More than A Gut Feeling

Think you have peptic ulcer? See if your hunch is right

What is a peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. Peptic ulcers found in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Those found in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers.

What are the symptoms
of peptic ulcers?

A burning pain in the stomach is the most common symptom. The pain:

•    feels like a dull ache

•    comes and goes for a few days
or weeks

•    starts two to three hours after
a meal

•    occurs in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty

•    usually goes away after you eat

 Other symptoms are:

•    losing weight

•    lack of appetite

•    pain while eating

•    vomiting

 What causes peptic ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are caused by:

•    bacteria called helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short

•    nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin
and ibuprofen

•    other diseases

Your body makes strong acids that digest food. A lining protects the insides of your stomach and duodenum from these acids. If the lining breaks down, the acids can damage the walls. Both H. pylori and NSAIDs weaken the lining so acids can reach the stomach or duodenal wall.

H. pylori causes almost two-thirds of all ulcers. Many people have H. pylori infections, but not all infected will develop peptic ulcers. Most other ulcers are caused by NSAIDs. Only rarely do other diseases cause ulcers.

 Do stress or spicy foods cause peptic ulcers?

Neither stress nor spicy foods cause ulcers, but they can worsen the condition.

 What increases my risk of getting peptic ulcers?

You’re more likely to develop a
peptic ulcer if you:

•    have an H. pylori infection

•    use NSAIDs often

•    smoke cigarettes

•    drink alcohol

•    have relatives who have
     peptic ulcers

•    are 50 years old or older

 Can peptic ulcers get worse?

Peptic ulcers will worsen if they aren’t treated. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

•    sudden sharp pain that doesn’t
go away

•    black or bloody stools

•    bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

These symptoms must be treated quickly and you may need surgery.

How are peptic ulcers treated?

Peptic ulcers can be cured.  Depending on your symptoms, you may be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor or histamine receptor blocker to stop your stomach from making acids, or you may need to take antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

Can I use antacids?

Yes. If you have a peptic ulcer, taking antacids will:

•    stop the acids from working and reduce the pain

•    help ulcers heal

You can buy antacids at any grocery store or drugstore. But you must take them several times a day. Also, antacids don’t kill the bacteria, so your ulcer could come back even if the pain goes away.

What can I do to prevent peptic ulcers?

•    Stop using NSAIDs. Talk with your doctor about other pain relievers.

•    Don’t smoke

•    Don’t drink alcohol