Peptic ulcer (ulcer in the stomach or duodenum)
About Peptic ulcer (ulcer in the stomach or duodenum)
A sore on the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum (the stomach empties into the duodenum, which is part of the small intestine). The most common type is a duodenal ulcer. In the stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer An infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the cause of most ulcers. Antibiotics that kill H Pylori help to prevent ulcers from reforming after they heal. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen are also a common cause of ulcers. Ulcers can bleed and this can be life threatening. It is also possible for an ulcer to deepen until there is a hole in the wall of the stomach or intestine; this causes a severe infection in the abdomen. Rarely, an ulcer in the digestive tract is a cancer.Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain, the pain may get better or worse after eating a meal, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, belching, chest pain, vomiting blood, bloody or dark tarry stools, anemia.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood in the stool can be a clue to a peptic ulcer. To diagnose an ulcer the following tests may be done: X-rays with swallowed contrast liquid (`upper GI`), esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) (this is inspection of the stomach and duodenum with a camera mounted on a cord-shaped instrument. This procedure may include a biopsy).. Tests to detect H. pylori may be performed including: urea breath tests, blood tests to detect antibodies against the bacteria, and/or stool tests to detect the bacteria.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment often involves a combination of medications to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (antibiotics), and reduce acid levels (histamine 2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors). Bleeding ulcers may require an emergent endoscopy to stop the bleeding. (Bleeding vessels can be `cauterized,` buzzed with electric current to make them clot). Patients with ulcers should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), alcohol and smoking.Medical specialties
Gastroenterology · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Gastroenterology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Peptic ulcer (ulcer in the stomach or duodenum).