What is peptic ulcer disease?
Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores in the stomach lining or the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine. A dense layer of mucus typically covers the stomach lining. Ulcers occur when this mucosal layer is impaired and degraded. Approximately one in ten adults in the United States will develop an ulcer in their lifetime.
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Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy when YOU need it mostPeptic ulcers are relatively common.
Approximately one in ten adults in the United States will develop an ulcer in their lifetime.
What causes peptic ulcer disease?
A fluid imbalance in the stomach and small intestine typically causes peptic ulcers. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are the most common causes of peptic ulcers. Some risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers but can exacerbate symptoms.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are the most common causes of peptic ulcers.
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?
It is important to note that many people with peptic ulcers may not experience symptoms. Burning stomach pain is the most common peptic ulcer symptom for those who do. The discomfort is worsened by stomach acid, especially on an empty stomach. Some other common peptic ulcer symptoms include:
The feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
Intolerance to fatty foods
Heartburn
Nausea
Less common signs or symptoms that may indicate severe ulcer damage include:
Reddish or black vomit indicating the presence of blood
Black or tarry stools indicating the presence of blood
Trouble breathing
Feeling faint
Unexplained, rapid weight loss
Drastic appetite changes
If you are experiencing common symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Be aware. Be seen. Be screened for peptic ulcers if warranted.
How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed and treated?
After a typical physical exam and a thorough discussion about your medical history, your physician may recommend several diagnostic tests, such as:
H. pylori testing. Determining the presence of H. pylori is often done via the breath test; the patient consumes a special liquid that, when broken down in the stomach, may produce excess carbon dioxide if H. pylori bacteria are present. The patient will blow into a bag both before and after consuming the liquid, and then carbon levels are compared to determine the presence of H. pylori. Other exams include examining blood or stool samples; however, the breath test yields the most accurate results.
Upper endoscopy (EGD). Using the endoscope, your doctor will look for the presence of ulcers. If an ulcer is detected, a small tissue sample may be analyzed.
Upper gastrointestinal series. This diagnostic method involves swallowing a liquid that will coat your digestive tract and appear white on X-ray scans. A series of X-rays are then taken, and the presence of an ulcer should be visible.
Treatment for peptic ulcers varies depending on the cause. If H. pylori bacteria are present, eliminating the bacteria through an antibiotic regimen is the primary treatment course. If consumption of certain medications is the cause, then reducing or stopping the use of said medications is the main course of treatment, given that doing so can be done safely. Once the underlying cause is treated, attention will turn toward healing the ulcer, which involves lifestyle and diet changes and an antacid regimen to reduce stomach acid production.
Remember: prevention is key 🔑. Paying attention to your body, maintaining a well-balanced diet 🍽 and an active lifestyle are significant factors in reducing your risk of developing peptic ulcers.
Check out this short informational video on peptic ulcer disease by Medical Centric:
Personally
I eat a high-fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.
"Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿"
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