If you struggle with excruciating stomach pain and other alarming digestive issues, you may have developed a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers plague an estimated 4.6 million Americans every year, with causes ranging from medications and lifestyle choices to bacterial infections. Serious, untreated ulcers can produce fatal complications.

Fortunately, you can have a suspected ulcer diagnosed and treated while also taking simple steps to avoid future ulcer attacks. The following key points will help you understand peptic ulcers and their treatment.

Peptic Ulcer Causes

The painful, slow-healing sores known as ulcers can occur in various parts of the body, from the intestines to the feet, mouth, or genitals. Peptic ulcers fall into three categories. Gastric ulcers form in the stomach, esophageal ulcers develop in the esophagus, and duodenal ulcers form in the duodenum of the small intestine.

Peptic ulcers form when the stomach makes insufficient mucus to protect itself against the ravages of digestive acids. The acids then have an opportunity to erode the vulnerable tissues, producing open sores.

The majority of peptic ulcers seem related to infection by a bacterial strain called Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori). H. pylori may also cause some cases of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach's sensitive lining) or stomach cancer. However, many people live with H. pylori without experiencing these problems.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase your peptic ulcer risk, with or without the involvement of H. pylori. Examples include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stomach cancer, radiation therapy treatments, and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

A burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen may herald the development of a peptic ulcer. This pain may feel more intense or last longer if you haven't eaten in several hours. Nausea, chest pain, and vomiting may also occur. You may lose your appetite, which in turn causes you to lose weight.

A bleeding peptic ulcer can affect your bowel movements. If unusually dark or dark-red stools accompany stomach pain, suspect a bleeding ulcer. In some people, the loss of blood can also cause fatigue and other symptoms of anemia. You should seek immediate medical help for any condition that causes internal bleeding.

Peptic Ulcer Diagnosis

X-ray imaging can often reveal the presence and position of a peptic ulcer. In a procedure known as a barium swallow, patients will swallow a small amount of a fluid that contains barium. This fluid makes ulcers more visible on the X-rays.

Endoscopic examination allows gastroenterologists to get a more direct view of peptic ulcers. An elongated, flexible tube equipped with a special miniaturized lens extends down through the esophagus and stomach to the duodenum. The same tube also allows the specialist to take tissue samples for examination.

You may undergo laboratory tests to see whether you have an H. pylori infection. A breath test can usually confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for peptic ulcers revolves around getting rid of the underlying conditions that produced the ulcers in the first place. For instance, you many need antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori from your gastrointestinal system. You may also take drugs that reduce your production of stomach acid until the ulcer heals.

Occasionally, a serious ulcer condition may require surgery. If your ulcer has perforated the tissue, has left scar tissue that prevents normal passage of food, or poses an urgent threat due to bleeding, your gastroenterologist may decide to remove the damaged tissue.

You may need to make certain lifestyle changes to avoid peptic ulcers in the future. A probiotic diet and careful washing of food (and hands) before eating can help keep H. pylori under control. Moderate alcohol intake, smoking cessation, and avoidance of NSAIDs can also help your digestive system free of peptic ulcers.

If you worry that you might have a peptic ulcer, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. Our clinic can evaluate your condition and administer the proper care.