Peptic ulcers are lesions that develop on the stomach or duodenum membrane. Primarily, the duodenum comprises the tiny intestine. An imbalance between gastric acid and the protective mucus that borders the stomach and duodenum results in peptic ulcers.
Although gastric acid aids in the digestion of food, an excess of it can cause harm to the stomach and duodenum linings. Inadequate mucus can further develop into peptic ulcers even though it protects the mucosal membrane of the duodenum and stomach from gastric acid.
Two Primary Varieties
Two primary varieties of peptic ulcers exist:
Gastric lesions manifest within the gastric cavity. Ulcers of the gastric mucosa are open lesions that develop on the stomach membrane. They constitute the prevailing form of peptic ulcer, denoting a lesion that may manifest in the duodenum, the initial segment of the small intestine, or the stomach.
Factors
Gastric ulcers may arise due to various causative factors, which encompass:
The bacterial infection is caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for an extended period, including ibuprofen and aspirin
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by excessive gastric acid secretion.
Specific varieties of cancer
Duodenal lesions are a condition that manifests within the duodenum. Open lesions that develop on the membrane of the duodenum, the initial segment of the small intestine, are known as duodenal ulcers. They rank second in frequency among peptic ulcers, lesions that may form in the duodenum or stomach.
Potential Causes
There are numerous potential causes of duodenal ulcers, which may include:
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by excessive gastric acid secretion.
Although they are more prevalent in adults, peptic ulcers can manifest in infants as well.
Indications for Peptic Ulcers
Abdominal discomfort is the prevailing manifestation of a peptic ulcer. Frequently characterized as a burning sensation, the pain may be excruciating on an empty stomach or while consuming. Additional indicators of peptic ulcers consist of the following:
Bloating and flatulence
Felt nausea
Experiencing vomiting
Decreased appetite
Unaccounted-for weight reduction
Tarry, black diarrhea
Bloody vomiting is a cause of peptic ulcers.
Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is the prevailing etiology of peptic ulcers. H. pylori is a bacterial species that resides in the stomach lining. According to estimates, peptic ulcers are associated with H. pylori infection in approximately 80% of patients.
The treatment for peptic ulcers is contingent upon the ulcer’s etiology. Antibiotics will be prescribed to eradicate the bacteria if H. pylori infection is the cause of the ulcer. A patient who develops an ulcer as a result of NSAID use may be recommended to discontinue NSAID usage or switch to an alternative medication.
Additional therapies for peptic ulcers consist of:
Antacids for gastric acid neutralization
Inhibitors of the proton pump to decrease gastric acid secretion
H2 blockers inhibit the production of gastric acid
Elective surgery to eliminate the ulcer or decrease gastric acid secretion
Precaution against peptic ulcers
You can prevent peptic ulcers through the following measures:
Prevent smoking
Restriction of alcohol consumption
Do not take NSAIDs for extended durations.
Obtain an H. pylori infection test and, if necessary, treatment.
Maintain a solid diet
Control tension
If you experience any symptoms of a peptic ulcer, visit a physician immediately to receive a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
