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What is a Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is
the first part of your smal intestine. If peptic ulcers are found in your stomach, they are cal ed gastric ulcers. If they are found in the duodenum, they are cal ed duodenal ulcers. You can have more than one ulcer. What are the symptoms of Peptic Ulcers
A burning pain in the gut is the most common symptom.
comes in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty
What causes Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are caused by:
bacteria cal ed Helicobacter pylori, or H pylori for short nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen Your body makes strong acids that digest food. A lining protects the inside of your stomach and duodenum from these acids. If the stomach lining breaks down, the acids can damage the wal s. Both H pylori and NSAIDs weaken the lining so acid can reach the stomach or duodenal wal . H. pylori causes almost two-thirds of al ulcers. Many people have H. pylori infections but not everyone who has an infection wil develop a peptic ulcer. Most other ulcers are caused by NSAIDs. Only rarely do other
Does stress or spicy foods cause Peptic Ulcers
Neither stress nor spicy food can cause ulcers but they can make ulcers worse.
Drinking alcohol or smoking can also make ulcers worse.
What are the complications of peptic ulcers
bleeding - either bright red blood or brown looking blood resembling coffee grounds, or passing black bowel motion (the blackness is caused by the effect perforation – a burst or ruptured ulcer causing sudden and severe pain obstruction – of the outlet of the stomach causing bloating and vomiting after If you have any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.
How are Peptic Ulcers diagnosed
If you have symptoms suggestive of a peptic ulcer, your doctor wil probably refer you
for an endoscopy. After being given sedation (relaxing medication) intravenously, your specialist can pass a thin tube (tiny endoscope) that has a light and a camera into the stomach and duodenum. Ulcers show up as a shal ow defect or depression of the gut lining. Samples may also be taken to check for Helicobacter pylori.
How are Peptic Ulcers treated
The usual treatment is the suppression of the acid production of the stomach to al ow
the ulcer to heal. These drugs include Ranitidine (Zantac), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Omeprazole (Losec) and Pantoprazole (Somac). Some other drugs are also used. Your doctor or specialist wil also look for the underlying cause of the development of Helicobacter pylori – checked by a sample taken during endoscopy. A CLO Anti-inflammatory use- it is important to report al use of these drugs including over the counter preparations such as Nurofen. If anti-inflammatories can be stopped or Helicobacter pylori can be eradicated, you may soon be able to stop acid blocking medication. If your physician is concerned with the severity of your condition, ulcer prevention may
What happens if Peptic Ulcers don't heal
In most cases, medicine heals ulcers. You may need surgery of your ulcers:
perforate, bleed, obstruct the stomach or duodenum Surgery for ulcers is not needed very often these days. 2005 Christchurch Surgical Associates This pamphlet is provided as basic background information and does not contain al of the known facts about this type of surgery. It is not a substitute for advice from

Source: http://www.surgicalassociates.co.nz/pdf/peptic.pdf