Peptic Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The acids present in the stomach are vital for breaking down food that is consumed by an individual. However, these enzymes can be harmful to the stomach lining if an excessive amount is present in the digestive tract. As a result, open sores develop in an individual’s stomach or small intestine. These open sores are known as peptic ulcers. A gastric ulcer occurs in the inner side of the stomach while a duodenal ulcer develops on the upper part of the small intestine or duodenum. Suffering from any of these ulcers can be a painful experience of an individual, thus, consulting a gastroenterologist and endoscopist in Delhi, Mumbai and other medically advanced cities should be considered. 

The warning sign of a peptic ulcer is the presence of constant stomach pain without a known cause. Alongside this, a burning sensation in the abdominal region can also be experienced by the patient. It has observed that the pain tends to increase in between meals and at night. Besides this, feeling full even on an empty stomach is common among patients with peptic ulcers. An intolerance for foods with a lot of fat tends to arise in this condition as well. Acidity or heartburn is another sign of an ulcer developing in the patient’s digestive tract. Nausea, losing consciousness, unexplained weight loss, and vomiting blood are some of the more serious indicators of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. 

Due to an imbalance in the digestive tract, the acids can eat the inner lining of the stomach. When this occurs, open sores develop on its surface. The main cause of this phenomenon is helicobacter pylori bacteria. The spread of these bacteria is still unknown. In a lot of cases, food and water can carry it causing ulcers in a person’s stomach lining. Moreover, people who consume painkillers regularly are at a higher risk. This is mainly because these medications can irritate or inflame the stomach or small intestine. Patients who consume steroids, anticoagulants, and certain other medications might be susceptible to this condition. Substance abuse, smoking, intaking a lot of spicy food as well as stress can be triggers of ulcers in the stomach. 

For diagnosing peptic ulcers, an endoscopy is highly recommended by medical practitioners. Along with this, testing for the bacteria is important too. A series of X-rays of the upper digestive system called a barium swallow further helps in early detection of this condition. A gastroenterologist would prescribe antibiotic medications, antacids, and cytoprotective agents for treating the patient with peptic ulcers. If the initial treatment plan does not work on bacteria due to its resistant nature, then the medical practitioner would prescribe a different set of medications. In very rare cases surgery is required to stop internal bleeding in the patient’s digestive tract. Changes in the patient’s lifestyle are the best way to recover. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding dairy products (if allergic), avoiding tobacco or alcohol consumption, and control stress levels are some of the measures that can be taken. 

Peptic ulcers are curable easily, so it is advised that a reputed gastroenterologist is consulted to detect the condition early on.