Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a break in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive ( peptic ) juices which are secreted by the cells of the stomach. A peptic ulcer differs from and erosion because it extends deeper into the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum and excites more of an inflammatory reaction from the tissues that are eroded.
This disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. Peptic ulcers are a recurrent problem; even healed ulcers can recur unless treatment is directed at preventing their recurrence. The medical cost of treatment peptic ulcer and its complications runs into billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expended treatment options are available now a days.
Causes of Peptic Ulcer
No single cause has been found for ulcer. Now it is clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Ulcers can be caused by:
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
When symptoms occur, they may include:
A peptic ulcer is a break in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive ( peptic ) juices which are secreted by the cells of the stomach. A peptic ulcer differs from and erosion because it extends deeper into the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum and excites more of an inflammatory reaction from the tissues that are eroded.
This disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. Peptic ulcers are a recurrent problem; even healed ulcers can recur unless treatment is directed at preventing their recurrence. The medical cost of treatment peptic ulcer and its complications runs into billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expended treatment options are available now a days.
Causes of Peptic Ulcer
No single cause has been found for ulcer. Now it is clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Ulcers can be caused by:
- Infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori)
- Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and many others available by prescription. Even safety- coated aspirin in powered form can frequently cause ulcers.
- Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output ( seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Dark or black stool ( due to bleeding )
- Vomiting blood( that can look like " coffee-grounds")
- Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen
- Weight loss
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