Summary about Disease
A gastric ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach. It's a type of peptic ulcer disease, which also includes ulcers in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Gastric ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the stomach lining.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of gastric ulcers include:
Burning stomach pain, often felt between meals or at night
Pain that is temporarily relieved by eating, drinking, or taking antacids
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating
Heartburn
In severe cases: dark or bloody stools, vomiting blood (which may look like coffee grounds), unexplained weight loss
Causes
The most common causes of gastric ulcers are:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
Less common causes include: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, stress (physical, such as after severe burns or surgery), autoimmune disorders, Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, stomach cancer.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used Medications used to treat gastric ulcers include:
Antibiotics: To eradicate H. pylori infection (usually a combination of two or three antibiotics).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole).
H2-receptor blockers: Also reduce stomach acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine).
Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid for quick relief (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide).
Cytoprotective agents: Protect the stomach lining (e.g., sucralfate, misoprostol).
Is Communicable
Gastric ulcers themselves are not communicable. However, H. pylori infection, a major cause of gastric ulcers, is communicable. It can spread through contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with saliva or other bodily fluids.
Precautions
Precautions to help prevent gastric ulcers include:
Avoid long-term use of NSAIDs or take them with food and/or a PPI if necessary.
If you need to take NSAIDs regularly, discuss with your doctor about protective strategies.
Practice good hygiene to prevent H. pylori infection (wash hands frequently, properly prepare food).
Manage stress levels.
Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a gastric ulcer can vary depending on the severity and treatment. With appropriate treatment (including antibiotics for H. pylori and acid-reducing medications), ulcers can heal within a few weeks to a couple of months. Without treatment, they can persist for much longer and lead to complications.
How is it diagnosed?
Gastric ulcers are typically diagnosed through:
Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the lining and take biopsies.
Barium swallow: X-rays are taken after drinking a barium solution, which coats the esophagus and stomach, making ulcers more visible.
Testing for H. pylori: This can be done through blood tests, stool tests, or a breath test.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms The timeline of gastric ulcer symptoms can vary greatly.
Early stages: Mild discomfort, heartburn, or indigestion that comes and goes.
Progression: Burning pain becomes more frequent and intense, often occurring between meals or at night. Nausea and vomiting may start.
Severe stages: Symptoms worsen, with possible dark or bloody stools, vomiting blood, and unexplained weight loss. Complications such as bleeding or perforation may occur.
Important Considerations
It's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a gastric ulcer.
Untreated gastric ulcers can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach wall), or obstruction.
H. pylori eradication is essential to prevent ulcer recurrence.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding medication and lifestyle changes.
Be aware of potential drug interactions, especially with NSAIDs.