Peptic ulcers are sores on the stomach’s inner lining (gastric ulcers) or the small intestine (duodenal ulcers), causing discomfort and irritation. They occur due to an imbalance between digestive acids and the stomach’s protective lining. The leading causes often include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers may cause various symptoms, including:
- Burning stomach pain: Often felt between meals or at night.
- Nausea or vomiting: Sometimes with blood if the ulcer is severe.
- Bloating and burping: Indigestion-like discomfort.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Dark or tarry stools: A sign of internal bleeding.
Untreated ulcers can result in serious complications, including a hole in the stomach lining (perforation), heavy bleeding, or a blockage in the digestive tract.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
Various factors can lead to the development of peptic ulcers, including:
- H. pylori Infection: This bacterium weakens the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to acid damage.
- NSAID Use: Frequent use of medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin may damage the stomach lining over time.
- Excess Stomach Acid: Conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause excessive acid production.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Both increase stomach acid production and slow ulcer healing.
- Stress and Spicy Foods: While they don’t directly cause ulcers, they can worsen symptoms.
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcers
To diagnose a peptic ulcer, doctors may recommend:
- Endoscopy: A flexible thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted to inspect the stomach and small intestine.
- H. pylori Testing: Blood, stool, or breath tests can detect H. pylori infection.
- Barium Swallow X-ray: A special contrast dye helps detect ulcers on X-ray imaging.
- Stool Occult Blood Test: Identifies concealed blood in the stool, potentially signaling an ulcer.
Treatment for Peptic Ulcers
Treatment aims to heal the ulcer, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrence.
Medications:
Antibiotics: If H. pylori is present, a combination of antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole) is prescribed.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production and promote healing (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole).
H2 Receptor Blockers: Decrease acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
Antacids and Bismuth Subsalicylate: Help neutralize stomach acid and protect the lining.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:
Avoid NSAIDs: Use acetaminophen instead of NSAIDs for pain relief.
Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Both delay healing and increase recurrence risk.
Eat a balanced diet: Include fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and probiotics while avoiding acidic and spicy foods.
Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, and exercise can help prevent flare-ups.
Surgical Intervention (If Necessary):
For severe cases where ulcers cause bleeding, perforation, or blockage, endoscopic procedures or surgery may be needed.
Expert Care at Desai Surgical Hospital
At Desai Surgical Hospital, Vadodara, our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic methods and customized treatment approaches for peptic ulcers. Whether you need medication management or minimally invasive procedures, we ensure comprehensive gastrointestinal care to restore your health.
Contact Us
Call Us: 0265 243 5153
Email: care@desaisurgical.com
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