peptic ulcers are:

• H. pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that lives in the protective mucous lining of the stomach and small intestine. In many cases, it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, in some people, it can irritate the stomach lining and lead to inflammation. Over time, this irritation may result in the formation of ulcers.

• Excessive usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs include the normal painkillers that you buy over the counter, often without the prescription of a doctor. These NSAIDs can reduce the production of prostaglandin hormone, a substance that repairs the GI tract lining issues.

These ulcers can also be caused by:

• Certain infections

• Ischemia

• Stress caused by injuries or trauma

• Medical procedures to treat cancer (chemotherapy, radiation treatment, etc.)

• Stomach cancer

• Other critical ailments, such as Crohn’s disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, etc.

• Gastric bypass surgeries

• Oesophagitis (chronic inflammation in the oesophagus)

Risk Factors

You are more prone to peptic ulcers than others if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Smoke or consume alcohol excessively

• Take medications to treat the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis

• Experience ongoing, unmanaged stress

• Frequently eat spicy or acidic foods

• Are over the age of 60, as the stomach lining becomes more vulnerable with age

Possible Complications

If left untreated for long, peptic ulcers can lead to the following complications:

• Internal bleeding in the stomach or duodenum

• Perforated walls of the stomach and small intestine make you prone to peritonitis

• Blockages in the digestive tract, causing vomiting and weight loss

• Stomach cancer

Tips to Help Prevent Peptic Ulcers

Though you cannot completely avoid peptic ulcers, you can follow these simple preventive tips to reduce your risk of infection:

• Using NSAIDs sparingly

Always use OTC painkillers in moderation, and check with a doctor if these medicines don’t work for you the way you want.

• Quitting smoking

Reduced usage of cigarettes and tobacco-based products can help reduce ulcers in the GI tract.