An ulcer is a sore or break in one of the body's protective tissue layers. Ulcers located in the stomach (gastric ulcers) and ulcers in the first section of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers) are grouped under the label "peptic ulcers." They afflict men, women, and children.
Causes
Persons with a family history of peptic ulcers tend to be at greater risk
for getting them. A bacteria called Heliobacter pylori may cause about 80% of
peptic ulcers. About 20% of peptic ulcers may be caused by the repeated use of aspirin and
other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and
naproxen sodium.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of peptic ulcers are:
A gnawing or burning feeling just
above the navel within 1 1/2-3 hours after eating
Pain that feels like indigestion,
heartburn, or hunger. The pain often awakens the person at night. Pain relief comes within
minutes with food or antacids
Bloody, black, or tarry-looking stools
Nausea or vomiting blood or material that
looks like coffee grounds
Weight loss without trying or loss of
appetite
Paleness and weakness if anemia is present
Treatment and Care
Doctors can diagnose peptic ulcers with an analysis of gastric acids,
X-rays, and/or endoscopy. Endoscopy is done by passing a long tube through the mouth and
into the stomach and small intestine. It is the most accurate way to diagnose a peptic
ulcer.
For treatment, your doctor may prescribe:
An antibiotic (Example: Biaxin)
and a medicine that blocks acid (Example: Prilosec) if Heliobacter pylori is
present
Prescription medicines to decrease or stop
the stomach's production of hydrochloric acid
Over-the-counter antacids, or acid
controllers or reducers
Surgery to cut the nerves that stimulate
acid production or to remove part of the stomach. This may be needed if other treatment
methods fail.
If you have an ulcer, you can soothe the pain in various ways. Under a doctor's
care:
Eat smaller, lighter, more
frequent meals for a couple of weeks. Big, heavy lunches and dinners can spell trouble for
people with ulcers. Frequent meals tend to take the edge off pain.
Avoid things that stimulate excess stomach
acid. That includes coffee, tea, and soft drinks containing caffeine. Even decaffeinated
coffee should be avoided.
Limit alcohol or avoid it, if necessary
Discontinue use of aspirin and other
NSAID's, which irritate the stomach lining.
Try antacids (with your physician's okay)
on a short-term basis. (Don't try to self-medicate an ulcer. You may soothe the symptoms
without treating the problem itself.)
Don't smoke. Smokers get ulcers more often
than nonsmokers. No one is sure why.
Try to minimize stress in your life. Stress
doesn't cause ulcers. But for some people, stress may trigger the release of stomach acid,
which can result in ulcer flare-ups.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99