Stomach ulcers

Description

Stomach ulcer is an open sore in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract, typically in the stomach or upper part of small intestine, caused by the digestive action of pepsin and stomach acid. This acidic action causes ulcers inside lining of your stomach known as gastric ulcers and the upper portion of your small intestine known as duodenal ulcers.

Causes

Following are the causes of stomach ulcers:

Bacterial infection caused by HELICOBACTER PYLORI is the most common cause of stomach ulcers.
Taking NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Hypercalcemia (increase in calcium in the body)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Low levels of melatonin
Family history
Alcohol consumption

Risk factors

Lifestyle that includes excessive smoking, acidic drinks and medications like NSAIDS increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
Older women are more prone to ulcers in the small intestine.
Exposure to Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
You are more likely to develop stomach ulcers if a family member has it.
Excess stress and spicy foods can worsen but don’t cause stomach ulcers.

Symptoms

Severe pain right below the ribs
Loss of appetite due to pain which leads to significant weight loss
Feeling of fullness – unable to drink as much fluid
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain or discomfort
Pain tends to be worse at night and occurs 1 to 2 hours after meals
Bloody or black stools
Restlessness

Diagnosis

In order to detect an ulcer, your doctor may first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. You then may need to undergo diagnostic tests, such as:

Laboratory tests for H.pylori
Endoscopy
Barium swallow (this series of X-rays of your upper digestive system creates images of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. During the X-ray, you swallow a white liquid (containing barium) that coats your digestive tract and makes an ulcer more visible.)

Management

Treatment involves:

Lifestyle modifications: Choosing a healthy diet, avoiding milk, smoking and alcohol, having a regular sleep schedule, control stress.
Medications:

Antibiotic medications to kill H.pylori bacteria e.g. Amoxicillin
Proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole) block acid production and promote healing
H-2 blockers (Rantidine) reduce acid production in the stomach
Antacids neutralize stomach acid
Sucralfate protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine