Peptic Ulcer Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Peptic Ulcer?

The medical condition is marked by open sores, which are known to occur on the:

• Stomach.
• Inside lining of the esophagus.
• Upper part of the small intestine.

Abdominal pain is the common indication of peptic ulcer. In addition to this, the condition includes the following:

• Duodenal ulcers: open sores develop in the upper part of the small intestine.
• Esophageal ulcers: develop inside the esophagus. Esophagus is a tube that connects from the throat to our stomach.
• Gastric ulcers: develop in the stomach.

People believe a demanding job or spicy foods to be the common triggers of peptic ulcers. Though, doctors do not agree with the myth. According to them, certain medications and a bacterial infection are the actual causes of most of its cases.

What Are The Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcer?

The common sign of the condition is burning pain. It is sourced by the ulcer, whilst aggravated when the ulcerated area comes in contact with the stomach acid.  Generally, the pain can:

• Worse in an empty stomach.
• Be relived with acid-reducing medication.
• Be least in intensity at day time, and worsen at night time.
• Resolve and recur for some days, or even weeks.
• Occur anywhere that is from the navel up to the breastbone.

Rarely, ulcers root severe indications, including:

• Blood vomit.
• Bloody stools.
• Appetite changes.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Unintentional weight loss.

When Is The Right Time To Seek Medical Assistance?

In case the symptoms are distressing, then it is time to seek medical aid. Gnawing pain can be temporarily relived with acid blockers. If the pain continues, consult the health care provider.

What Causes Peptic Ulcer?

Peptic ulcer can be triggered by a number of reasons, these are as follow:

• A bacterium.
• Continuous usage of some pain relievers.
• Other medications such as the ones prescribed for treating osteoporosis, named bisphosphonates.
•  Potassium supplements.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Peptic Ulcer?

Several factors known to raise your chances of peptic ulcer are as follow:

• Drinking alcohol.
• Smoking.

What Are The Complications Of Peptic Ulcer?

In case, the condition is left untreated, than the chances of the following complications tend to rise:

• Internal bleeding.
• Infection.
• Scar tissue.

How Is Peptic Ulcer Diagnosed?

The doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and will need details regarding your medical history and symptoms. to detect peptic ulcer, he or she would possibly suggest diagnostic tests for example:

• Tests for H.pylori: stool, breath and blood.
• Endoscopy.
• X-ray of the upper digestive system.

How Is Peptic Ulcer Treated?

As mentioned earlier, its treatment relies upon the cause. For example, if it is caused by bacterium, then the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to counter it.

Moreover, the doctor will also suggest drugs to block or reduce the production of acid, as well as to pace healing.

By : Natural Health News