Peptic ulcers

What are peptic ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They’re 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


Causes of peptic ulcers

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

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause a stomach infection and inflammation
frequent use of aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), and other anti-inflammatory drugs (risk associated with this behavior increases in women and people over the age of 60)

smoking

drinking too much alcohol

radiation therapy

stomach cancer


Symptoms of peptic ulcers

The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is burning abdominal pain that extends from the navel to the chest, which can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may wake you up at night. Small peptic ulcers may not produce any symptoms in the early phases.

Other common signs of a peptic ulcer include:

changes in appetite

nausea

bloody or dark stools

unexplained weight loss

indigestion

vomiting

chest pains


Complications of a peptic ulcer

Untreated ulcers can become worse over time. They can lead to other more serious health complications such as:

Perforation: A hole develops in the lining of the stomach or small intestine and causes an infection. A sign of a perforated ulcer is sudden, severe abdominal pain.

Internal bleeding: Bleeding ulcers can result in significant blood loss and thus require hospitalization. Signs of a bleeding ulcer include lightheadedness, dizziness, and black stools.

Scar tissue: This is thick tissue that develops after an injury. This tissue makes it difficult for food to pass through your digestive tract. Signs of scar tissue include vomiting and weight loss.

How to prevent peptic ulcers

Certain lifestyle choices and habits can reduce your risk of developing peptic ulcers. These include:

not drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day

not mixing alcohol with medication

washing your hands frequently to avoid infections

limiting your use of ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve)

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking cigarettes and other tobacco use and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you prevent developing a peptic ulcer.