Symptoms
Common symptoms of peptic ulcers include:
Burning stomach pain: This is the most common symptom. It's often felt between meals or at night and can last for minutes to hours.
Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
Intolerance to fatty foods
Heartburn
Nausea
In severe cases: Vomiting (possibly with blood), dark or black stool (indicating bleeding), unexplained weight loss, appetite changes.
Causes
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium infects the stomach lining and can lead to inflammation and ulcer formation.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can irritate the stomach lining.
Less common causes: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare condition that causes excessive stomach acid production), certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, some chemotherapy drugs), radiation therapy.
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat peptic ulcers include:
Antibiotics: To eradicate H. pylori infection. Usually a combination of two or three antibiotics is prescribed along with other medications.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs reduce stomach acid production (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole).
H2-receptor antagonists: These also reduce stomach acid production but are generally less potent than PPIs (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid (e.g., calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide).
Cytoprotective agents: These medications help protect the stomach lining (e.g., sucralfate, misoprostol).
Is Communicable
Peptic ulcer disease itself is not communicable. However, *H. pylori* infection, a major cause of ulcers, is communicable. It is believed to spread through contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with saliva or other bodily fluids.
Precautions
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of H. pylori*.
Avoid excessive NSAID use: Use NSAIDs only when necessary and at the lowest effective dose. Consider taking them with food or with a medication to protect the stomach lining.
Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of ulcers and can hinder healing.
Manage stress: Stress may not directly cause ulcers, but it can exacerbate symptoms.
Dietary changes: While diet alone doesn't cause or cure ulcers, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms (e.g., spicy foods, acidic foods, caffeine) can help manage discomfort.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a peptic ulcer "outbreak" (i.e., the period of active symptoms) varies depending on the cause, severity, and treatment. With appropriate treatment, including antibiotics for H. pylori and acid-reducing medications, ulcers can typically heal within a few weeks to a couple of months. Untreated ulcers can persist for months or even years, causing chronic pain and potentially leading to complications.
How is it diagnosed?
Peptic ulcers are typically diagnosed through:
Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the lining and take biopsies if needed.
H. pylori testing: This can be done through blood tests, stool tests, or breath tests. Biopsies taken during endoscopy can also be tested for *H. pylori*.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series (Barium swallow): X-rays are taken after drinking a barium solution to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This is less common now due to the availability of endoscopy.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of peptic ulcer symptoms can vary, but a general progression might look like this:
Early stages: Mild burning pain in the stomach, often relieved by eating or taking antacids. The pain may come and go.
Progression: Pain becomes more frequent and intense, occurring between meals or at night. Other symptoms like bloating, belching, and nausea may develop.
Severe cases: Vomiting (possibly with blood), dark or black stools, unexplained weight loss, and anemia may occur. It's important to note that some people may have ulcers without experiencing any noticeable symptoms.
Important Considerations
Untreated peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications, including bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach or duodenal wall), and obstruction.
It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking medications for peptic ulcers.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as vomiting blood or having black stools, seek immediate medical attention.
Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can significantly improve ulcer healing and prevent recurrence.
Even after an ulcer heals, there's a risk of recurrence, especially if the underlying cause (e.g., H. pylori infection) is not addressed. Regular follow-up with your doctor is important.