ULCER, PEPTIC

TYPES

Peptic ulcers are broadly divided as gastric and duodenal. Gastric ulcers develop on the inner lining of the stomach whereas duodenal ulcers develop on the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine).

SYMPTOMS

Peptic ulcer disease may give rise to the following symptoms:

• Burning pain in the stomach
• Feeling full, bloated
• Nausea
• Belching
• Intolerance to foods that contain more fats
• Heartburn

Stomach pain is the most common symptom of peptic ulcers. Symptoms get worse if the stomach is empty as the acid levels will be high during that condition.

Mostly peptic ulcers don’t have any symptoms.

The least common peptic ulcer symptoms are listed below:

• Vomiting of blood
• Black or tarry stools
• Difficulty in breathing
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Changes in appetite

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis can be done using tests such as breath tests, blood tests, endoscopy and barium swallow testing.

Breath test for H. pylori

You have to eat or drink a substance with radioactive carbon, after which you have to blow air into a bag. If H. pylori is present, it will convert the radioactive carbon into carbon dioxide. In most cases, this test is effective and accurate.

Endoscopy

A hollow tube that contains a camera will be inserted into your esophagus and intestine. If your doctor confirms the presence of H. pylori, he or she will recommend biopsy to identify whether bacteria is in your intestinal lining or not.

Barium swallow test

You have to drink barium and take X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This will allow your doctor to view the digestive tract clearly.

TREATMENT

Treatment will be based on the cause. If H. pylori is present, medications will be given to kill the bacteria.

Minimizing the use of NSAIDs will help in healing ulcers.

Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tinidazole, tetracycline and levofloxacin are commonly prescribed to kill H. Pylori.

Acid blockers like ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine and nizatidine are recommended to heal stomach sores and relieve the pain.

Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are prescribed to avoid acid reflux.

Your doctor may prescribe some medications to protect your stomach lining, like sucralfate.

Though antacids can improve the symptoms, they can’t cure your ulcer. You have to consult with your doctor before taking any over- the-counter medications. Treatment and dosage may vary with your antibiotic resistance and medical history.