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Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) or the stomach. When the ulcer is in the stomach it is called a gastric ulcer, while a duodenal ulcer is found in the duodenum. A patient may have more than one ulcer at a time. It is estimated that ten percent of all adults will develop an ulcer at some point in their lives.

While many people believe that stress and spicy foods cause ulcers, these factors only aggravate an ulcer that has already developed. In about two-thirds of all cases, an ulcer is caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. The exact source of these bacteria is unknown, though it is thought to be transmitted person-to-person. Certain medical conditions may also cause an ulcer to develop. Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol can aggravate an ulcer. People with a family history of ulcers are also more vulnerable to developing an ulcer.

Certain medications can significantly increase a person's risk of developing an ulcer. Over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen (a non selective NSAID), have long been known to cause ulcers. In the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies developed a different type of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in hopes these drugs would not pose the same ulcer and gastrointestinal risks. COX-2 selective NSAIDs, like Vioxx, Bextra, and Celebrex, were marketed as effective pain reducers that did not pose the same gastrointestinal risks as traditional NSAIDs. Not only have these drugs been linked to serious cardiovascular risks, studies have also found that these drugs also increase a patient's risk of developing an ulcer or other gastrointestinal problems.

A painful feeling in the stomach area is one of the most common symptoms of an ulcer. This pain, which lasts days or weeks, is often described as a dull aching which is temporarily relieved by eating but resumes again two to three hours after a meal. This pain may also come in the middle of the night because the stomach is empty. Other symptoms of an ulcer can include: change in appetite, pain while eating, nausea, weight loss, and vomiting. Sharp sudden pain, black or bloody stools, or bloody or dark vomit may indicate that an ulcer has gotten much worse and requires urgent medical attention.

When a person experiences the symptoms of an ulcer, their physician may take x-rays, perform an endoscopy, and/or take a biopsy to diagnose or rule out an ulcer. Tests may also be conducted to determine if bacteria caused the ulcer. Luckily, an ulcer can be treated and cured. Use of certain antibiotics and other medications can heal an ulcer. Antacids may also help reduce pain and help the ulcer heal. If NSAIDs were the cause of an ulcer, the doctor may recommend that a patient stop taking these drugs. In some more serious cases, an ulcer may need to be removed via surgery. An ulcer can return if a patient stops taking their antibiotic too soon, continues to smoke, or resumes use of NSAIDs.

 

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