By Dr. Corazon Entero-Lim
Peptic Ulcer: What is it?
Peptic ulcers are usually open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach. The ulcers may also appear in the upper portion of the small intestine. The symptom of peptic ulcer is stomach pain.
Peptic ulcer is caused by bacteria and long term use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually, stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers but may make the situation worse.
Peptic ulcer in the stomach is called gastric ulcer and the peptic ulcer in the small intestine is called duodenal ulcer.
Stomach acid is going to make the pain worse. Eating certain foods may help relieve the pain related to peptic ulcer otherwise, taking certain medications will also be advisable. The pain may worsen in between meals or in the evening.
Nearly 75% of people who have peptic ulcer may not suffer any symptoms.
There are times that vomitting may be one of the symptoms. There are times that peptic ulcer sufferers may also vomit with blood, which may appear red or black. There are times when stools may appear dark as among the symptoms of peptic ulcer. Trouble in breathing, the feeling of almost fainting, nausea, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite are other signs that one has peptic ulcer.
Peptic ulcers happen when acid in the digestive tract erode away to inner surface of the stomach or the small intestine. The acid may create a sore which may cause bleeding.
The digestive tract is protected by a mucous layer, and the layer protects the tract from the acid. However, if the acid is too much for the mucous to handle, then sores may appear.
The bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, lives in the mucous area. There are times when the bacteria may cause inflammation in the stomach’s inner layer and then produce an ulcer.
It is not clear how the bacteria will spread and it may be transmitted from person to person through close contact, through food and water.
Regular use of pain relievers may increase the chances of peptic ulcer occurrence. There is a possibility that certain medications may also cause peptic ulcer as these may end up creating inflammation.
Older people are more prone to get peptic ulcer, as these people often take medications that may cause such.
When taking medications, raise with your doctor, your concerns about peptic ulcers.
Other risk factors of peptic ulcer may include smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and spicy foods among others.
If left untreated, peptic ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and infection or even obstruction.
To lower the risk of peptic ulcer, it is best to bring down the possibility of getting infected of the bacteria, avoiding medicines that can lead to peptic ulcers, stress, smoking, and alcohol drinking among others.
Make sure the food is cooked well and you drink safe water.
It is best to work with your doctor to find the right dose when using certain medications known to cause problems that may lead to peptic ulcers.