Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, were once thought to be caused by stress and spicy foods. These ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside of the stomach lining. Peptic ulcers are no longer thought to be caused by stress, although stress can still be a contributing factor. Stomach ulcers are quite common and can usually be cleared up within just a few weeks of diagnosis.
Patients developing stomach ulcers may develop symptoms such as pain. Pain is the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer. Pain can be anywhere from the patient’s naval to the breastbone, may last for hours or may be short in duration, be worse when the stomach is empty, flare up mostly at night or after the sun sets, be able to be temporarily relieved by eating specific foods, and may last for a few days and then disappear or may last for weeks on end. Sometimes serious symptoms such as the vomiting of bloody and mucous laden vomit, dark and bloody stools, black and tarry stools, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss can be contributed to a stomach ulcer.
While the theory that stress and dietary issues were once a major cause of stomach ulcers, new research shows that a specific bacterium known as helicobacter pylori is the cause of almost all stomach ulcers. Stress and diet can play a role in the severity of an ulcer, but are no longer considered a cause.
The bacterium associated with stomach ulcers is considered quite common. In the United States, one out of every five individuals under the age of 30 is most likely infected with the bacterium while about one half of all people in the U.S. under the age of 60 is likely to have helicobacter pylori.
When diagnosing a peptic ulcer, patient complaints in combination with test results from an upper GI tract x-ray or an endoscopy can determine the presence of ulcers. In many cases, physicians should take a biopsy of the tissue surrounding an ulcer to rule out the possibility of cancer. Additionally, repeating the biopsy after a few months of treatment can confirm progress in treatment.
Tests to determine the presence of the bacterium helicobacter pylori can also be an effective diagnostic process. The breath test requires the patient to blow into a bag which is then sealed. The patient then drinks a small amount of radioactive liquid and in half an hour, blows into another sealed bag. The presence of the bacterium can be determined if the second breath sample contains a high level of carbon dioxide.
Not all stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria, although most have been proven to have a bacterial base. In some cases, the chronic use of NSAID pain relievers have been know the lead to stomach ulcers as well.
Peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications if not treated. Patients may develop internal bleeding, or the ulcer can eat a hole right through the wall of the either the stomach or the small intestine. Without treatment, these can become life threatening. The development of scar tissue can also constrict food’s ability to pass through the digestive tract.
The first goal of treating a stomach ulcer is to kill the bacteria. Usually antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial based infections. This particular bacterium requires a combination of medications in order to effectively kill the bacteria. Once the bacteria is under control acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and cytoprotective agents can be used to heal the ulcer and to protect the surrounding tissue during the time which it takes for the ulcer to heal. Ulcers that fail to heal may be the result of a primary health condition that has not yet been determined or the result of excessive amounts of stomach acid that is very difficult to control.
Patients who are dealing with a stomach ulcer should avoid smoking cigarettes, as this may cause an interference with the lining of the stomach’s ability to be protective. Drinking alcohol and the use of NSAID pain relievers are only likely to aggravate a stomach ulcer and should be avoided. Taking additional steps to help control the stomach acid, such as dietary restrictions, can go a long way in encouraging a stomach ulcer to heal.
Stomach ulcers videos
How the Body Works : The Stomach
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Find out more by viewing the Human Anatomy page:
Digestive system
Endocrine system
Medication commonly used for these disease:
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Cimetidine is a medication used to prevent ulcers in the stomach and small intestines, treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevents upper GI bleeding and prevents acid reflux. There are also unlabeled uses that include: the prevention of aspiration more...
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Pepcid, generically know as famotidine prescription strength tablets, is used for short-term treatment and prevention of ulcers, gastreosphageal reflux disease (GERD) and pathological hypersecretory conditions. Pepcid is a member of the family of medicine more...
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Aciphex, which is generically prescribed as rabeprazole, is commonly used to treat stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or other stomach acid conditions. Aciphex reduces the stomach acid production. Aciphex is not appropriate for everyone more...
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Nexium, which is generically prescribed as esomeprazole, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, as well as the prevention of stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, or the erosion of the esophagus more...
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Biaxin can be generically prescribed as clarithromycin, and is commonly used to treat bacterial infections which affect the skin and respiratory system. It can also be used to treat a specific type of stomach ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori, provided more...
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Levbid, which is generically prescribed as L-hyoscyamine, is commonly used to treat colitis, spastic bladder, infant colic, diverticulitis, renal and biliary colic, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, splenic flexure syndrome, and excess more...
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Prevacid, which is generically prescribed as lansoprazole, is commonly used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and stomach conditions which create too much stomach acids such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Prevac more...
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Atropisol has many uses in the medical community. When Atropisol is prescribed orally it may be used prior to anesthesia to reduce or prevent secretions of the respiratory tract, treatment for parkinsonsism, treatment of peptic ulcers, treatment of bed-w more...
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Also prescribed in its generic form, sucralfate, Carafate is generally used to treat as well as prevent stomach ulcers. It works in the body by coating the ulcer in the stomach, or any erosion that may develop into an ulcer, which protects it from the har more...
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Cytotec is a brand name for the generic medication misoprostol. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in patients who take NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since those drugs can inflame the stomach lining. It belongs to a more...
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