The Mayo Clinic says approximately 10 percent of people in the U.S. will develop a peptic ulcer at some point in their lifetime. There are three types: those in the esophagus, small intestine and stomach. The latter is known as a gastric ulcer.
Although they are frequently associated with high stress or very spicy foods, the Mayo Clinic says the majority of peptic ulcers are due to either a bacterial infection or certain medications. They are highly treatable.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom of any peptic ulcer is pain that has a burning feeling to it. Stomach acid can worsen the discomfort the open sore that is the ulcer.
The pain may be quite brief or go on for hours. It can be worse at night and on an empty stomach. An acid-reducing medication may temporarily treat the symptoms.
Less Common Symptoms
Sometimes ulcers can cause more acute symptoms, including nausea and vomiting (possibly blood), unusually dark or tarry stools and weight loss.
The National Institute of Health says peptic ulcer sufferers may also experience fatigue.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
The Mayo Clinic says the vast majority of ulcers are caused by the curvy-shaped bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which infects 20 percent of people under 30 and 50 percent of those over 60. The bacterium lives and grows within the mucous layer that coats and shields the tissues that line the stomach and small intestine.
While often not problematic, H. pylori can upset the mucous layer and produce inflammation in the lining of your stomach, causing an ulcer.
H. pylori can be transmitted from one person to another and through food and water.
Pain Medication and Ulcers
Taking certain pain relievers on a regular basis can upset the lining of your stomach and small intestine and cause peptic ulcers to develop. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen.
If you take NSAIDs, you will be less likely to upset your digestive tract if you take them with food.
Lifestyle Risks
Other factors that may contribute to the development of peptic ulcers include smoking, drinking alcohol to excess and high stress.
Untreated Ulcers
Untreated, peptic ulcers carry the risk of infection in the abdominal area and can also cause internal bleeding that could necessitate a blood transfusion.
Peptic ulcers also can leave scar tissue that blocks the route of food through the digestive tract. This can cause a premature feeling of fullness and can lead to weight loss.
Treating Ulcers
Your doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria, since it may be resistant to a single medication.
An acid blocker (cimetidine, ranitidine, or famotidine) and/or antacids also may be used to lessen pain, defuse stomach acid and promote healing.
Tags: Clinic says, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic says, peptic ulcer, small intestine