Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcer In Stomach

What Tests Are There For A Stomach Ulcer

If your doctor thinks you may have a stomach ulcer, the initial tests will include some blood tests. These tests will help to check whether you have become anaemic because of any bleeding from the ulcer. The blood test will also check to see that your liver and pancreas are working properly.

The main tests that are then used to diagnose a stomach ulcer are as follows:

• A test to detect the H. pylori germ is usually done if you have a stomach ulcer. The H. pylori bacterium can be detected in a sample of stool , or in a breath test, or from a blood test, or from a biopsy sample taken during a gastroscopy. See the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori for more details.
• Gastroscopy is the test that can confirm a stomach ulcer. Gastroscopy is usually done as an outpatient day case. You may be given a sedative to help you to relax. In this test, a doctor looks inside your stomach by passing a thin, flexible telescope down your gullet . The doctor will then be able to see any inflammation or ulcers in your stomach.
• Small samples are usually taken of the tissue in and around the ulcer during gastroscopy. These are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. This is important because some ulcers are caused by stomach cancer. However, most stomach ulcers are not caused by cancer.

Treatment Of Peptic Ulcers

Treatment of stomach ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcer. If the ulcer is caused by the H Pylori bacteria alone, then a two-week course of antibiotics should be enough to clear up the infection.

If the main cause is the use of NSAID medications, then a course of Proton Pump Inhibitors lasting 1-2 months may be used. PPIs work by blocking the action of protein pumps which are in part responsible for producing stomach acid. This reduction in acid allows the ulcer to heal on its own, without excess acid irritating it.

For those who do not respond to PPI treatment, a course of H2-receptor antagonists would then be prescribed. The long-term use of anti-inflammatory medication should also be reviewed, with a possible alternative such as paracetamol being recommended.

If both the presence of the H Pylori bacteria and the long-term use of NSAIDs are thought to be responsible, then a course of PPIs will be prescribed first, followed by the antibiotics once the first course is finished.

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
• Extreme weakness or dizziness
• Blood in your stools
• Nausea or vomiting that doesnt get better, or gets worse
• A sudden, severe pain that may spread to your back
• Losing weight without even trying

Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.

Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.

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When Should I Call The Doctor

• sudden, sharp, lasting belly pain
• bloody or black bowel movements
• bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

These could be signs of a serious problem for a child whos had a peptic ulcer, such as:

• perforation
• bleeding
• obstruction

If your child takes NSAIDs and shows signs of a peptic ulcer, get medical help right away. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to more problems and, possibly, the need for surgery. But with quick treatment, almost all peptic ulcers can be cured.

What Causes Gi Bleeding

Many conditions can cause GI bleeding. A doctor can try to find the cause of your bleeding by finding its source. The following conditions, which are listed in alphabetical order, include possible causes of GI bleeding:

Angiodysplasia. Angiodysplasia is when you have abnormal or enlarged blood vessels in your GI tract. These blood vessels can become fragile and bleed.

Benign tumors and cancer.Benign tumors and cancer in the esophagus, stomach, colon, or rectum may cause bleeding when they weaken the lining of the GI tract. A benign tumor is an abnormal tissue growth that is not cancerous.

Colitis. Ulcers in the large intestine are a complication of colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause GI bleeding.

Colon polyps.Colon polyps can cause GI bleeding. You can have more than one colon polyp at a time. Some types of polyps may be cancerous or can become cancerous.

Diverticular disease.Diverticular disease can cause GI bleeding when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in your colon wall.

Esophageal varices.Esophageal varices can cause GI bleeding. Esophageal varices are usually related to a chronic liver condition called cirrhosis.

Esophagitis. The most common cause of esophagitis is gastroesophageal reflux . GER happens when your lower esophageal sphincter is weak or relaxes when it should not. Stomach acid can damage your esophagus and cause sores and bleeding.

Gastritis. Some common causes of gastritis include

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What Ulcer Treatments Are Available

If your ulcer is bleeding, your doctor may treat it during an endoscopy procedure by injecting medications into it. Your doctor could also use a clamp or cauterization to seal it off and stop the bleeding.

For most people, doctors treat ulcers with medications, including:

• Proton pump inhibitors : These drugs reduce acid, which allows the ulcer to heal. PPIs include Prilosec®, Prevacid®, Aciphex®, Protonix® and Nexium®.
• Histamine receptor blockers : These drugs also reduce acid production and include Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Zantac® and Axid®.
• Antibiotics: These medications kill bacteria. Doctors use them to treat H. pylori.
• Protective medications: Like a liquid bandage, these medications cover the ulcer in a protective layer to prevent further damage from digestive acids and enzymes. Doctors commonly recommend Carafate® or Pepto-Bismol®.

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms And Signs

An early detection of stomach ulcer symptoms is always beneficial for treating the condition and for preventing complications.

An early detection of stomach ulcer symptoms is always beneficial for treating the condition and for preventing complications.

Stomach ulcers is a common medical condition in humans and studies show that more than ten percent of the population suffer from it. Stomach ulcer is a term, which is collectively used to refer to the ulcers of the esophagus , stomach and duodenum. While ulcers of the stomach are termed gastric ulcers, those of the duodenum and esophagus are called duodenal and esophageal ulcers respectively.

The most common among them are duodenal ulcers, and esophageal ulcers are very rare. There are various factors that can cause suchulcers. These include stress, regular use of some medication like NSAIDs, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and helicobacter pylori infection. Studies show that in most cases, bacterial infection or certain medication are among the common stomach ulcer causes.

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What Are Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. Theyre usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids. Peptic ulcers are a fairly common health problem.

There are three types of peptic ulcers:

• gastric ulcers:ulcers that develop inside the stomach
• esophageal ulcers:ulcers that develop inside the esophagus
• duodenal ulcers: ulcers that develop in the upper section of the small intestines, called the duodenum

Different factors can cause the lining of the stomach, the esophagus, and the small intestine to break down. These include:

• Helicobacter pylori , a type of bacteria that can cause a stomach infection and inflammation
• frequent use of aspirin , ibuprofen , and other anti-inflammatory drugs

• difficulty swallowing

Peptic Ulcer Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease may be similar to other upper gastrointestinal conditions. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Pain radiating to the back
• Burning or gnawing feeling similar to hunger pains
• Pain aggravated by meals
• Pain relieved by meals

Because the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are often nonspecific, it is important that you see a gastroenterologist for diagnosis.

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Can Stomach Ulcers Be Treated

Yes, stomach ulcers can heal well with a medication regimen. The type of treatment will depend on what caused your ulcer.

If your stomach ulcer was caused by a H. pylori bacterial infection, youll likely receive antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor medication. The antibiotics could include:

• Amoxil
• Tetracycline
• Tindamax

The PPIs that you will also be prescribed will block the production of stomach acid. There are both prescription and over-the-counter PPI medications, including:

• Nexium
• Prilosec
• Protonix

You may also end up taking histamine blockers, or H-2 blockers, that reduce the stomach acid released into your digestive tract. The reduction of stomach acid can promote healing and lessens the pain you may be feeling. Your doctor may prescribe these or you could take over-the-counter medications such as:

• Axid AR
• Pepcid AC
• Tagamet HB

Your doctor may also prescribe antacids to help with symptom relief. There are also medications called cytoprotective agents to protect the lining of your stomach, such as Carafate and Cytotec .

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Peptic Ulcer Does It Cause Pain

Ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Sometimes, a serious complication such as bleeding or a sudden, bad upper abdominal pain is the first sign of an ulcer.

The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain.

• The pain is usually in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button and below the breastbone.
• The ulcer pain can feel like burning, or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.
• Pain often comes several hours after a meal when the stomach is empty.
• The pain is often worse at night and early morning.
• It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
• The ulcer pain may be relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting.

Other symptoms of peptic ulcers include the following:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight

Severe ulcers may cause bleeding in the stomach or duodenum. Bleeding is sometimes the only symptom of an ulcer. This bleeding can be fast or slow. Fast bleeding reveals itself in one of the following ways:

• Vomiting of blood or dark material that looks something like coffee grounds: This is an emergency and warrants an immediate visit to an emergency department.
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry, sticky-looking stools

Slow bleeding is often more difficult to detect, because it has no dramatic symptoms.

• The usual result is low blood cell count .
• The symptoms of anemia are tiredness , lack of energy , weakness, rapid heartbeat , and pale skin .

Causes And Risk Factors Of Peptic Ulcers

For a long time, it was believed that spicy foods or stress led to peptic ulcers but doctors now know that this isn’t the case.

In fact, the most common causes of ulcers are:

• Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can infect your stomach
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as aspirin, Advil or Motrin , and Aleve , which can wear away at the mucus layer of the digestive tract

Certain factors can put a person at a greater risk of developing a peptic ulcer, including:

• Taking high doses of NSAIDs
• Using NSAIDs continuously over a long period of time
• Being female
• Having a history of ulcer disease
• Taking corticosteroids, medications that may be prescribed to treat asthma, arthritis, or lupus

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Stomach Ulcer : Symptoms & Signs

• Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by sores, or ulcerations, in the lining tissues of the stomach or the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers can be caused by a number of conditions, including certain medications, excessive alcohol use, and other medical conditions. The primary symptom of peptic ulcer is upper abdominal pain. The pain can be sharp or dull and is often described as burning. Some affected people have indigestion that may quickly resolve after taking antacids or eating foods that neutralize stomach acids. Other people with peptic ulcers may not have symptoms at all or may have only very mild symptoms. The severity of the ulcers is not related to the severity of the symptoms they cause mild ulcers may cause severe pain, while severe ulcers may only cause mild symptoms.

Loss of appetite and weight lossmay occur in people with peptic ulcer disease. In certain cases, the ulcers may bleed into the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in dark stool.

Related Symptoms & Signs

Is Banana Good For Ulcer

Both raw and ripe bananas are found to be very beneficial in curing stomach ulcer. There are certain antibacterial compounds in bananas that inhibit the growth of ulcer-causing H. pylori. Bananas are best to clear out the acidity of gastric juices that lowers the inflammation and strengthens the stomach lining.

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Is Cheese Bad For Stomach Ulcers

Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and mildly flavored cheeses, such as cottage cheese, are all good options. Be careful, though. Lactose intolerance and milk protein intolerance are common reasons for GI discomfort in some people. And many experts recommend eliminating dairy to help treat peptic ulcers.

Are There Foods I Should Avoid If I Have A Stomach Ulcer

Interestingly, there is no specific diet that a person with ulcers needs to follow. The current recommendations are less about the foods you should avoid and more about foods that will help you lessen the risk of developing an ulcer in the first place.

If youve developed a stomach ulcer or are at risk of developing one, you should include more of these foods in your diet:

• Fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory
• Nuts, halibut, and yellowfin tuna, which all have selenium to enhance your ability to heal
• Probiotics that have active bacterial properties, such as yogurt, to improve digestion
• Spinach, oysters, and beef, which contain zinc to help you maintain a healthy immune system

Plenty of water, leafy greens, and fermented probiotic foods have all clinically been shown to help lessen your risk of developing ulcers. During the holiday season, you will want to take additional care of yourself and pay attention to your stress levels. Talk with your doctor about whether adding a probiotic supplement could also help you.

On the other hand, if you have acid reflux in addition to a stomach ulcer, there are foods that may trigger your acid reflux. In these instances, its a good idea to avoid alcohol and coffee, as well as spicy and acidic foods, which could cause your discomfort to increase.

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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers

Stomach pain is the most common sign of an ulcer. It usually feels like sharp aches between the breastbone and the belly button. This pain often comes a few hours after eating. It can also happen during the night or early in the morning, when the stomach is empty. Eating something or taking acid suppressor medicine sometimes eases the pain.

Other symptoms of ulcers can include:

• loss of appetite

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What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease

An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:

• Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
• Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
• Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
• Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately this is uncommon.

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