Overview
Peptic Ulcers are sores that form on the lining of your stomach or the top of your small intestine. It's important to understand how they occur, as an untreated ulcer can lead to complications such as bleeding and perforation.
"Peptic ulcer disease" is used to refer to both gastric ulcers (open sores on the lining of your stomach) and duodenal ulcers (open sores on the lining of the upper portion of your small intestine). Early detection of symptoms and receiving timely treatment for peptic ulcers can help to avoid complications and promote healing. At Sarvodaya Hospital, recognised as one of the best gastroenterology hospitals in India, you can be assured that you will receive superior care with some of India's highest-regarded gastroenterologists, as well as top-notch diagnostic equipment.
Peptic Ulcer Symptoms
- Burning or gnawing stomach pain
- Pain between meals or at night
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dark stools or vomiting blood in severe cases
Peptic Ulcer Causes
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- Long-term use of painkillers such as NSAIDs
- Excess stomach acid production
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Severe stress or illness
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer Disease
The correct diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease is essential to establish a diagnosis, locate any potential underlying causes of the disease, and determine how to best treat the disease to prevent future complications.
- Clinical Evaluation: The medical professional will evaluate the patient's history, symptoms (such as abdominal pain), and any potential underlying factors that could be contributing to their symptoms (e.g., medications, etc.) prior to making a diagnosis.
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end is inserted through the mouth to determine whether or not there are any actual ulcers in the stomach and/or duodenum.
- pylori Testing: Breath, blood, or stool tests will all be used to determine if there is an H. pylori infection, which refers to a common bacterium that causes many peptic ulcers.
- Imaging Studies: In select cases, imaging studies will be used to search for complicating factors, such as bleeding or perforation.
Treatment Options for Peptic Ulcer
An effective peptic ulcer treatment is primarily aimed at treating the primary cause (Helicobacter pylori infection), reducing stomach acid, and allowing the stomach lining to heal while preventing recurrence and complications.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics will be prescribed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, which commonly causes peptic ulcers. This condition must be treated to avoid recurrence.
- Acid-Reducing Agents: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 Blockers are used to suppress or reduce the production of stomach acid. This will help to relieve pain, facilitate the ulcer's healing, and decrease stomach irritation.
- Protective Agents: Certain medications can coat the ulcer or stomach lining and protect it from acid and assist with healing.
- Lifestyle Modification: Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and long-term use of specific types of pain medication can alleviate irritation to the gastric mucosa and assist with the healing process.
Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications
By following healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can decrease their chances of developing peptic ulcers and improve their overall long-term digestive health. A regular visit with a gastroenterologist in Delhi NCR will assist with determining which risk factors you currently have and allow you to receive preventative care.
- Avoid excessive NSAID use: Avoid excessive use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Long-term or excessive use of NSAIDs can cause irritation of the stomach lining, which increases your chances of developing an ulcer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Limit your consumption of alcohol (EtOH). Alcohol can cause damage to the stomach lining and increase acid production, which may cause peptic ulcers.
- Quit smoking: Stop smoking. Smoking affects the body’s ability to protect the stomach lining, delays healing of an ulcer, and increases your chances of recurrence.
- Eat balanced, regular meals: Eat balanced and regularly scheduled meals. By consuming healthy meals at regular intervals, you will maintain good digestive health and limit the amount of acid irritants you generate.
- Manage stress effectively: Effectively manage your stress levels. Chronic stress can aggravate digestive issues and contribute to stomach discomfort. Make sure to manage your stress levels.
- Seek early treatment for digestive symptoms: Get early treatment for digestive issues. If you have persistent pain in your stomach, nausea, or difficulty digesting, you should see your doctor as soon as possible; this will allow for early detection of ulcers and help to prevent complications that could arise.
Pre–Post Treatment Care
Pre-Treatment- Consult a gastroenterologist for persistent stomach pain
- Diagnostic testing for H. pylori infection
- Review of medications and lifestyle habits
- Complete the full course of prescribed medications
- Follow an ulcer-friendly diet
- Avoid irritant foods and alcohol
- Regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist
