Sores on the stomach or the duodenum lining are known as peptic ulcers. The small intestine begins with the duodenum. An imbalance between stomach acid and the protective mucus lining the stomach and duodenum is the cause of peptic ulcers.
Although stomach acid aids in the breakdown of food, an excessive amount of it can harm the duodenum and stomach lining. While too little mucus can also result in peptic ulcers, protective mucus helps shield the walls of the stomach and duodenum from stomach acid.
Two Major Types
Peptic ulcers can be of two major types:
Gastric ulcers: The stomach is the site of gastric ulcers. Open lesions on the stomach lining are known as gastric ulcers. They are the most prevalent kind of peptic ulcer, a sore that can appear in the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine, or the stomach.
Leading Causes
Several things can lead to stomach ulcers, such as:
infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori)
prolonged usage of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
The uncommon illness known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome results in the stomach producing excessive amounts of acid.
Certain forms of cancer
Duodenal ulcers: These are lesions that develop in the duodenum. Open sores called duodenal ulcers form on the lining of the duodenum, which is the first segment of the small intestine. These are the second most prevalent kind of peptic ulcer, a sore that can appear in the duodenum or stomach.
Numerous things can lead to duodenal ulcers, such as:
infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori)
prolonged usage of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
The uncommon illness known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome results in the stomach producing excessive amounts of acid.
Certain forms of cancer
Although they are more prevalent in adults, peptic ulcers can also affect youngsters.
Signs of Stomach Ulcers
Abdominal discomfort is the most typical sign of a peptic ulcer. A scorching feeling is a standard description for the discomfort, which might increase after eating or when the stomach is empty. Additional signs of peptic ulcers consist of the following:
swollen digestion
emesis
throwing up
appetite decline
Unexpected weight reduction
Tarry, black stools
The cause of peptic ulcers is blood in the vomit.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most frequent cause of peptic ulcers. One kind of bacteria that inhabits the stomach lining is H. pylori. Studies suggest that H. pylori infection affects as many as 80% of patients with peptic ulcers.
Additional reasons for peptic ulcers consist of the following:
Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, over extended periods.
Consuming tobacco
Overindulging in alcohol consumption
The uncommon illness known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome results in the stomach producing excessive amounts of acid.
certain forms of cancer
Therapy for gastric ulcers
The etiology of peptic ulcers determines how to treat them. The doctor will prescribe medications to eradicate the H. pylori infection if it is the cause of the ulcer. Should the ulcer be attributed to the use of NSAIDs, the patient can be recommended to cease taking NSAIDs or switch to an alternative medicine.
Additional peptic ulcer therapies include:
To counteract gastric acid, use antacids.
Proton pump inhibitors to lessen the generation of gastric acid
H2 blockers to lessen the generation of stomach acid
Surgery to cure the ulcer or reduce the quantity of acid the stomach produces
Preventing stomach ulcers
You may take several steps to avoid developing peptic ulcers, such as:
Do not smoke
Do not drink too much alcohol.
Do not use NSAIDs for extended periods.
Check for H. pylori infection and receive treatment if required.
Consume a balanced diet.
Control your tension
If you have any peptic ulcer symptoms, it is critical to visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
