Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Signs And Symptoms Of Gastric Ulcer

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How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better

Peptic Ulcer Disease Signs & Symptoms | Gastric vs. Duodenal Ulcers

If you take all medicines as prescribed and avoid irritating the ulcer with NSAIDs, alcohol or smoking, your ulcer should heal well within a few weeks. Surgical cases may take a few weeks more. Your healthcare provider will follow up with you at the end of your course of medication to make sure the ulcer has healed and any infection has cleared. They will probably take follow-up tests, including an upper endoscopy to look at the site of the ulcer and tests for H. pylori, if you had it, to make sure the infection is gone.

Review The List Of Potential Ulcer Causes And Eliminate Them As Best You Can

If you suspect your horse has ulcers or if you got the confirmation that your horse has ulcers, one of the first steps I suggest taking is eliminating what caused your horses ulcers in the first place!

Review the list of potential ulcer causes and see which of them, if any, apply to your horses life. If you realize that your horse, for example, has intermittent access to water and eats a high-starch diet, increasing their water access and reducing the starch in their diet can be a great start when it comes to combatting their gastric ulcer issue!

Can You Prevent A Peptic Ulcer

While stress and spicy foods can make symptoms of a peptic ulcer worse, they donât seem to make you more likely to have one. But a few other things can raise your chances.

Be careful when you take pain relievers. Some people who have arthritis or other conditions that cause chronic pain take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for weeks or months at a time to ease pain and swelling. These medicines can affect the mucus that protects your stomach against acid and make you more likely to have peptic ulcers.

These pain relievers include:

Youâre more likely to get an ulcer while taking one of these if you:

  • Are over age 65
  • Are infected with H. pylori bacteria
  • Take more than one NSAID at a time
  • Have had a peptic ulcer in the past
  • Also take a steroid drug or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

To lower your chances for peptic ulcers while you take NSAIDs:

  • Use the lowest possible dose to control your symptoms, and stop taking them as soon as you no longer need them.
  • Take your medicine with food.
  • Donât drink alcohol while youâre taking these medicines.

While youâre on NSAIDs, you can take medicine to lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. Drugs that can do that include:

You can also take the drug misoprostol to boost the amount of protective mucus your stomach makes. But that can cause side effects like diarrhea and stomach cramps.

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When To Seek Medical Advice

You should visit your GP if you think you may have a stomach ulcer.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately if:

  • you are passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
  • you have a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

Go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999 if:

  • you are vomiting blood the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds

These could be a sign of a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.

What Are Gastric Ulcers

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer? [Infographic]

Gastric ulcers are painful lesions found in the horses gastro-intestinal system, with the stomach being the most commonly affected place. These ulcers can be caused by a huge number of things ranging from their social environment, their exercise load, to even their diet and medication needs!

Ulcers form when the protective lining on the horses stomach walls is disrupted or eaten away. This allows the horses stomach acid to then start to eat away at the walls of the stomach, thus causing large painful sores.

The area of the stomach most commonly affected by ulcers is the upper squamous region. The other region of the stomach, the lower glandular region, is less commonly affected by ulcers because this area of the stomach produces mucus and and bicarbonate which help in protecting the stomach lining from excess acid. The squamous region lacks the natural defenses the glandular region holds and therefore this part of the stomach sees around 80% of all ulcer cases.

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What Is Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine . Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effect of its digestive juices. But many things can reduce this protective layer, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.

What Are Some Ulcer Symptoms

Some people with ulcers dont experience any symptoms. But signs of an ulcer can include:

  • Gnawing or burning pain in your middle or upper stomach between meals or at night.
  • Pain that temporarily disappears if you eat something or take an antacid.

In severe cases, symptoms can include:

  • Dark or black stool .
  • Severe pain in your mid- to upper abdomen.

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Pearls And Other Issues

Ulcers are differentiated from erosions based on size. Lesions less than 5 mm in diameter are termed erosions, whereas lesions greater than 5 mm in diameter are termed ulcers. COX-2 selective NSAIDs are less likely to cause PUD as COX-2 is not expressed on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, in patients with a history of PUD, COX-2 selective NSAIDs are preferred. A gastrin-producing endocrine tumor causes Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or gastrinoma usually arises from the pancreas or duodenum. It results in multiple ulcers in the duodenum and jejunum. It can be diagnosed by measuring serum gastrin levels.

Who Is More Likely To Get Ulcers

Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) – Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) – Gastrointestinal System

One in 10 people develops an ulcer. Risk factors that make ulcers more likely include:

  • Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , a group of common pain relievers that includes ibuprofen .
  • A family history of ulcers.
  • Illness such as liver, kidney or lung disease.
  • Regularly drinking alcohol.

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Gastric Bypass Ulcer Treatment & Prevention

Your doctor will monitor the ulcers by inserting a scope through the mouth into the pouch and performing an EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy . Typically using medications will remedy the ulcer and make it go away. In case of bleeding and perforated ulcers, an operation is warranted to deal with the problem.

Treatment Of Peptic Ulcers

Its really important to get the right treatment if youre diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. If treated properly, duodenal ulcers will heal in around four weeks and stomach ulcers in eight.

Treating the underlying cause lowers the chance of your ulcer coming back. This usually means getting rid of the H. pylori or stopping taking NSAIDs.

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Treatment For A Stomach Ulcer

Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. Treatment options can include:

  • medication including antibiotics, to destroy the H. pylori colony, and drugs to help speed the healing process. Different drugs need to be used in combination some of the side effects can include diarrhoea and rashes. Resistance to some of these antibiotics is becoming more common
  • subsequent breath tests used to make sure the H. pylori infection has been treated successfully
  • changes to existing medication the doses of arthritis medication, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication can be altered slightly to reduce their contributing effects on the stomach ulcer.
  • reducing acid tablets are available to reduce the acid content in the gastric juices
  • lifestyle modifications including quitting cigarettes, since smoking reduces the natural defences in the stomach and impairs the healing process.

What Is An Ulcer

Causes and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Stomach Disease Stock Vector ...

Ulcers are the breakdown of the gastrointestinal tract lining , which acts as a protective barrier for gut hormones and digestive juices. Ulcerations can form in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. It is usually benign but can become malignant and lead to stomach cancer.

To determine whether or not you have an ulcer, you need an endoscopy to see the status of your stomach coating and if the mucosal erosion is present.

Excessive acid production and medications are common causes of peptic ulcer disease. Abdominal pain is the number one symptom in patients with an ulcer. Subjects may also face issues such as bleeding, bloody stools, hematemesis, leakage, and in severe cases perforation.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Any Complications

Stomach ulcers can cause various complications but these are much less common now because of more effective treatments. However, complications can be very serious and include:

Bleeding from the ulcer

  • This can range from a âtrickleâ to a life-threatening bleed.
  • If there is sudden heavy bleeding then this will cause you to vomit blood and make you feel very faint.
  • Less sudden bleeding may cause you to vomit and the vomit looks coffee-coloured because the stomach acid has partly broken down the blood.
  • A more gradual trickle of blood will pass through your gut and cause your stools to look very dark in colour or even black .

PerforationThis is the term used to describe the ulcer having gone all the way through the wall of the stomach. Food and acid in the stomach then leak out of the stomach. This usually causes severe pain and makes you very unwell. Stomach perforation is a medical emergency and needs hospital treatment as soon as possible.

Stomach blockageThis is now rare. An ulcer at the end of the stomach can cause the outlet of the stomach to narrow and cause an obstruction. This can cause frequent severe vomiting.

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What Triggers Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

Stomach ulcer symptoms are irritated by several triggers. They include:

  • Stomach acid â some people notice it after they eat while others notice it more on an empty stomach

Our site is the source of information about the gastroenterology related conditions and procedures. This information is intended for patients looking to learn about our gastroenterology practice in New York and make an appointment to see one of our physicians. This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult a doctor or GI specialist about your specific condition. Only a trained physician can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Terms and conditions are subject to change.

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Causes Of Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers happen when theres damage to the layer that protects the stomach lining from the acids in your stomach.

This is usually a result of:

  • an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
  • taking anti-inflammatory medicines , such as ibuprofen or aspirin particularly if they’re taken for a long time or at high doses

It used to be thought that stress or certain foods might cause stomach ulcers, but there’s little evidence to suggest this is the case.

Stomach ulcers can affect anyone but are more common in people aged 60 or over. Men are more affected than women.

Fast Facts On Stomach Ulcers

Helicobacter Pylori Infection | Gastric ulcer | Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
  • Stomach ulcers are common in the West and easy to treat but can become serious.
  • The most common causes are bacteria and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
  • The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion.
  • Treatment for stomach ulcers normally focuses on removing the cause.

The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion, also called dyspepsia.

Indigestion causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. This symptom can be mistaken for heartburn, which can occur at the same time.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause heartburn. It occurs slightly higher up from the stomach, and people will feel it in the lower part of the chest.

Stomach ulcer symptoms tend to be more distinct than heartburn, but symptoms can still be vague.

An ulcer also tends to produce a burning or dull pain in the center of the abdomen. People sometimes describe the pain as a biting or gnawing pain. Some individuals may describe a hungry sensation.

Individuals may also be able to relieve pain by eating, drinking, or taking antacids.

Some stomach ulcers go unnoticed and show no typical indigestion-type pains. These ulcers are less common, and doctors tend them after they have started bleeding.

Some ulcers can cause a hole in the stomach wall. Health experts call this perforation, which is a severe condition.

Stomach ulcer symptoms often change over time and can be difficult to spot.

Dietary changes can help prevent stomach ulcers from developing.

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Burning Pain In The Abdomen

Persistent burning pain in the abdomen is one of the first signs of a stomach ulcer. The sensation of pain occurs when juices in the stomach, which help in digestion, come into contact with an open sore in the stomach lining.

In most cases, the pain is felt from the breast bone to the navel, and it often worsens during the night. If you skip meals, particularly breakfast, you may also experience this burning sensation in the stomach during the daytime.

If the dull and burning ache of the ulcer often turns into a sharp, stabbing pain, it is a sign that your ulcer is acting up and you need medical help. It could mean that the ulcer has caused a more critical problem like a perforation in the wall of your stomach or intestine, or a blockage in your digestive tract, and it is triggering intense pain.

Deterrence And Patient Education

Patients with peptic ulcer disease should be counseled about potentially injurious agents like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , aspirin, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. If it is necessary to use NSAIDs use the lowest possible dose and also consider prophylaxis for patients who use NSAIDs. Obesity has a strong association with peptic ulcer disease, and patients should be asked to lose weight. Stress reduction counseling can be helpful in some cases.

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Gastric Vs Duodenal Ulcer Symptoms

When the lining of the stomach or duodenum breaks down, it can lead to the formation of an ulcer. The stomach and duodenum have a mucosal lining that protects them, but it can get worn down.

When that happens, the acids and enzymes used in digestion can eat away at the wall of the stomach or intestine and cause an ulcer. This erosion of the lining and then the wall can result in an open sore.

There may be some differences in the symptoms of duodenal and gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are likely to present with abdominal pain a few hours after meals, when the stomach is empty . The pain usually gets better after eating.

Gastric ulcers may cause pain soon after eating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Signs You May Have An Ulcer

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Did you know that stomach ulcers also called peptic ulcers affect at least 1 in 10 Americans over the course of their lives? And while stomach ulcers can be treated easily when caught early, lack of medical care can lead to serious complications.

Understanding the signs of stomach ulcers is important in helping you get the treatment you need. At Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, our care team has the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat stomach ulcers. Weve curated this guide to help you recognize the warning signs of an ulcer and understand what you can do about it.

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You Bleed When You Use The Bathroom

Blood coming from the gastrointestinal tract can signal a variety of underlying health issues, but Dr. Sengupta says when this bleeding is combined with upper abdominal pain, hes highly suspicious that its one of the signs of an ulcer. Many patients notice this blood either when vomiting, or when using the bathroom, as their stools may appear black. If you notice youre suffering from a bleeding GI tract, along with nausea and pain in the stomach or chest, Dr. Sengupta says doctors will often perform a blood test or an upper endoscopywhere they use a camera to look into the stomach itselfto check if an ulcer is the culprit. Blood in your stool can also be due to hemorrhoids or a symptom of colon cancer, so its a good idea to get checked out by your doctor.

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What Are The Complications Of Peptic Ulcers

Ulcers can cause serious problems if you dont get treatment.

The most common problems include:

  • Bleeding. As an ulcer wears away the muscles of the stomach or duodenal wall, blood vessels may be hurt. This causes bleeding.
  • Hole . Sometimes an ulcer makes a hole in the wall of your stomach or duodenum. When this happens, bacteria and partly digested food can get in. This causes infection and redness or swelling .
  • Narrowing and blockage . Ulcers that are found where the duodenum joins the stomach can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or even block the opening to the duodenum. Food cant leave your stomach and go into your small intestine. This causes vomiting. You cant eat properly.

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How Are Stomach Ulcers Diagnosed

Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer. To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter medications youre taking.

To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be ordered. With a breath test, youll be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.

Other tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach ulcers include:

  • Barium swallow: You drink a thick white liquid that coats your upper gastrointestinal tract and helps your doctor see your stomach and small intestine on X-rays.
  • Endoscopy : A thin, lighted tube is inserted through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.
  • Endoscopic biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be analyzed in a lab.

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